The Investor route is closed
The Tier 1 (Investor) visa, which let people who invested at least £2 million in the UK settle here, closed to new applicants on 17 February 2022. It is no longer possible to apply for it from abroad, and it is not possible to switch into it from another visa. Many searches for an “investor visa” still lead to pages describing it as if it were open. It is not.
If you already hold one
If you hold a Tier 1 (Investor) visa, or held one in the last 12 months and it was your most recent permission, you can still apply for indefinite leave to remain once you qualify, and your family members can still apply to join you. Their own fee is £2,000 each. The length of time before settlement depended on the amount invested:
| Amount invested | Usual qualifying period |
|---|---|
| £2 million | 5 years |
| £5 million | 3 years |
| £10 million | 2 years |
Holders had to keep the investment in qualifying UK assets, and keep records, throughout. A change in the investment, a gap in the evidence or too much time abroad can put settlement at risk. Take advice before you move or realise any investment. See indefinite leave to remain.
What replaced it
There is no longer a visa that grants residence simply for investing. People with capital and experience who want to live and work in the UK have other routes:
- Innovator Founder. For an experienced businessperson with a new, innovative and scalable business, endorsed by an approved body. See the Innovator Founder visa and the list of endorsing bodies.
- Global Talent. For leaders and potential leaders in academia and research, arts and culture, and digital technology. See the Global Talent visa.
- Skilled Worker. If you will be employed by a sponsor. See the Skilled Worker visa.
- Family or ancestry routes, if you qualify. See family visas and the UK Ancestry visa.
See also investing in the UK: the immigration routes that remain.
A note on other “investor” routes
Be wary of advertising for “golden visas” or residence by investment. If a route is not on GOV.UK, it does not exist. The only way to be sure is to check the official source or ask us.
How we help
We advise existing Tier 1 Investor holders on proving their investment and on settlement, and advise new arrivals on which open route suits their circumstances. A consultation costs from £99.
