This is a highly competitive visa. International companies we have worked for in the past have wanted to send further investment to the UK with the view to future economic growth; directors of some of the leading companies have invested over £750,000 in the UK to become a part of the increasingly strong economy. You are advised to seek the assistance of some of our Financial Advisors to ensure you receive the best possible financial advice. We advise you to book an appointment for detailed and written advice. All of the Home Office requirements for this visa can be found on the Home Office website at www.immigrationandnationalitydirectorate.gov.uk
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
You have access to not less than £1 million of your own money that you will take to the UK, and which must not be held in trust, or
You own personal assets which, taking into account your liabilities, are worth more than £2 million, and
You have not less than £1 million under your control in the UK. (This can include money loaned by a financial institution regulated by the Financial Services Authority.)
Intend to invest not less than £750,000 in active and trading UK-registered companies;
Intend to make the UK your main home, and;
Can support yourself and your dependants, and live without having to work as an employee or getting any help from public funds.
The types of investments you can make are :-
Unit trusts: you can invest in a regulated collective investment scheme such as a unit trust as long as you invest £750,000 in companies that meet the requirements of the investor rules.
Private companies: you must give us evidence of shareholdings or loans you have in the form of legal documents signed by or on behalf of the company (for example, audited accounts).
Property companies: this means companies whose main function is to own or manage land or buildings. It does not include, for example, construction firms, manufacturers and retailers who own their own premises. However, once you have invested at least £750,000, you can invest the remaining £250,000 in property companies.
Offshore companies: you cannot invest in or through offshore companies. You must invest your money in the UK. You can, however, invest your money (as loan capital) in a UK subsidiary that is wholly owned by an offshore company, as long as the company is registered in the UK and is active and trading and would be the direct beneficiary of the loan.
Banks and building societies: you cannot keep all your capital in a bank or building society. Once you have invested at least £750,000 in the UK as necessary, you can keep the rest of your capital in a UK bank or building society.
As a general rule, investments must be made in your name to be acceptable to the Home Office, who decide the suitability of applications.
