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Introduction: Immigration to UK for Investors

This guide is aimed at people wishing to come to the UK as passive portfolio investors.

Do I qualify to come to the UK as an Investor?
Like most countries, the UK welcomes wealthy individuals. If you have the necessary funds, it is relatively simple to get a visa to come to the UK as an investor. The requirements are:

• You must have at least £1 million in your control to invest in the UK, of which at least £750,000 must be invested in: Unit trusts, Private companies

NOT

• Property investment companies.
• Off shore companies.
• Banks or building society accounts

The remaining £250,000 may be invested as you wish. You may not take employment beyond managing your investments.
You must make the UK your main home, you do not need to spend all your time in the UK, but you should spend at least 50% of your time here.

What about My Family?
You may apply for your spouse and children to accompany you as your dependants.

Education
Your children entering the UK as your dependants are entitled to the same free education as British children. You may choose to send your children to a private school if you wish.

Health care
You and your family are eligible to free health care provided by the National Health Service. You are not required to take out private health insurance.

Am I able to make the UK my home on a permanent basis?

Your initial visa will be valid for a period of 12 months. It will be based on your demonstrated assets and your stated plans, but no investment need occur before the visa is issued.

Within 3 months of your arrival in the UK you should have transferred the funds to the UK.

At the end of your first 12 months in the UK, you may apply for your visa to be extended for a further 3 years. This application will normally be successful as long as:

You transferred the funds to the UK within 3 months of arrival, Any reduction in the value of your investment in the UK is due solely to fluctuations in share price, The total level of the investment us still in excess of £1 million.

If, during your first 12 months, the value of you UK portfolio falls below £1 million then your application to extend your visa will be closely scrutinised, and in some circumstances you may not get your extension.

After a total of 5 years in the UK you may apply for indefinite leave to remain (Permanent Residence). A year after being granted indefinite leave to remain you may apply for naturalisation as a British citizen.

Please contact us for more information.