The UK is a top destination for wealthy individuals looking to invest and gain citizenship. With London as a global financial hub, access to the European market, luxury real estate, top private schools, and excellent travel links, it’s no surprise that many high-net-worth individuals choose the UK as their base. Even after Brexit, the UK remains an attractive place for investment.
If you’re looking to obtain British citizenship through investment, the Tier 1 Investor Visa is the route you need. This visa allows you to enter the UK without many restrictions, and it offers a faster path to settlement depending on how much you invest.
Key Requirements for the Tier 1 Investor Visa
To qualify for a Tier 1 Investor Visa, you need to:
- Invest at least £2,000,000 in the UK (the funds must belong to you or your legal partner).
- Be 18 years or older.
- Open a UK bank account.
- Pay an application fee of £1,561, plus any applicable healthcare surcharges.
- Ensure your investments are in UK equities (excluding property and cash), UK bonds, or UK gilts.
Applications are generally processed in about three weeks, and the visa is valid for three years and four months. It can be extended if you meet the eligibility requirements.
What You Can Do on a Tier 1 Investor Visa
With this visa, you and your family can:
- Bring your partner and children to the UK.
- Access healthcare for your family and public education for your children.
- Work in the UK and travel in and out of the country.
What You Cannot Do on a Tier 1 Investor Visa
On this visa, you cannot:
- Invest in companies primarily engaged in property development or property management.
- Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
- Claim public funds (welfare support).
Path to Settlement and British Citizenship
Many Tier 1 Investor Visa holders aim to gain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship. The timeline for applying for settlement depends on how much you invest:
- £10 million investment: Apply for settlement after 2 years.
- £5 million investment: Apply for settlement after 3 years.
- £2 million investment: Apply for settlement after 5 years.
To apply for ILR, you must meet these requirements:
- Live in the UK for at least 185 days each year.
- Not leave the UK for more than 90 days in the last year before applying for ILR.
- Pass the Life in the UK Test and prove you meet the English language requirement.
Applying for British Citizenship
Once you have ILR, you can apply for British Citizenship after 12 months. To qualify, you must:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Be of good character (no criminal record or immigration violations).
- Plan to continue living in the UK.
- Pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirements.
- Spend no more than 450 days outside the UK in the last 5 years, and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.
Staying compliant with the residency requirements can be challenging, especially for individuals who travel frequently. At Law and Visas, we can help ensure you meet the guidelines so your applications for ILR and British citizenship are not jeopardized.
How Long Does It Take to Get British Citizenship?
After applying for citizenship, it typically takes around 6 months to get a decision. If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to a citizenship ceremony, which you can attend with up to two guests. There is a small fee of £80 for the ceremony.
Case Study: Mrs K’s Success Story
Mrs K, a non-EEA national, wanted to provide a better life for her family in the UK. She invested £2,000,000 in a regulated UK investment account and, with the help of an experienced immigration lawyer, submitted her Tier 1 Investor Visa application.
Three weeks later, Mrs K and her dependents received their visas. Within a month, they moved to the UK, found a home near London, and enrolled her children in a top school. The family is now enjoying the rich cultural and social opportunities that the UK offers.
Need Help with Your Tier 1 Investor Visa Application?
At Law and Visas, we have helped many high-net-worth individuals successfully secure Tier 1 Investor Visas and navigate the process of obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain and British Citizenship. Our services don’t stop at legal advice — we also provide useful introductions to banks, wealth managers, real estate agents, private schools, and other services to make your transition to the UK smooth and stress-free.
Contact Law and Visas today to start your journey toward UK citizenship!
