Following the UK’s official departure from the European Union earlier this month, EU nationals can now submit applications under the UK Immigration Rules. In particular, EU Nationals can apply for a Tier 1 Investor visa under Paragraph 245E of the Immigration Rules. The Tier 1 Investor visa is a unique visa designed for high net worth individuals who wish to obtain unrestricted immigration status in the UK. EU nationals who successfully obtain a Tier 1 Investor visa will be given leave to enter for a period of 3 years and 4 months with an option to extend for another 2 years. Following this, EU nationals can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement).
What is a Tier 1 Investor visa?
The Tier 1 Investor visa is for high net worth individuals from around the world (inclusive of EU nations) who wish to make a substantial financial investment in excess of £2 million in the UK. The UK is one of the leading business locations in the world; its proximity to Europe makes it a natural choice to locate for investors. This route is attractive due to the fact that applicants do not need to show evidence of maintenance or demonstrate that they meet the English language requirement. Tier 1 Investors will be granted leave to enter for a period of 3 years and 4 months.
What are the requirements for a Tier 1 Investor visa?
In order to apply for a Tier 1 Investor visa, applicants must meet the requirements listed under Paragraph 245E of the Immigration Rules. Applicants must show that they have at least £2 million in their control held in a regulated financial institution and which is disposable in the UK. Applicants must also show that they have opened a bank account with the UK regulated bank for the purposes of investing an amount not less than £2 million. Applicants must also meet the following eligibility criteria:
- you must be 18 or over;
- you must be able to provide evidence that the money belongs to you, your spouse or partner;
- you must have opened a UK bank account;
- your funds must be held in one or more regulated financial institutions; and
- your funds must be free to spend (‘disposable’) in the UK.
To ensure your application is processed without delay, you should ensure you provide all of the necessary documents, which show how you have access to the funds and meet all the eligibility criteria.
Tier 1 Investor visa or an application under the EU Settlement Scheme?
As an alternative to the Tier 1 Investor visa, EU nationals who started living in the UK before 1 January 2021 may be able to apply for pre-settled status or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Therefore, EU nationals eligible for an application under the EU Settlement Scheme should consider this route before considering a Tier 1 Investor visa. The deadline for applying under the EU Settlement Scheme is 30 June 2021. However, there are different deadlines for different scenarios for example:
- You’re applying to join a close family member; or
- The family member of a British citizen (‘Surinder Singh’ applications); or
- You stop being exempt from immigration control.
Which status you get may depend on when you apply.
How much does a Tier 1 Investor visa cost?
The Home Office application fee for a Tier 1 Investor visa is currently fixed at £1623. In addition to the visa application fee, migrants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee of £2184 (£624 per year). The fees must be paid at the time of submission. Tier 1 Dependants will also have to pay a separate fee if they wish to accompany the Tier 1 Main Applicant. Applicants applying from within the UK can pay an additional £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.
How our immigration solicitors can help EU Nationals submit a Tier 1 Investor visa application
Our immigration solicitors in London specialise in visa applications and can submit successful Tier 1 Investor applications. Our immigration team prepares applications to the highest standard. We have an impeccable track history of submitting successful visa applications for a range of clients. The key to submitting a successful visa application is being aware of the relevant Immigration Rules and submitting the correct supporting documents. Our immigration solicitors in London guide Applicants through the requirements and prepare detailed legal submissions in support of the application. In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors also provides multiple substantial reviews of the application bundle to ensure that the correct documentary evidence is submitted. We also prepare and assist with the submission of the application.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to help EU Nationals submit a Tier 1 Investor visa application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with a Tier 1 Investor application. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications, which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, our solicitors and barristers will ensure all specified documents must be provided.
The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successfully submit a Tier 1 Investor visa application as an EU National
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your prospects of submitting a Tier 1 Investor visa application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of a Tier 1 Investor application and ensure that you meet all the requirements under the Immigration Rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. LEXVISA is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice, and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to a successful Tier 1 Investor visa application. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.