How To Get UK Citizenship by Investment?
The UK introduced an immigration route for foreign investors in 1994. In 2008, the government established the Tier 1 Investor and Tier 1 Entrepreneur routes, as part of a new points-based system. More than 10 years later, in 2019, the Entrepreneur visa was stopped, but new routes were introduced, such as the Innovator and the Start-Up visas.
Reach out to our team through our website or call us on 0333 305 9375 for immediate help and assistance with your situation. We’re here to help you in person, via the phone, or online.
Getting British Citizenship by investment
All these immigration routes can lead to the acquisition of Indefinite Leave to Remain and, ultimately, British Citizenship. In this guide, we explain all you need to know about the requirements international investors need to meet before they can seek UK citizenship.
There are two routes which can lead to UK citizenship by investment.
"I'm very happy with the standard of training received on the OISC Level 1 course, i passed my exam. Thank you!"
Liam Calvert
Posted 6 years ago
"My application was approved and a huge weight has been lifted from our shoulders this year "
Akeel Lakar
Posted 6 years ago
"We used this service for the spouse visa extension application to assure that all the information was valid and correct."
Nabil Anwar
Posted 6 years ago
Tier 1 Investor Visa eligibility requirements
Applicants who seek entrance in the UK as foreign investors must intend to invest at least £2,000,000 in the UK. Besides, they must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be over the age of 18
- Be able to prove that the money belongs to either them or their partner
- Have opened an account at a UK regulated bank
What are the differences between Investor and Innovator visas?
Although both visas are under the Tier 1 category, the initial investment required from investors is significantly higher. Besides, there are a few aspects of both routes that applicants should consider carefully before submitting their application:
- Investors can work and study while in the country. Innovators, however, can only work in the company in which they have invested.
- Investors do not need to meet the English language requirement.
- Investors can apply for settlement in the UK after 2 years.
- Investors always have full control over their investment funds and might be able to recover them.
UK Settlement options on a Tier 1 investor visa
Depending on the amount of their investment, Tier 1 Investor Visa holders can apply to settle in the UK after the following periods of continuous residence:
- £10,000,000 to settle in 2 years
- £5,000,000 to settle in 3 years
- £2,000,000 to settle in 5 years
Under the current immigration rules, continuous residence is defined as being out of the UK for no longer than 180 days in any 12 months.
Funds must be held in your bank account for at least two years to prove their availability. In addition, the UK financial institution where your investment account is open is required to periodically conduct diligence checks.
British Citizenship for international innovators
Once your business idea has been endorsed, and you have set up your business in the UK, you can live in the UK as the director of your own company. Nevertheless, to be eligible for this visa, you must have access to £50,000 and present an idea that is viable, innovative and scalable.
Your Innovator Visa will be first granted for 3 years and four months, and it will be subject to an unlimited number of extensions.
If you meet additional requirements, you can apply for settlement after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK.
How Can Total Law Help?
Visit our website or call us on 0333 305 9375 for immediate help and assistance with your situation. We’re here to help you in person, via the phone, or online.
Advice Package
Get clear, expert advice on your visa options, eligibility and application before you commit to applying.
Application Package
Let our immigration lawyers prepare, check and manage your application so you can apply with confidence.
Fast Track Package
Need to apply quickly? Get priority handling by our immigration lawyers from preparation to submission.
Appeal Package
Been refused or received an unfavourable decision? Get expert legal help to challenge it or determine your next step.
The Advice Package
During this Advice Session, an immigration lawyer will assess your circumstances, explain your options and tell you what you need to do to make a strong application.
We review your circumstances, explain the relevant requirements, identify potential problems or refusal risks, and advise you on the evidence and next steps.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will assess your case, prepare your application, check your supporting documents and submit your forms on your behalf.
We check your application for missing information, inconsistencies and potential issues before submission, helping you avoid common mistakes that could affect your case.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package gives your case priority with our immigration lawyers, helping you get your application prepared, checked and submitted as quickly as possible.
Your case receives priority handling, including accelerated document reviews, application preparation, communication with your caseworker and submission support.
The Appeal Package
Our immigration lawyers will review the decision, explain why it was refused and advise on the strongest option available to you, including an appeal, review or fresh application where appropriate.
We will examine the reasons for refusal, identify weaknesses or errors, assess your available options and provide the legal support and representation your case requires.
