An individual wishing to come to the United Kingdom (UK) as a passive portfolio investor may qualify for an Investor Visa. This category caters to those who wish to invest a substantial amount in the UK, and also to make the UK their main home.
You must either have at least £1 million of your own money to invest in the UK or have at least £2 million in net assets giving you the ability to borrow £1 million from a recognised financial institution.
Eligibility
You must have at least £1 million within your control that you are willing to transfer and invest in the UK. £250,000 may be invested as you wish. The remaining £750,000 must be invested in UK government bonds, share/loan capital in trading UK registered companies, or unit trusts.
Investments in property investment companies, offshore companies, bank accounts, and building society accounts are not acceptable.
The money that you are taking to the UK can be jointly owned by you and your spouse or unmarried partner. If you are relying on funds jointly owned by you and your spouse or unmarried partner, then they must apply for entry clearance with you.
Similarly, if you want to follow the borrowing route then the net assets can be owned by you and/or your spouse or unmarried partner.
Another requirement is that you are willing to make the UK your main place of residence, spending at least half of your time here.
Also, you must not take up employment here beyond managing your investment portfolio.
You should transfer your funds to the UK within three months of your arrival.
Finally, you must be able to maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependents joining you adequately without recourse to public funds.
How do I apply for an investor visa?
If you wish to live in the UK based on an Investor Visa, then you must obtain entry clearance before travelling to the UK.
Once we prepare your application, you will need to apply to the British Consulate or British High Commission in the country of your usual residence or the country of your nationality for entry clearance as an investor, where you may be required to undertake an interview.
A successful application will allow you to stay in the UK for an initial period of up to two years. After that you will need to apply to extend your stay.
You will have to satisfy the entry clearance officer that there are no reasons to refuse you entry on the grounds of your character, your criminal records, or your behaviour.
You will also have to satisfy the entry clearance officer that you fulfil the aforementioned criteria for an Investor Visa.
The initial approval will be based on your demonstrated funds, assets, and your investment portfolio plans, but no investment need occur before the visa is issued. Once you are in the UK, you will be able to finalise the research that you have undertaken to identify appropriate investments.
If you are currently in the UK on another type of visa, we can still prepare your application for you, but once it is complete you may be required to return to your home country to apply for entry clearance as an Investor. There are exceptions to this general rule, which may allow you to change your current visa status to an Investor Visa from within the UK.
What evidence is required?
You will need to provide documentary evidence in the form of an investment plan showing the funds at your disposal to transfer to the UK. You will also need to detail the potential investments you have identified.
Can I extend my visa?
At the end of your initial stay in the UK, you may apply for your stay to be extended for a further three years. This application will normally be successful as long as you transferred your funds to the UK within three months of arrival, any reduction in the value of your UK investment portfolio is solely due to fluctuations in share price, and the total level of the UK investment is still in excess of £1 million.
Your application to extend your visa will be closely scrutinised if the value of your UK investment portfolio falls below £1 million during your first two years. In some circumstances you may not get your extension.
Can the person stay in the UK after five years on an investor visa?
On completion of five years in the UK on this visa, you may be entitled to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), more commonly known as settlement or permanent residency, should you wish to continue your stay in the UK.
If you do not meet the criteria for ILR at the end of five years, you may be eligible for an extension of stay on your original visa.
After a further year of ILR, you may be eligible for UK Naturalisation, more commonly known as Citizenship.
Who can accompany the holder of an investor visa?
A spouse or an unmarried partner, and children under the age of 18 may accompany you to the UK as dependents. Dependents are allowed to stay in the UK for the same period as the principal applicant. There are usually no restrictions on dependants working in the UK.
Dependents are eligible to free health care provided by the National Health Service. Children entering the UK as dependants are entitled to a free public school education.
Visa Service
Mulberry Finch will assist you in all aspects of your application. We will assist you with documentary evidence requirements, including drafting and presentation. You are advised not to proceed with an application if you are unsure whether you qualify or not. If you are interested in taking this further please contact us now.
