UK Investor Visa and Application Process

UK Investor Visa: The Ultimate Guide and Application Process

If you’re a foreign investor seeking to make the UK your home, one of the easiest and most straightforward ways to secure residency and eventual citizenship is through the UK’s Investor Visa program. The UK Investor Visa offers investors and their immediate family members an opportunity to live and work in the UK while investing in British businesses and contributing to the economy.

Here’s our ultimate guide to the UK Investor Visa program, including the application process, eligibility criteria, and frequently asked questions.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the UK Investor Visa program, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Have at least £2 million ($2.78 million) available to invest in UK government bonds, share capital or loan capital in active and trading UK registered companies. Be prepared to submit evidence of the available funds.

2. Be able to prove that the funds belong to you, your spouse or civil partner or to the two of you collectively and have been held in at least one bank account for at least two years prior to the date of application.

3. You must have a UK bank account with a regulated financial institution.

4. You must be at least 18 years of age.

5. You must pass an English language test (if required).

Application Process

Step 1: Checking your eligibility: You need to check your eligibility for the Investor Visa scheme. The eligibility criteria are listed above.

Step 2: Applying for the visa: The next step is to apply for the visa online. You will need to provide several documents, including a valid passport with at least one blank page and a valid certificate of sponsorship from your bank.

Step 3: Biometric appointment: Once you have submitted your application, you will need to attend a biometric appointment at a UK visa application center. During this appointment, you will provide your fingerprints and photograph.

Step 4: Decision: After your appointment, your application will be reviewed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). If your application is successful, you will receive a visa vignette in your passport, which will allow you to travel to the UK.

Step 5: Collecting your BRP: Once you arrive in the UK, you must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within ten days. This will usually be sent to a local post office branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does the application process take?

The application process for the UK Investor Visa can take anywhere between two and three months.

2. How long can I stay in the UK with an Investor Visa?

The Investor Visa allows you to stay in the UK for three years and four months. After this period, you can renew your visa for another two years.

3. Can I bring my family with me?

Yes, you can bring your spouse or partner and any dependent children under the age of 18.

4. Can I work in the UK with an Investor Visa?

Yes, you are allowed to work in the UK with an Investor Visa.

5. Can I apply for citizenship with an Investor Visa?

Yes, you are eligible to apply for British citizenship after five years of uninterrupted residency in the UK.

Conclusion

The UK Investor Visa offers foreign investors and their families a great opportunity to live and work in the UK while contributing to its economy. The eligibility criteria are straightforward and the application process is reasonably straightforward. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with the information you need to decide whether the UK Investor Visa scheme is right for you.