What is a Tier 1 Investor Visa, and do you need one?
The Tier 1 Investor route is now closed to new applicants. However, individuals who already hold leave under this category may still apply to extend their stay or seek Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Extensions under this route will only be accepted until 17 February 2026.
Applications for settlement (ILR) as a Tier 1 Investor will only be accepted until 17 February 2028.
Eligibility requirements depend on when the initial visa was granted and the level and maintenance of qualifying investment in the UK.
Why use a solicitor for this application?
The Tier 1 Investor route is currently closed to new applicants. However, those who possess entry clearance or permission to enter or remain in the UK as a Tier 1 Investor Migrant can potentially apply to extend their stay or for indefinite leave to remain.
It will only be possible to extend permission to stay under the investor visa UK until 17 February 2026.
Similarly, applications for indefinite leave to remain as a Tier 1 Investor will only be accepted until 17 February 2028.
Requirements for Extending a Tier 1 Investor Visa
The criteria that apply to extend your Tier 1 Investor visa will depend on when you were first granted an investor visa.
Initial Visa Issued Before 29 March 2019
Applicants who secured a Tier 1 Investor visa between 6 November 2014 and 28 March 2019 can extend their stay as a Tier 1 Investor, provided they satisfy the following criteria.
The applicant must have invested a minimum of £2 million in the UK through UK Government bonds, share capital, or loan capital in active and trading UK-registered companies. The investment should have been made within three months of entry to the UK or the grant of entry clearance, unless there are compelling reasons for delay.
Alternatively, investments made no earlier than 12 months before the initial application are acceptable. The investment level must be maintained throughout the remaining leave period.
Initial Visa Granted on or After 29 March 2019
Applicants who secured their Tier 1 Investor visa on or after 29 March 2019 must fulfil specific criteria to extend their stay under the investor visa UK program.
A minimum of £2 million must be invested in UK share capital or loan capital within active, trading UK-registered companies. This investment should have been made within three months of entering the UK, or within three months from being granted entry clearance or leave to remain as a Tier 1 investor unless compelling reasons justify any delay. Provision was also made to accept investments made 12 months prior to the application for the initial visa.
The investment must be maintained throughout the remaining term of the leave.
Tier 1 Investor Visa Indefinite Leave to Remain – Initial Visa Granted Before 29 March 2019
For individuals who secured a Tier 1 Investor visa between 6 November 2014 and 28 March 2019, eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) necessitates several criteria.
Applicants must have personal funds amounting to at least £2 million under their control in the UK. These funds should be invested in UK Government bonds, share capital, or loan capital in active and trading UK-registered companies, with the initial investment made within 12 months before the first visa application.
The investment level must be maintained throughout the visa period. Continuous residency in the UK is required for 2, 3, or 5 years, depending on the investment amount (£10 million, £5 million, or £2 million, respectively).
Absences must not exceed 180 days per year.
Applicants below 65 must demonstrate English proficiency and knowledge of life in the UK. Those with investments in UK Government bonds must apply for ILR by 6 April 2025 or shift their investments accordingly.
Tier 1 Investor Visa Indefinite Leave to Remain – Initial Visa Granted on or After 29 March 2019
To qualify for Tier 1 Investor ILR under the investor visa UK scheme, applicants must meet specific criteria. You must have personal funds amounting to a minimum of £2 million under your control in the UK. Investment must be in active UK registered companies through share or loan capital, initiated no earlier than 12 months before the initial Tier 1 Investor visa application.
The investment level must be maintained throughout your leave period.
A consistent residency period in the UK is required:
- 2 years for a £10 million investment,
- 3 years for £5 million, or
- 5 years for £2 million,
with no more than 180 days of absence per year.
Additionally, unless aged 65 or older, applicants must demonstrate adequate knowledge of the English language and pass the Life in the UK test.
Tier 1 Investor Visa Assistance
Our solicitors have been engaged with the Tier 1 Investor visa and its predecessor for 30 years. We’ve experienced complex situations and have litigated in the High Court and Court of Appeal on behalf of our clients.
Get in touch if you would like our help.