Important: the Tier 1 (Investor) visa is closed. The route closed to all new applicants at 4pm on 17 February 2022, and it is no longer possible to apply for or switch into an Investor visa. The deadline for existing Investor visa holders to apply to extend their visa has also now passed (17 February 2026). Existing holders who qualify can still apply for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) until 17 February 2028. The information below is provided for existing visa holders and for reference — if you are looking to invest in or move to the UK, please see our UK visa options for entrepreneurs or contact us to discuss current alternatives.
The UK Investor visa was a Tier 1 visa category designed for individuals who are interested in making a substantial investment in the UK. The Investor visa allows foreign investors to live and work in the UK for a period of up to three years and four months, with the option to extend for an additional two years.
To obtain an Investor visa, applicants must have a minimum investment of £2 million in the UK. The investment can be in the form of UK government bonds, share capital or loan capital in active and trading UK registered companies.
In addition to meeting the investment requirements, applicants must also meet other eligibility criteria, such as demonstrating a good character, passing an English language test, and having enough money to support themselves and any dependents while in the UK.
The Investor visa has a number of benefits, including the ability to work and study in the UK without restrictions, as well as the option to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) after five years of continuous residence in the UK. After obtaining settlement, investors can apply for British citizenship after one year.
One of the main benefits of the Investor visa is the relatively short path to settlement and citizenship. Compared to other visa categories, such as the Tier 2 (General) visa, which require a longer period of residence before becoming eligible for settlement and citizenship, the Investor visa offers a faster route for individuals who are interested in living in the UK permanently.
The Tier 1 Investor Visa in the UK has been closed to all nationalities and new applications since February 17, 2022. As an alternative, applicants can apply for the Irish Immigrant Investor Programme, which offers residency in Ireland and a path to Irish citizenship and a passport or book a consultation with the Sterling Law Team to find out other opportunities to move to the UK.
The Sterling Law team can provide expert guidance and support throughout the extension of Investor visa application process. Our experienced immigration lawyers can help you prepare and submit a strong application, ensuring that you meet all the eligibility requirements and that your application is properly supported by the necessary documentation.
We can also provide guidance and support in areas such as tax planning, investment advice, and property acquisition in the UK, helping you to make the most of your Investor visa and to achieve your personal and professional goals in the UK.
To find out more about how the Sterling Law team can help you to move to the UK, and to book a consultation with one of our expert immigration lawyers, please get in touch today.
