MOVING TO THE UK

Investor/Business Visas

Sole Representatives of Foreign Companies

This category is designed for overseas organisations wishing to establish in the UK for the first time and needing to send one person as their “sole representative”. The proposed representative will need an entry clearance, issued in the home country, before travelling to the UK. He/she will need to be an existing and senior employee of the overseas organisation (but not a majority shareholder) who will be given authority to take operational decisions on behalf of the overseas organisation for the purpose of representing it in the UK and establishing and running either a registered branch or wholly owned subsidiary. This visa has work restrictions whereby people cannot take employment beyond establishing a branch in the United Kingdom for the company.

These visas are normally granted for an initial period of three years. The visa can be extended in the United Kingdom one month prior to the visa expiry date for up to 5 years. After 5 years continuous stay in the United Kingdom on this visa you may apply for a settlement visa or ‘indefinite leave to remain.’

Innovator Visa

Innovator Visa is for experienced businesspeople coming to the UK to set up an innovative, viable and scaleable business in the UK. Applicants must be able to show that they have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea which is supported by an approved endorsing body. One advantage compared to the old Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa scheme is that the investment requirement is now £50,000, whereas previously in most cases it was £200,000.

Start Up Visa

This visa scheme replaced the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa scheme.

The Start-up route is aimed at new entrepreneurs seeking to establish a business in the UK for the first time, whereas the Innovator category creates a route for experienced entrepreneurs to establish an innovative business in the UK, subject to having at least £50,000 available to invest in their new business.

Tier 1 Investor

This visa is for investors who have at least £2 million of their own money to invest in the United Kingdom and who want to make the United Kingdom their main home. Holders of this visa can ultimately obtain permanent residency status. This visa has work restrictions whereby people cannot take employment beyond managing their investments. The funds must be held by a regulated institution, such as a bank or venture capital firm, and must be free to spend – not tied up in securities, shares, or similar arrangements.

The requirements for the active and trading UK business are as follows:

  • Is registered with Companies House in the UK.
  • Is registered with HM Revenue and Customs for corporation tax and PAYE.
  • Has accounts and a UK bank account with both showing regular trading of its own goods or services.
  • Has at least 2 UK based employees who are not its directors.
  • Tier 1 Investor applicants must score 75 points for their visa to be granted. Tier 1 Investor applicants do not need to provide proof of their English language proficiency or their access to maintenance funds.

These visas are normally granted for an initial period of three years. The visa can be extended in the United Kingdom one month prior to the visa expiry date. After 5 years continuous stay in the United Kingdom on this visa you may apply for a settlement visa.

Accelerated Settlement Rules

Under recent changes to the Immigration Rules, people who come to the UK under Tier 1 (Investor) of the points-based system will be able to settle here faster if they invest large sums of money. Those who invest £5 million will be allowed to settle here after 3 years, and those investing £10 million or more will be allowed to settle after 2 years. This compares with the current minimum 5-year requirement.

Sole Representatives of Foreign Companies

This category is designed for overseas organisations wishing to establish in the UK for the first time and needing to send one person as their “sole representative”. The proposed representative will need an entry clearance, issued in the home country, before travelling to the UK. He/she will need to be an existing and senior employee of the overseas organisation (but not a majority shareholder) who will be given authority to take operational decisions on behalf of the overseas organisation for the purpose of representing it in the UK and establishing and running either a registered branch or wholly owned subsidiary. This visa has work restrictions whereby people cannot take employment beyond establishing a branch in the United Kingdom for the company.

These visas are normally granted for an initial period of three years. The visa can be extended in the United Kingdom one month prior to the visa expiry date for up to 5 years. After 5 years continuous stay in the United Kingdom on this visa you may apply for a settlement visa or ‘indefinite leave to remain.’

Innovator Visa

Innovator Visa is for experienced businesspeople coming to the UK to set up an innovative, viable and scaleable business in the UK. Applicants must be able to show that they have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea which is supported by an approved endorsing body. One advantage compared to the old Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa scheme is that the investment requirement is now £50,000, whereas previously in most cases it was £200,000.

Start Up Visa

This visa scheme replaced the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa scheme.

The Start-up route is aimed at new entrepreneurs seeking to establish a business in the UK for the first time, whereas the Innovator category creates a route for experienced entrepreneurs to establish an innovative business in the UK, subject to having at least £50,000 available to invest in their new business.

Tier 1 Investor

This visa is for investors who have at least £2 million of their own money to invest in the United Kingdom and who want to make the United Kingdom their main home. Holders of this visa can ultimately obtain permanent residency status. This visa has work restrictions whereby people cannot take employment beyond managing their investments. The funds must be held by a regulated institution, such as a bank or venture capital firm, and must be free to spend – not tied up in securities, shares, or similar arrangements.

The requirements for the active and trading UK business are as follows:

  • Is registered with Companies House in the UK.
  • Is registered with HM Revenue and Customs for corporation tax and PAYE.
  • Has accounts and a UK bank account with both showing regular trading of its own goods or services.
  • Has at least 2 UK based employees who are not its directors.
  • Tier 1 Investor applicants must score 75 points for their visa to be granted. Tier 1 Investor applicants do not need to provide proof of their English language proficiency or their access to maintenance funds.

These visas are normally granted for an initial period of three years. The visa can be extended in the United Kingdom one month prior to the visa expiry date. After 5 years continuous stay in the United Kingdom on this visa you may apply for a settlement visa.

Accelerated Settlement Rules

Under recent changes to the Immigration Rules, people who come to the UK under Tier 1 (Investor) of the points-based system will be able to settle here faster if they invest large sums of money. Those who invest £5 million will be allowed to settle here after 3 years, and those investing £10 million or more will be allowed to settle after 2 years. This compares with the current minimum 5-year requirement.