A Guide to Investor Visas
Investor Visa
1. What is the Investor Visa?
An Investor Visa permits a person to reside in the UK as a passive portfolio investor.
2. What are the requirements?
The requirements are:
- Must have at least £1 million within your control that you are willing to transfer and invest in the UK. In the alternative, the applicant must have £2 million in net assets allowing the applicant to borrow £1milion from a recognised financial institution.
- At least £750,000 must be invested in:
- UK Government bonds; or
- Share/Loan Capital in Trading UK registered Companies; or
- Unit Trusts
- The remaining £250,000 can be invested as the applicant desires.
3. What types of investments do not qualify for this visa?
The following types of investments do not qualify:
- Property Investment Companies;
- Offshore Companies;
- Bank Accounts; and
- Building Society Accounts
4. Can I own these monies jointly with my spouse or unmarried partner?
The monies can be jointly owned by the applicant's spouse or unmarried partner. However, the co-owner must apply for Entry Clearance.
5. Are there any other requirements?
- The applicant must make the UK their main place of residence. Therefore, the applicant must spend at least half the time in the UK
- The applicant cannot take up any employment other than the management of the investment
- All the funds must be transferred to the UK within the three months of arriving in the UK
- The applicant must be able to maintain and accommodate himself/herself and all other dependents without any recourse to public funds
6. Does the applicant to make an investment prior to the issuance of the visa?
No. However, the initial application's approval will be based on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate funds, assets and investment portfolio plans or strategy.
7. How long can I stay in the UK?
The successful initial application permits the applicant to remain in the UK for up to two years. Prior to the expiration of this permission, an application to extend the stay will have to be made.
The applicant must demonstrate that the requisite funds were transferred to the UK within three months of arriving in the UK, any reduction in the value of the portfolio is due to the fluctuations in the share price (not due to a withdrawal of the investment funds) and the total level of the UK investment is still exceeds £1 million pounds.
At this point, the applicant can be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After one year of ILR, the applicant can apply for British Citizenship.
Please contact our offices at 0121 214 5453 to discuss your matter with a member of the Immigration team.