Investors
The Investor category is for those people who have at least £1 million of their own money to invest in the UK or who can prove net assets of at least £2 million and an ability to borrow £1 million from a recognised financial institution and wish to settle in the UK and make it their main home.
How do I qualify for this kind of visa/permit?
- You intend to make the UK your main home.
- You can support and accommodate yourself and your dependants without recourse to public funds or working as an employee.
- You will have to satisfy the entry clearance officer in your home country that there are no reasons to refuse you entry on the grounds of criminal records, character or behaviour.
- You will need to prove that you have £1 million of your own money or
£1 million borrowed from a recognised financial institution and are willing to
transfer these funds to the UK. If you are using the bank borrowing route, you
must show net assets of at least £2 million.
- You will have to prove that you are planning to invest at least £750,000 of this money in UK government bonds, or in the shareholdings or loan capital of active and trading UK registered companies. A company whose main business is property investment does not qualify for this investment criteria.
Do I need entry clearance?
You need to apply for entry clearance before you travel to the UK. You will have to satisfy the entry clearance officer in your home country that you fulfil the afore-mentioned criteria. As this can be a very complicated category, it will be advisable to contact Breytenbachs to assist you with your case.
Some Rules and Restrictions on an Investor:
- The capital you are taking to the UK can be owned jointly by you and your spouse who has to apply for entry clearance at the same time as yourself.
- If you follow the borrowing route, the net assets can be owned by you and/or your spouse.
- You are not allowed to take up work as an employee.
- Your dependants, who came to the UK with you on permission by the UK Home Office, can work in the UK.
- You will initially be allowed to stay for 12 months, after which you will have to apply to extend your stay.
Does this visa lead to indefinite leave to remain?
Yes, if the UK has been your main home for five years, you have kept £1 million in the UK throughout that period and have invested £750,000 according to the investor criteria and fulfil the other usual permanent residence criteria, you can qualify for indefinite leave to remain.
