What is the business visa for high-net-worth individuals in the UK?

The UK has always been an attractive country to invest, work and live. Firstly, the capital of the UK, London is one of the most attractive cities to live in the world, particularly this is the world financial centre hub and the city itself has a high standard of living. Secondly, the UK has the best healthcare system in the world, the care process and equity are its strong suits, and it is one of the world’s best free healthcare. Thirdly, the UK has the best education system with some of the top universities in the world. The academic reputation is world well known and the UK universities have a centuries-old history in Britain with Oxford and Cambridge both have been founded over 800 years ago. Lastly, the UK is most attractive for investors and start-ups as this is ranked as first in Europe and sixth in the world to operate a business in 2021. The benefit to investing in the UK as an Investor Visa is not limited to the above, and now let's discover what is Investor Visa is and its requirements.

Investor Visa (Tier 1)

The Investor Visa is the type of visa category that is for high net worth individuals who are willing and able to make a substantial investment in the UK. In order to qualify for a UK Investor Visa, you will need to have access to at least £2million and will be able to invest your fund in active trading companies. The Investor Visa allowed the visa holder permitted work, study and engage in any business activities. Also, the Investor Visa hold to allow them to bring their family and dependent with them. Typically, the Investor Visa leads to a settlement route after study in the UK for 5 years with certain requirements being met. However, there is an accelerated settlement available for the Investor Visa if the investor visa holder invests £5million, it will allow applying for settlement after three years, whereas investing £10million will allow the visa holder to apply for settlement after 2 years.

There are certain restrictions on this Investor Visa:

• The visa holder and their family/dependent member cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach

• Cannot get public funds

The visa holder and their family/dependent member cannot work as a doctor or dentist in training unless :

• you have a primary degree at bachelors level or above in medicine or dentistry from a UK institution that holds a Student sponsor licence or is a UK-recognised or listed body

• you worked as a doctor or dentist in training the last time you were in the UK

• neither of those conditions were part of the terms and conditions on a previous visa

Evidence of Investment fund

The applicant will need to provide evidence showing that you have the required investment fund available. The available fund will be subjected to the following criteria.

• The amount of investment fund do you have and where is the available fund being held

• The UKVI will also request to look at where the available fund comes from if you have had the fund for less than 2 years, for example: whether you own its fund from the business or inherited it from a relative.

• If the applicant proves the fund by using their partner money, the applicant will need to prove a certificate of marriage or civil partnership, or same-sex relationship or proof that you are in a long term relationship at least 2 years together. Also, the partner will need to write a statement that confirms they will allow you to use the fund in the UK. Lastly, you will need to have a letter from a legal adviser stating the declaration is valid.

How our immigration lawyers can help UK Investor visa applicants?

The immigration rule contains strict requirements in terms of documents prepared in support of your Investor Visa application. Particularly, if your available fund is complex with various sources. Our immigration lawyer at Alstern has over 10 years of experience in dealing with Investment visa applications as well as complex application cases.

Our approach is to work closely with you, your wealth manager and leading banks to prepare and submit high-quality investor visa applications for you and your families. Also, we will guide you on every single step you need to do through the complex Home Office Rules and guidance. For more information, please contact us on 020 3923 9188 or email info@alstern.co.uk