If you are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, and looking to relocate to the UK, the Investor visa may well be a good option to consider. It should be noted that once free movement has ended for EEA and Swiss citizens on 31 December 2020, this route will be open to them.
You will need to demonstrate that you hold a minimum of £2 million which you intend to invest in UK qualifying investments. There are a number of other requirements which must be satisfied. Gherson can advise and assist you with preparing the entire application from start to finish.
The funds must be invested in permitted investments in accordance with the rules. The rules are complex, so it is important that you seek expert advice from the outset. Essentially the funds should be invested by way of share or loan capital in active and trading UK companies. You are not permitted to invest in property or government bonds.
It is noteworthy that the Tier 1 (Investor) visa does not require you to demonstrate that you meet any English language requirements. You can bring your spouse and children (under the age of 18) with you to the UK. As a Tier 1 (Investor) and as a dependant, you can live, study and work in the UK.
You can apply for the Investor visa three months before your intended travel date and if the application is successful, you will initially be granted a three-year visa, which can be extended by a further two years at a time.
In order to qualify for indefinite leave to remain you must not have absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 month period during the qualifying period. The length of the qualifying period depends on your level of investment. If you invest £2 million, the qualifying period is five years. If you invest £5 million, the qualifying period is three years and if you invest £10 million, it is only two years.
If you thereafter wish to apply to become a British citizen, there are additional requirements that you must meet and a more stringent set of requirements relating to absences from the UK. Please contact Gherson for further details.
Gherson has a wealth of experience in respect of Tier 1 (Investor) visas and has assisted many clients from all over the world. In the event that you are interested in any aspect of the Investor visa, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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