Tier 1 Investor Visa is an option for non-EEA Nationals, who want to invest £2,000,000 or more in the UK. Applicants must have access to at least £2,000,000 investment funds, be able to prove that the money belongs to them or their spouse or partner and have opened a UK bank account.
Investors planning to invest £2,000,000 in the UK can apply for Tier 1 Investor Visa.How to apply for Tier 1 Investor Visa
According to the UK Department for International Trade, the new FDI figures show UK’s record number of inward investments project and creation the second highest number of jobs ever in 2015 to 2016. The UK is the top European destination for investment from emerging markets. Our experienced solicitors help investors to submit successful applications and explore their options in the UK.
The process of applying for a Tier 1 Investor visa involves completing the application form and submitting a bundle of supporting documents to the Home Office. Your application will be considered by a caseworker and you will need to satisfy all the requirements set out in the Immigration Rules. The Tier 1 route is addressed to non-EEA investors considering opportunities in the UK. We provide a bespoke service from assessing whether you meet the Home Office requirements to the submission of your application to the Home Office providing you with a complete and stress-free service.
Requirements for Tier 1 Investor Visa
In order to apply for a Tier 1 Investor Visa you need to be from outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland wishing to invest £2,000,000 in the UK.
Applicants must 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
- 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.
Not submitting important documents or failing to highlight them can result in the application being rejected and having to start again and pay further Home Office fees.
Your Rights on a Tier 1 Investor Visa
If you are successful with your application and your Tier 1 Visa is granted, you will be able to invest £2,000,000 or more in UK government bonds, share capital or loan capital in active and trading UK registered companies. You will also be able to work or study in the UK.
You might consider applying to fast track your settlement in the UK after 2 or 3 years of your stay. We have recently written about the accelerated Indefinite Leave to Remain applications for Tier 1 Investors, which you can find here.
During your stay on a Tier 1 visa you will not be able to invest in companies mainly engaged in property investment, property management or property development or work as a professional sportsperson or sport coach. You will also not be eligible to get public funds. There are also some restrictions for doctors and dentists.
You might be eligible to apply for a different kind of visa. Please do not hesitate to contact our solicitors who would explore your options with you.
Supporting documents for Tier 1 Investor Visa Application
You will need to provide evidence showing that you have the required investment funds. If you are using your own money to invest, you should show how much money you have and where it’s being held, the source of your funds and that the money can be transferred if it’s not already in the UK. You will need to provide further documents when using your partner’s money. You will need to make sure that all the documents are in correct format. The Home Office (UKVI) has set out specific documentary evidence you are required to provide for the Tier 1 Investor Visa. It is important to ensure you have the correct documents in support of your application to avoid delays and ensure your application is successful.
Using Legal Representation to Apply for Tier 1 Investor Visa
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct a legal representative to submit a Tier 1 Investor Visa application.
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, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful Tier 1 Investor Applications
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 immigration status and the merit of your applications before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration or visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant 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. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. 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.