United Kingdom Immigration Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get residency by investment in the UK?

Applicants can gain residency by investment via the UK’s Tier 1 Investor Visa program.

How much do I have to invest to get residency in the UK?

An applicant must have at least 2 million British pounds to gain residency by investment under the UK’s Tier 1 Investor Visa program.

How much do I have to invest to get citizenship in the UK?

The UK does not offer a separate program to specifically get citizenship by investment. However, if one applies for the UK’s Tier 1 Investor Visa program and then maintains residency in the country for five years then the applicant subsequently qualifies for citizenship, and that too without making any further investment.

What are the requirements for residency by investment in the UK?

Applicants needs to show proof they have at least 2 million British pounds to make investments in the UK via share capital, or loan capital in active and trading UK registered companies. All such investments would need to be made within three months of arrival in the country. The funds invested must be obtained legally and extensive proof of funds is part of the application process. A clean criminal record from every country where the investors have lived for more than 12 months is also required.

How long does it take to get citizenship by investment in the UK?

It depends on the amount of money the applicant invests when they apply for the UK’s Tier 1 Investor Visa program. If the invested amount is 2 million British pounds, then the applicant becomes eligible for citizenship after five years of residency. But this residency period requirement can be shortened considerably if the applicant pays 3 to 8 million pounds more.

How many countries can I visit with a British passport?

One can travel visa free to 175 countries around the world on a British passport.

Can I add my spouse and children on my application?

An applicant’s family can join under the Tier 1 Investor Visa; however, the family members would have to apply for their own visa. Also, the funds used to make the investment as part of the Tier 1 Investor Visa can be held jointly with or solely by the applicant’s spouse or unmarried partner.

Do I have the right to work in the UK after I obtain residency/citizenship through this program?

If you are on the UK’s Tier 1 Investor Visa program then you can do any work except as a professional sportsperson or sports coach; also, if you do not have a medical degree from the UK, you cannot work as a doctor or a dentist on this visa. Once you become a British citizen, you can work for any employer.

Do I have to live in the UK to qualify for citizenship by investment?

Yes, you must be a resident of the UK for some years before becoming eligible for citizenship.

Will my British citizenship automatically grant me rights to live and work in Europe?

There are now certain post-Brexit limitations on British citizenship/passport-holders when it comes to working and living in the EU. In fact, even the Tier 1 Investor visa and the Indefinite Leave to Remain status no longer gives an applicant the automatic right to travel visa free in EU. British passport-holders can stay up to 90 days in the EU within a 6-months period.

Will my British citizenship expire?

British citizenship once given to an applicant is usually for life. However, there are cases when British citizens involved in serious crimes such as terrorism had their citizenship revoked.