IMMIGRANT INVESTORS

Passive investor

The UK is obviously a very popular destination. The UK attracts Investor Immigrants that are typically extremely wealthy. The entry ticket is quite steep and unlike certain other programs you do not get the permanent residency automatically. On the other hand, the processing times are quite short (up to 14 weeks) .

Initially you will be authorized to remain on UK territory for a period of 2 years. You can extend this period to 5 and then qualify for permanent residency and later for citizenship. But it’s a long process and you have to prove that you were physically present in the UK.

To qualify under the investor category you must provide clear evidence that you:

• have a minimum of £1 million of your own money under your control in the UK ; or
• own personal assets of more than £2 million and have money (which may include loans from a FSA regulated institution) under your control of at least £1million;

And

• intend to invest at least £750,000 of your capital in United Kingdom Government bonds, share capital or loan capital in active and trading United Kingdom registered companies; and
• intend to make the United Kingdom your main home, which means you can have other homes, but you must spend the majority of your time in the United Kingdom; and
• are able to maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants without taking other employment. However, you are allowed to be a non-executive director or consultant, or own your own business.

With your £750,000 you can invest in the following:

• unit trusts - regulated collective investment schemes that meet the requirements of the investor regulations; and
• private companies - you must give us evidence of the shareholding or loans you have in the form of legal documents that are signed by or on behalf of the company, for example, audited accounts.

Dependants such as your married partner or civil partner and children under the age of 18 may be able to accompany/join you on your application. Children who reach the age of 18 after having been admitted as dependants may also be able to extend their visas. Dependants may also be able to work without any restrictions.

Active investor

If you are a national of a country that is not covered by the EC Association Agreement, you will need to show that you will:

• Invest £200,000 in a new UK business.
• Create full time employment for at least 2 EEA nationals
• Work solely in the business
• Have sufficient funds to accommodate and maintain yourself until the business is profitable.
• Have a controlling interest in the business.
• Take a share of the business’s liabilities
• Be implementing a business plan that looks to be thorough and viable

The money to be invested in the UK should be your own and not from any other source (e.g. bank loans). It can be held in the form of cash and share capital and the investment should give you an equal or controlling interest in the business.

for more details visit the official UK government website

If you want to understand which investment immigration program is best suited to your situation, fill out this short contact form. We will get back to you very shortly.