It is not the first time that global HNWIs have opted to invest and accumulate wealth in the UK over the years. UK – It has a good economy, an enormous property market and very good financial services and is an excellent place to settle down. If you’re coming to the UK in 2024 or later, immigration is everything. UK Visa options for you to live, work, and invest in the UK are various.
Popular Immigration Routes for HNWIs
There are a few visa options available for investors abroad to settle and set up shop in the UK. Here are some of the most popular routes:
Self-Sponsorship Route
The Self-Sponsorship Route is gaining traction among the super-rich looking to invest and live in the UK without being employed or sponsored by a UK Company. It’s a visa that lets you open your own company in the UK, get a sponsor license, and can also sponsor yourself to live and work in the UK. If you have been living in the UK for some time, you can even apply for permanent residency.
Investor Visa
Investor Visa (Tier 1) for people who have an investment of at least £2 million in UK assets. This path is no longer available for new visas, but those already in possession of this visa can eventually apply for permanent residency if they meet certain conditions.
Innovator Founder Visa
This visa is for entrepreneurs who want to start a new business in the UK. Applicants must have an innovative business idea that is endorsed by an approved organization. If successful, applicants can apply for permanent residency after 3 years, which is faster than most other visas. You can also bring your partner and children as dependents.
UK Expansion Worker Visa
If you already run a business outside the UK and want to expand it into the UK, the UK Expansion Worker Visa allows you to either move to the UK or send a staff member to set up a UK branch of your business. After establishing a presence in the UK, you can switch to a different visa that will allow you to apply for permanent residency.
These visa routes open the door to valuable UK investment opportunities, enabling you to establish a business, invest in UK assets, and take advantage of the UK’s strong financial market and tax benefits.
How These Visas Help HNWIs Invest and Secure Residency
The Self-Sponsorship Route and Innovator Founder Visa are both great options for HNWIs who want to invest in the UK. You can diversify your portfolio by investing in UK assets such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and private equity. These routes offer a clear path to permanent residency after a few years of living in the UK, providing access to healthcare, education, and a higher standard of living.
HNWIs who hold the Expansion Worker Visa can also switch to another visa after setting up their business in the UK, eventually securing permanent residency.
UK Investment Opportunities for HNWIs
The UK is a hub for a wide range of investment opportunities, including:
Private Equity and Venture Capital
Private equity and venture capital are important investment channels in the UK. The UK’s private equity market is known for supporting large-scale investments in businesses across different sectors. In particular, the tech industry, including AI and biotechnology, is booming. In the first half of 2024 alone, AI startups raised £1.6 billion in the UK, and this trend is expected to continue. By investing in UK startups, HNWIs can access these growth opportunities, backed by strong infrastructure, universities, and government support.
Real Estate Investment
Real estate remains a popular investment choice for HNWIs. The UK property market, especially in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, offers a variety of investment options, from luxury homes to commercial properties. London, in particular, is a hotspot for high-end residential properties in areas like Kensington, Chelsea, and Mayfair. There’s also growing interest in warehouses, office spaces, and mixed-use developments across the UK.
Luxury Assets: Art, Cars, and More
The UK is one of the world’s leading markets for luxury assets, including art, classic cars, yachts, and high-end collectibles. Art investment, in particular, is becoming more popular among HNWIs, with some pieces selling for millions at auctions. For example, Bill Gates’ art collection is valued at over $127 million. Investing in other luxury assets like yachts and rare cars can also provide substantial returns while offering a luxurious lifestyle. Many UK-based firms specialize in managing luxury assets, providing services like valuation, storage, and insurance.
Wealth Management Services for HNWIs
As the financial portfolios of HNWIs grow, many turn to family offices for expert advice and support. Family offices in the UK offer tailored services to help manage everything from investment strategies and tax planning to wealth preservation and philanthropy. These services ensure that the wealth and assets of HNWIs are well-managed for future generations.
The UK offers a wide range of investment opportunities for high-net-worth individuals, from private equity and venture capital to real estate and luxury assets. Immigration routes such as the Self-Sponsorship Route and Innovator Founder Visa make it easier to move to the UK, allowing HNWIs to take advantage of these opportunities while securing permanent residency. For those looking to grow their wealth and invest in one of the world’s most dynamic economies, the UK is an excellent choice.
For expert advice on immigration routes and investment opportunities, Law and Visas can guide you through the process and help you achieve your goals in the UK.
