UK Immigration: UK is the Top European Country for International Investors

In 2014, the UK was one of the most popular destinations for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), coming only second to the United States of America for inward investment. According to the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) inward investment report 2014, the United States of America is the largest source of FDI projects for the UK, producing 501 projects in 2014. 

UKTI Report: Number of Countries Investing in the UK

According to the UKTI report, the UK has remained the top European country for FDI investments. As stated above the US is the largest source of investments into the country, however, there are a number of other countries that are showing an interest in the UK. For instance Canada’s investment increased by 41% in 2014 creating 89 projects. The two largest European countries contributing to the UK are France and Germany.

Advanced manufacturing industry groups such as automotive, aerospace and advanced engineering have produced the highest number of investment projects and jobs in the UK. Individual sectors such as software and computer services contributed to the largest number of investment projects in a single sector creating 229 projects. Financial services have also performed well in 2014, creating 159 projects and business and consumer services (128 projects). The increase in the number of investments in the UK in 2014 in these sectors have created an estimated 52,922 jobs.

It has been predicted that the increase in the FDI’s in the UK could reach an estimated £1.5tn by the year 2020, with China announcing they are going to invest £125bn into the UK by 2025. Furthermore, as a number of countries are looking to invest in the UK there are a number of individuals being granted Tier 1 Investor visas granted in the UK in 2014, increasing to 484. The Financial Times reported Chinese High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) accounted for 43% of UK Investor visas issued during the year ending September 2014.

Tier 1 Investor Visa Route

The Tier 1 Investor Visa category of the Points Based System is for open to individuals who wish to make a substantial financial investment in the UK. It is no surprise that international investors are attracted to the UK as it has on numerous occasions been dubbed a global financial and technology hub. Additionally, if you invest a certain amount in the required number of years you will be eligible for settlement in the UK.

  1. Investment of £2 Million. As an investor you will qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years, provided that you have invested £2,000,000 in the UK.
  2. Investment of £5 million. If you invest £5,000,000 you will be able to apply for ILR after the investment has been in place for three years.
  3. Investment of £10 million. If you invest £10,000,000 you will be able to apply for ILR after the investment has been in place for at least two years.

Our city of London Solicitors will be able to guide you through the process of applying for a Tier 1 Investor visa.

Making a UK Tier 1 Investor Visa Application

The changes have now been implemented and will only apply to Tier 1 Investor applications made after the 6 November 2014. Applicants who currently hold this a Tier 1 Investor visa, need not worry as they will only need to invest £1m but will remain subject to the current rules including the “topping up rule” and the 75:25 split.

Our team of experienced and professionally qualified immigration solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process of making a Tier 1 Investor visa application (and applications for your dependents) step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of law.

Contact us so that we can review your case and provide you with an assessment.

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