International Immigrant Investor Programs

Various countries offer programs similar to the United States EB-5 investment visa program, which grants residency to foreign investors, with the aim of increasing their foreign direct investment levels by offering incentives. However, the requirements and residency status offered differ from country to country. Some countries offer full permanent residency as part of their investment visa programs, while others provide only conditional residency.

Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship By Investment

Antigua & Barbuda is an independent Commonwealth state located in the Eastern Caribbean that allows investors to obtain citizenship by investment. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, meet the program’s application requirements, and choose one of three investment options:

Invest a minimum of US$100,000 into the country’s National Development Fund (NDF).

Invest at least US$400,000 into an approved real estate project and hold it for at least five years.
Invest at least US$1.5 million into an eligible business as a sole investor. For joint investments, the total investment must be at least $5 million, with each investor contributing a minimum of $400,000.

Dependent parents or grandparents, the applicant’s spouse, minor children, dependent children aged 18 to 26 who are attending college, and physically/mentally challenged dependent children over the age of 18 are all eligible for inclusion.

A passport from Antigua & Barbuda is valid for five years, and the holder is entitled to visa-free travel to 150 countries. Following the grant of citizenship, the investor must spend at least five days in the country to be eligible for passport renewal.

Austria Red-White-Red Card

Austria offers a Red-White-Red Card to qualified workers from non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries. The card, which is valid for 12 months, provides employment with a specified employer and fixed-term settlement in Austria. Examples of qualified applicants include highly qualified workers, skilled workers in shortage occupations, and graduates of universities and universities of applied sciences in Austria. Applicants must also meet Austria’s general residence requirements, which include having a monthly income of €882.78 for singles, €1,323.58 for couples, and €136.21 for each child, as well as health insurance coverage that provides benefits in Austria and evidence of adequate accommodations.

Spouses/same-sex partners and minor children, including adopted children and stepchildren, may be included in the applications. Holders of Austria’s Red-White-Red Card may eventually apply for the Red-White-Red Card plus, which grants one-year of settlement in Austria, along with self-employment and gainful employment not limited to a specific employer.

In addition to the Red-White-Red Card, Austria offers citizenship and a passport to investors without requiring residence in the country. To qualify for this program, an investment in the Austrian economy is required, such as in a business that creates jobs. An Austrian residence permit allows travel to all Schengen states without a visa. After a minimum of six to 10 years of residence, an investor can apply for citizenship depending on whether their investments provide development and implementation of innovative technologies or creation of jobs. The application processing time for this program is typically between 24-36 months, and the investment should be in the range of 8-10 million euros.

Therefore, Austria provides multiple options for individuals looking to relocate to the country, whether it be through employment opportunities or investments.

Australian Investor Visa

Australia provides a way for foreign investors to immigrate to the country via their investment visa category. In contrast to the U.S. EB-5 program that results in permanent residency, the Australian investor visa only grants temporary residency for four years. However, after four years, the visa holder may apply for other visa types that could lead to permanent residency.

The Business Innovation and Investment 188 Program is composed of the following five visa streams:

The Business Innovation stream (or 188A visa) is available for investors who are interested in starting and managing a new business or developing an existing business in Australia. A minimum investment of $200,000 is required, but some states may require a larger investment amount. Additionally, an additional $600,000 must be transferred to Australia.

The Investor stream (or 188B) necessitates an investment of at least 1.5 million Australian dollars in an Australian state or territory, usually into the state government bonds.

The Significant Investor Stream (or 188C) necessitates an investment of 5 million Australian dollars into complying Australian investments for a period of four years.

The Premium Investor Stream (or 188D) necessitates an investment of 15 million Australian dollars into premium investments in Australia for a period of twelve months.

The Entrepreneur stream (188E) is intended for people who have funding of at least $200,000 and a minimum 30% ownership interest in the entrepreneurial entity.

In addition, the 132 Business Talent – Significant Business History visa stream requires an investment of at least 1.5 million dollars, although some states may require a higher investment.

Belgium Residency by Investment

Belgium is a nation with an advanced infrastructure of airports, seaports, roads, and railways, along with several tax incentives, that make it a preferred destination for investors seeking residency.

To qualify for a Belgium residence permit, applicants must satisfy certain conditions which include:

Demonstrating personal, business, or professional connections to Belgium. Setting up a company, investing in an existing Belgian company, or working for a Belgian company can be good ways to establish business ties.
Being highly skilled or key personnel, an entrepreneur, or self-employed individual.
The company’s share capital must be a minimum of € 18,600, although the applicant does not necessarily need to be a shareholder of the company.
A highly skilled employee must have a yearly salary of at least € 37,712, while an employee with a managerial position must have a yearly salary of at least € 62,934. Self-employed individuals do not have a minimum salary requirement.
The residency permit typically gets granted within two to three months after the work permit has been issued. The permit must be renewed annually for at least the first three years, following which a permanent residence permit could be issued.

Once the residence permit has been granted, the applicant’s spouse and children can join them in Belgium as residents through a family reunion procedure.

Belgium’s unique blend of modern infrastructure and business-friendly policies make it a highly attractive option for investors seeking to establish themselves and their families in Europe.

Bulgarian Immigrant Investor Program

The Bulgarian Immigrant Investor Program is an opportunity for investors to apply for residency in Bulgaria. There are two options for investors to choose from, a full investment or a financed investment.

For investors interested in the full investment, there are certain criteria that must be met. Firstly, they must have a net worth greater than BGN 1,000,000 (€ 511,292). Secondly, they must invest BGN 1,000,000 into a fully guaranteed governmental bond portfolio for five years. After the five-year term has ended, the investors will receive the full amount back, without accrued interest.

Investors who prefer the financed investment must also meet certain requirements. They must have a net worth greater than BGN 2,000,000 (€ 1,022,000). Moreover, they must deposit € 180,000, which will be used to cover the costs of obtaining a loan from a chartered Bulgarian bank for the remaining funds, adding up to € 511,292. The deposit will not be returned to the investors.

In both cases, the loan period will last for five years. Additionally, the applicants must have a clear criminal record in both their country of residence and country of birth.

Canadian Immigrant Investor Program

Canada has various provincial residency-by-investment programs, and some of them are discussed below:

Prince Edward Island (PEI) offers one pathway for entrepreneurs through its Provincial Nominee Program called the Work Permit Stream. To be eligible, applicants must have a minimum personal net worth of CA$600,000 and make a minimum investment of CA$150,000.

The New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream requires foreign entrepreneurs to demonstrate a minimum net worth of CA$600,000, have at least three out of five years of management or ownership experience, and make a minimum CA$250,000 investment in an approved business.

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Entrepreneur Stream requires applicants to have a minimum net worth of CA$600,000 obtained from legal sources, with a minimum investment of CA$200,000 or CA$400,000 if proposing a Key Staff Member.

Saskatchewan’s Entrepreneur Program requires applicants to have at least CA$500,000 legally obtained in net business and personal assets, and intend to invest at least CA$300,000 in Regina and Saskatoon, or at least CA$200,000 in another Saskatchewan community.

Manitoba’s Business Investor Stream (BIS) is for applicants with a minimum net worth of CA$350,000 legally obtained, who make a minimum investment of $250,000 for businesses situated in the Manitoba Capital Region, or $150,000 if a business is situated outside the region.

Additionally, Nova Scotia and Ontario also have similar programs to attract immigrants.

These provincial residency-by-investment programs require applicants to fulfill certain eligibility criteria such as minimum net worth, investment amounts, and other requirements. The programs aim to attract foreign investors to invest in businesses in Canada and contribute to the growth of the local economy. By meeting these requirements and investing in the specified regions or businesses, foreign investors can potentially obtain permanent residency in Canada.

Cyprus Citizenship By Investment

The Cyprus Citizenship By Investment (CBI) program has been suspended since November 2020. However, the permanent residency-by-investment program is still available to interested investors. To acquire permanent residency in Cyprus, investors and their families can take advantage of the following options:

Investing a minimum of €300,000 (plus VAT) in a newly constructed house or apartment. This investment will not only secure permanent residency but also a valuable real estate asset in a strategic location.

Depositing at least €30,000 in a Cypriot bank account for three years. This deposit will not be subject to any interest and must remain in the account for the specified period.

Proving a minimum yearly income of €30,000 from abroad. This amount increases by €5,000 for each dependent, including the spouse and children. The income can come from any legitimate source, such as business profits, rent, or investments.

By fulfilling the above requirements, investors and their families can obtain permanent residency in Cyprus. This program offers the opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of living in a highly sought-after Mediterranean location while also securing a valuable real estate asset.

Dominica Citizenship by Investment

The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program provides two options for investors who are interested in economic citizenship in Dominica. They can either apply as a single applicant or as a family applicant. The single applicant option requires the investor to make a non-refundable cash investment of US $100,000. On the other hand, the family applicant option has varying costs depending on the number of children involved. For example, if the family has one child, the investor must pay US $175,000, for two children it is US $200,000, and for three children or more it is US $350,000.

To qualify for the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program, the investor must fulfill certain requirements. They should be at least 21 years of age and of outstanding character. Moreover, they must have a clean source of funds and no criminal record. Additionally, they should have a basic knowledge of the English language, a letter of intent addressed to the Minister for Citizenship, and a government-approved promoter or agent.

The processing of applications for economic citizenship in Dominica can take up to 14 months, although it can be as quick as 6 months in some cases. All applicants must undergo a personal review, and the program is designed to ensure that investors meet the necessary requirements and that their applications are evaluated in a thorough and objective manner.

French Tech Visa

The French Tech Visa is an option available to investors seeking a residence permit in France. The program is aimed at individuals who are willing to make substantial investments in fixed tangible or intangible assets. To be eligible for a residence permit under the French Tech Visa program, investors must make a minimum investment of 300,000 euros either directly or through a company in which they have at least 30 percent shareholding. Additionally, investors must own at least 10 percent of the company being invested in, and work towards creating or protecting jobs in France during the four years following the investment.

The French Tech Visa program aims to attract foreign investors to France and provide them with an opportunity to contribute to the country’s economic development while benefiting from the country’s world-class research facilities and a vibrant startup ecosystem. In order to apply for the program, investors must meet several eligibility criteria, including a clear criminal record, the ability to provide evidence of their investment, and the ability to demonstrate their proficiency in the French language. The processing of applications can take several months, and all applicants must undergo a personal review. Overall, the French Tech Visa program provides an excellent opportunity for investors looking to gain a foothold in France’s vibrant tech ecosystem while also benefiting from the country’s high quality of life and cultural richness.

Germany’s Investor Visa Program

Germany offers foreign investors the opportunity to apply for a national resident permit that is valid for up to three years. Although there is no specific visa program designed for investors, German residence law permits investors to apply for the permit provided that they either establish their own company or invest a significant amount in a German company. The company formation process can take up to four weeks, and the visa application process may take around three months. There is no set minimum investment required, but a company must have a registered capital of at least 25,000 euros to be eligible.

Holders of this visa can apply for a three-year resident permit, which can be renewed as a permanent resident permit once they demonstrate that their business is successful. In addition, family members, including spouses and minor children, can apply for family reunion resident permits. These permits offer benefits not available with other visa types. For example, after living in Germany habitually and legally for at least eight years, successful residency applicants can obtain citizenship and an EU passport, which is highly regarded.

Hong Kong Investment as Entrepreneurs

The Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong offers the Entry for Investment Visa program to entrepreneurs who wish to relocate to the region and establish or join a business. This program grants the applicant a work permit and is issued to business owners as employees of their own Hong Kong company. Unlike some other investment visa programs, there is no minimum investment requirement for this program.

To be eligible for this visa, entrepreneurs must have a first degree in a related field and demonstrate their ability to make a substantial contribution to the Hong Kong economy. Additionally, applicants must submit a two-year business plan, business turnover, investment sum, financial resources, and information on the number of jobs created locally. If applicable, they should also provide information on any new technology or skills they will introduce.

In addition to meeting the program’s requirements, applicants must also meet Hong Kong’s general immigration requirements, such as having a clean criminal record and valid travel documents. Entrepreneurs are permitted to bring their spouse and unmarried children under 18 years old.

The Investment as Entrepreneurs Visa is typically valid for two years and can be renewed as long as the business remains viable. After continuously residing in Hong Kong for seven years, the investor may apply for Hong Kong permanent residence.

Japan Investor Visa

The Japan Investor Visa is a program that offers a great opportunity for foreign investors who wish to live and invest in Japan. In order to be eligible for this visa, there are certain qualifications that the applicant must meet. Here are the requirements:

Investment:

Applicants must invest at least 5 million yen in Japan, or already have a place of business in Japan that employs more than two full-time Japanese or legal residents. The investment amount does not necessarily have to establish a company. Without a company, the investment must be spent on purchasing products, real estate, or employee salaries, among others.

Business Management Experience:

Applicants must have more than three years of experience in business management. This is to ensure that the investor is able to contribute to the development of the Japanese economy.

Visa Duration:

The Japan Investor Visa is issued for a period of either one or three years. Applicants who meet the requirements are eligible for renewal of their visa as long as their investment in Japan continues to meet the criteria.

In summary, the Japan Investor Visa program is an excellent way for foreign investors to live and invest in Japan. By meeting the above qualifications, applicants can obtain a visa that allows them to invest in Japan, contribute to the economy, and potentially renew their visa for an extended period.

Jersey High Value Residency

Jersey, a Crown dependency of the United Kingdom located off the coast of France, offers a High Value Residency option for high-net-worth individuals who meet certain requirements. To qualify, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

Generating tax revenues in compliance with Article 135A of Jersey’s Income Tax Law.

Demonstrating that their residency in Jersey will benefit the island in some way.

Providing evidence of sustainable annual worldwide earnings in excess of £625,000.

Once an individual has become a High Value Resident and lived in Jersey for 10 years, they may apply for “Entitled” status. This status is granted by Jersey’s Chief Minister if he is convinced that granting the status will bring social or economic benefits to the island. Entitled status permits High Value Residents to purchase, sell, or lease any property in Jersey as their primary residence and allows them to work without the need for permission to be employed.

Malaysia My Second Home Program

The Malaysia My Second Home Program is designed for foreigners who satisfy certain financial and medical requirements, enabling them to live in the country for up to 10 years on a visa. The visa is renewable and allows successful applicants to openly travel in and out of Malaysia on a multiple-entry social visit pass.

Citizens of any country recognized by Malaysia can apply for this program and can also include their spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21. The rules and eligibility criteria differ for the main applicants based on their age.

For applicants under the age of 50, opening a fixed deposit account in Malaysia with a minimum balance of RM300,000 and maintaining a minimum balance of RM150,000 from the second year onwards throughout their stay in Malaysia is mandatory.

For applicants aged 50 and above, they have two options. The first option is to open a fixed deposit account of RM150,000, and the second option is to provide evidence of a monthly offshore government pension of RM10,000. From the second year onwards, participants must maintain a minimum balance of RM100,000 throughout their stay in Malaysia.

Applicants and their families must also provide a medical report from a Malaysia-based hospital or clinic and have valid insurance coverage.

Successful applicants are granted a visa for a duration of 10 years, and they can also renew the visa. This program also allows participants to buy property in Malaysia and invest in businesses, subject to certain conditions. They can also bring in a maid, subject to regulations, and there are no restrictions on the number of times they enter and leave Malaysia.

Investment:

Business Management Experience:

Applicants must have more than three years of experience in business management. This is to ensure that the investor is able to contribute to the development of the Japanese economy.

Visa Duration:

Malta programs for investors

Malta offers two programs for investors seeking residency or citizenship in the country: the Malta Individual Investor Program and the Malta Permanent Residency Programme.

The Malta Individual Investor Program is a citizenship program introduced at the end of 2020. It requires a direct investment, which includes a financial contribution of 600,000 euros following a 3-year residency period or 750,000 euros following a 12-month residency period. Additionally, investors must purchase a property for 700,000 euros or rent a property for 16,000 euros per year for five years. They must also make a donation to a Maltese charity with a minimum value of 10,000 euros.

On the other hand, the Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP) was launched in January 2021 as a replacement for the existing Malta Residency and Visa Programme (MRVP). The MPRP offers third-country nationals the opportunity for a second residency in Malta, and investors are required to invest in real estate by either purchasing or renting residential property for a minimum of five years. The minimum value for purchasing is 300,000 euros, and the minimum value for renting is 10,000 euros.

By meeting the investment requirements for either program, investors can enjoy the benefits of living in Malta, including access to the European Union and its markets.

Netherlands Investment Program

The Netherlands provides foreign investors with an opportunity to reside in the country by obtaining a residency permit through investment. The program requires a minimum investment of 1.25 million euros in a Dutch business, which should contribute towards boosting the economy and creating job opportunities. Unlike other countries, the Netherlands does not offer a citizenship-by-investment program. However, after holding a permanent residency permit for a continuous period of five years, the applicants can apply for Dutch citizenship.

New Zealand

New Zealand offers an investor program that provides the opportunity for applicants to obtain a residency permit in the country by investing a certain amount of money for a specific period. There are two options for applicants, which are:

Investing NZ$3 million over four years, and the applicant must be under the age of 65, have a minimum of 3 years of business experience, and demonstrate English language ability for the applicant and their family.

Investing NZ$10 million over three years, and meeting the standard health and character requirements, having the funds invested in acceptable investments for a period of 3 or 4 years, and showing proof of the source of the funds, how they were transferred to New Zealand, and that they remained invested.

It’s important to note that New Zealand does not have a citizenship-by-investment program. However, individuals who have been granted residency under either of the investor programs are eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship after spending at least 1,350 days in the country during the preceding five years, with at least 240 days in the country each year.

Portugal Golden Visa Residency Permit

The Portugal Golden Visa Residency Permit program provides investors with a five-year pathway to obtain a Portuguese passport. This program offers eight investment options, with investments ranging from 200,000 to 1.5 million euros. Among these options, the real estate options are the most popular, which include:

A minimum investment amount of €280,000 for rehabilitation in low-density areas. This option requires the same criteria as the €350,000 rehabilitation option listed below, but in a low-density area. A low-density area refers to a region with fewer than 100 inhabitants per square kilometer or a GDP of less than 75% of the national average.
A minimum investment amount of €350,000 for rehabilitation. The applicant can invest in and renovate older properties in urban rehabilitation areas that are defined by municipalities.
A minimum investment amount of €400,000 for standard low-density areas. The applicant can invest in any property in a low-density area located in inland Portugal.
A minimum investment amount of €500,000 for any standard property in inland Portugal. The applicant can invest in any property without limitations. However, Lisbon, Porto, and some regions in the Algarve are no longer available for residential real estate investments.

Although less popular, other pathways to obtain a Portugal Golden Visa include investments in venture capital or private equity funds, existing or new business entities, capital transfers, and donations to support scientific, technological, artistic, and cultural developments.

Holdings of a Portuguese resident permit can work and study in the country without needing additional permits. The permit is granted for an initial period of one year and can be renewed every two years. After five years, the applicant can apply for Portuguese citizenship. Furthermore, the Golden Visa program extends to family members, such as children, spouse, and dependent family members.

In addition to these requirements, investors who obtain a Golden Visa must also comply with the standard health and character requirements. The program requires that investors stay in the country for a minimum of seven days per year to remain in status.

Singapore Global Investor Program

The Singapore Global Investor Program is a pathway to permanent residency in Singapore for investors who are willing to start or invest in businesses in Singapore. To be eligible, applicants must meet certain requirements and fulfill the investment options provided by the program. The two investment options are:

Invest at least S$2.5 million in a new business or to expand an existing business in Singapore. This investment option requires applicants to have a successful entrepreneurial background and a substantial business track record.

Invest at least S$2.5 million in an approved GIP fund, which invests in Singapore companies. This option does not require applicants to have any specific entrepreneurial background or business experience.

Successful applicants can include their spouse and children under the age of 21 on their application for permanent residence. Upon approval, they will receive a renewable five-year reentry permit, which allows for open travel in and out of Singapore.

In summary, the Singapore Global Investor Program is a unique opportunity for investors to gain permanent residency in Singapore while contributing to the country’s economic growth. It provides a clear pathway to residency for individuals with a successful entrepreneurial background and a substantial business track record.

South Korea D-8 Residence Visa Program

South Korea offers two different visa programs for investors who wish to reside in the country: the D-8 Residence Visa Program and the F-5 Permanent Residency Visa Program.

To be eligible for the D-8 Residence Visa Program, applicants must establish a company in South Korea and invest a minimum of 100 million won (which is equivalent to USD $94,100) into a business enterprise. This program allows investors to live in South Korea as long as they maintain their investment in the business.

On the other hand, the F-5 Permanent Residency Visa Program is open to foreign investors, high-level professionals, and directors of multinational corporations. In order to obtain permanent residency status through this program, applicants must invest the minimum amount of funds as stipulated by the South Korean Ministry of Justice, and hire a minimum of five employees who are Korean nationals.

For investors who have obtained a D-8 business visa and invested the required amount into a business enterprise, they may also seek to apply for an F-5 visa after being a Korean resident for at least five years and having created at least three employment opportunities.

Successful applicants of either program will be granted a visa that allows them to reside in South Korea, and under the D-8 program, they may renew their visa as long as they maintain their investment in the business.

Spanish Investor Residency Visa

Spain offers investors an opportunity to obtain permanent residency in the country through the Spanish investor residency visa. This visa requires the applicant to fulfill specific criteria, which include:

Making an investment of at least € 500,000 in residential real estate in Spain: The applicant needs to purchase a residential property worth a minimum of € 500,000 to qualify for the visa.

Being at least 18 years old: The applicant must be at least 18 years of age to apply for the visa.

Having no criminal record in Spain or other countries of residence: The applicant should have a clean criminal record and should not have any convictions in Spain or any other country.

Holding sufficient funds to support both the applicant and immediate family members during residency in Spain: The applicant must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their immediate family members during their stay in Spain.

The initial Investor Residency Permit is valid for two years, during which the investor can reside in Spain. After the expiration of the initial permit, the investor can apply for renewal of the permit for another two years. Upon completion of five years, the investor can apply for permanent residency in Spain.

The Spanish investor residency visa offers a pathway to permanent residency in Spain while allowing investors to purchase real estate in one of the most popular destinations in Europe.

St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship By Investment Program

The St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program allows investors to obtain citizenship and a passport in the Federation by making a significant contribution. To qualify for this program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be at least 18 years old
Meet the minimum investment requirements
Meet other application criteria

There are two investment options available: real estate investment or contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund.

The real estate investment option requires applicants to invest $400,000 in government-approved real estate that can be resold after 5 years or $200,000 in government-approved real estate that can be resold after 7 years, all while paying government fees. On the other hand, applicants may donate $150,000 to the government’s Sustainable Growth Fund and pay lower government fees. There is no requirement for previous business experience, and all dependents may be included in the application.

Moreover, the St. Kitts & Nevis investment program offers several benefits, including full citizenship for life and visa-free travel to over 151 countries. Additionally, there is no residency requirement before, during, or after the application process, and applicants must have a high net worth, outstanding character and health, and no criminal record.

Swiss Residence Program

The Swiss Residence Program offers investors an opportunity to reside in Switzerland. To qualify for the program, applicants need to have a minimum of USD $250,000 at their disposal. The program grants investors a residence permit in Switzerland once they have paid an “annual lump sum taxation” fee. The amount of the fee ranges from a minimum of CHF 150,000 (approximately US $170,000) to up to CHF 1 million, depending on the chosen Swiss canton. One of the benefits of this program is that paying the lump sum taxation fee to the Swiss canton exempts applicants from declaring their worldwide income and assets to Swiss authorities, making it an attractive option compared to other high tax countries.

To be eligible for the Swiss Residence Program, applicants must meet certain requirements, including:

Being over the age of 18.
Not being employed or occupied in Switzerland.
Not having Swiss citizenship, and it must be their first time residing in Switzerland.
Having rented or purchased a residence in Switzerland.
Providing a long list of identification documents, including a clean criminal record and a good moral character.

It usually takes around three to four months after payment to obtain a resident permit. This program provides investors with an opportunity to reside in Switzerland and take advantage of its business opportunities and excellent quality of life.

United Kingdom Tier 1 (Investor) Visa

The United Kingdom offers an opportunity for immigrant investors to gain residency status by obtaining a Tier 1 investor visa. To be eligible for this visa, candidates must meet specific requirements, including the following:

Personal assets that value at more than £2 million
£1 million of their own money in the U.K.
A minimum investment of £750,000 in the U.K. through U.K. government bonds, share capital, or investment capital in active U.K. companies

Tier 1 visa holders are granted a stay in the U.K. for about three years, after which they must apply to extend their stay if they wish to continue living in the United Kingdom. In order to apply for settlement in the United Kingdom, visa holders must maintain residency for two, three, or five years, depending on their investment amount.

The Tier 1 visa program offers several advantages, including the absence of a job offer requirement or a language proficiency exam. Successful applicants may also include their family members in their application. After five years of continuous residency in the U.K., Tier 1 visa holders may apply for permanent residency, which may eventually lead to British citizenship.

United Kingdom Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa

Entrepreneurs who wish to establish and manage a business in the United Kingdom can apply for residency through the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa program. In order to be eligible for this visa, the applicant must meet specific requirements, such as having a minimum of £50,000 in investment funds and being at least 16 years old.

The initial Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa is valid for three years and four months. The applicant may choose to extend their visa for another two years. Additionally, dependent family members may also be included in the application. The entrepreneur must spend a specific amount of time in the United Kingdom to qualify for permanent residency. After five years of residence in the United Kingdom, the entrepreneur can apply for indefinite leave to remain, also known as permanent residency.

To be eligible for the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa, the applicant must fulfill the following requirements:

Have access to at least £50,000 in investment funds
Be at least 16 years old
Meet the English language proficiency requirements
Meet the maintenance requirements
Provide a business plan and supporting documentation
Not have previously breached any immigration laws

Once the entrepreneur has been in the United Kingdom for five years and has met all the requirements, they can apply for indefinite leave to remain. The benefits of the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa include the ability to bring dependent family members, access to public funds, and the opportunity to invest and manage a business in the United Kingdom.