Tier 1 (Investor) Visa

This immigration route has closed to new applicants. However, existing applicants may be able to extend their Tier 1 (Investor) visa.

What is a Tier 1 (Investor) Visa?

Tier 1 (Investor) visa category enables high net worth individuals making substantial financial investment in the United Kingdom.

What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements to extend a Tier 1 (Investor) Visa?

Some of the key requirements to extend a Tier 1 (Investor) visa (this list is not exhaustive), include the following:

• Must have invested £2 million or more in the UK;
• The investment must have been made:
• within three months of their entry to the UK; or
• within three months of the date they were granted entry clearance; or
• no earlier than 12 months before the date of the initial application that led to their first grant of leave as a Tier 1 (Investor) visa holder;
• Applicants must maintain the £2 million level of investment, except if a drop in the market value of their investment is the reason for their investment dropping below that level;
• Must register with the police, if required to; and
• May need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) certificate depending on which country the applicant resides in.

How Long is a Tier 1 (Investor) Visa Extended for?

Before the expiry of a Tier 1 (Investor) visa, applicants must apply to extend their visa. If approved, applicants will be granted an extension of 2 years.

To note, applications for further leave to remain as a Tier 1 (Investor) can be made until 17 February 2026.

Does a Tier 1 (Investor) Visa Lead to Settlement?

Once an applicant has held a Tier 1 (Investor) visa for either 2 years, 3 years or 5 years in the UK they may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. An applicant can apply after 2 years if they have invested £10 million, after 3 years if they have invested £5 million, or after 5 years if they have invested £2 million.

Indefinite Leave to Remain gives settled status in the UK, also known as ‘settlement’. It gives the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as an applicant wishes to do so and apply for benefits if eligible.

To note, applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain as a Tier 1 (Investor) can be made until 17 February 2028.

Will an Applicant be Eligible for British Citizenship?

Once an applicant has held indefinite leave to remain in the UK for 12 months, they may be eligible for British Citizenship.

Can Dependants Join or Accompany Tier 1 (Investors)?

The partner and children of an applicant can accompany or join them so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. If this is met, they will be issued a visa which will have the same end date as the Tier 1 (Investor) visa holder.

How Long Does it Take For a Decision to be Made?

The Home Office will usually process a Tier 1 (Investor) extension application within 8 weeks.

Applicants who want to get a decision more quickly than the standard 8 weeks, can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.

How Much Does it Cost?

The Home Office fee for a Tier 1 (Investor) extension visa is £1,638.

Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is usually £624 per year.

How We Can Help You

Our highly experienced team will provide expert advice and guidance to you throughout your immigration journey.

If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.