Are there any types of visas in the U.K. that allow foreign investors to invest in an existing business in the U.K. and obtain resident permits? My friend who is a British citizen has an IT firm that needs capital. I would like to make a significant investment in his business and apply for a long-term visa so I can get involved in the operation of this firm. Please advise.
Under Tier 1 Investor route, you can invest into a UK business. You would normally negotiate equity for your investment and agree on terms of the investment. When it comes to the settlement application, you must demonstrate that you have invested your funds in UK government bonds, share capital or loan capital in active UK companies within three months of your "investor start date." Other rules are likely to apply, and it will depend on the investment type you make.
To apply for an investor visa, you must invest at least 2 million pounds in the U.K. by way of U.K. share capital or loan capital in active and trading U.K. registered companies. Therefore, based upon the information you have provided, you might qualify for the Investor Visa. You also have the option to apply for a Tier 1 Investor visa. A Tier 1 Investor who invests at least 2 million pounds can come to the U.K. for a maximum of three years and four months. Thereafter, they will be required to apply for an extension and once they have completed a 5-year residency in this category, they are eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. After holding Indefinite Leave to Remain for one year, an applicant can apply to be naturalized as a British national.
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