INVEST IN THE UK

INVEST IN THE UK

The UK remains a leading global destination for investors due to its transparent legal framework and well-established financial markets. For individuals seeking an immigration pathway through business activity or investment, it is crucial to understand the available routes and the requirements set out by UK law.

THE CLOSURE OF THE TIER 1 (INVESTOR) ROUTE

• No New Applications: The Tier 1 (Investor) visa closed to new applicants on 17 February 2022. Individuals who are not already in the UK under this category are unable to apply under this route.
• Extensions & Settlement: Existing Tier 1 (Investor) visa holders may (subject to applicable deadlines) still be eligible to apply for an extension of their leave, or indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK, if they continue to meet relevant criteria. However, these legacy route applications are subject to enhanced scrutiny, and it is therefore crucial to prepare your application carefully and thoroughly.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

Although there is presently no direct successor to the Tier 1 (Investor) visa route, there are several UK immigration pathways that may be of interest to individuals from a variety of professional backgrounds who are looking to relocate to the UK by means of investment in UK businesses or establishing a commercial UK presence:

1. Innovator Founder Route – designed for entrepreneurs looking to establish, run and invest in a scalable UK-based project that will bring something new to the UK market and/or improve on the existing market offering.
2. Global Talent Route – designed for leaders in academia and research, arts and culture or digital technology committed to contributing to the development of their field in the UK and beyond.
3. Global Business Mobility (GMB) Routes – encompassing a range of categories, including the UK Expansion Worker route, which can be used by overseas business owners to expand a market presence into the UK.
4. Sponsor Licence and Skilled Worker Routes – enables overseas professionals to go into business with a local UK partner and to be sponsored in an on-the-ground leadership and management role.

RECENT SUCCESSES

Our team’s recent successes have included:

• Obtaining ILR on behalf of a Tier 1 (Investor) client with irregularities in their investment portfolio and excessive absences from the UK.
• Securing a Global Talent visa on behalf of a former public health minister of an overseas government.
• A successful Innovator Founder application for a US tech mogul.
• Securing investor status for an investor whose application had been outstanding for 12 months prior to our instruction. We lodged an application for judicial review, challenging the delay and the Home Office granted the application.

HOW GHERSON CAN HELP

Gherson’s dedicated team of solicitors and immigration specialists has extensive experience advising high net worth investors and businesses on entry to the UK market and related immigration matters.

For more information on investment immigration pathways or to discuss your personal circumstances, please contact us today. Our experienced solicitors are on hand to provide tailored advice.