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The Tier 1 Investor visa was designed for wealthy individuals able to make substantial financial commitments to the UK economy:
Investment Tiers
As of 17 February 2022, the UK Investor visa has been closed by the Home Office and is no longer valid. Understanding the previous UK Investor visa requirements can provide useful context.
The closure of the visa route wasn’t about revenue – it brought in substantial investment. The Home Office shut it down due to concerns around national security and due diligence.
There were serious doubts about the origins of the funds, particularly when applicants were politically exposed.
There were fears that some were using the visa route to bypass international sanctions, an issue that gained urgency following the spotlight on Russian oligarchs.
While the investments brought in money, critics argued that the overall benefit to the UK economy was not as strong as what skilled migrants contributed.
Verifying the legitimacy of large sums from overseas proved difficult, making the system hard to manage and regulate properly.
The government announced the closure in February 2022, with immediate effect. No further applications were accepted after that point.
Having advised numerous high-net-worth clients over the years, we’ve seen how the closure of the old investor route created a real gap in UK immigration for investors. Passive investors, those who want to contribute capital without founding businesses or proving exceptional talent in fields like technology, science, or the arts, now find themselves without a clear visa path.
Unless they’re willing to take on an active entrepreneurial role or demonstrate exceptional ability in a specialised field, these investors must navigate complex alternative routes or even consider other jurisdictions. At A Y & J Solicitors, we bridge that gap with tailored strategies that guide clients to the most appropriate visa solutions.
Investment visa holders typically had different priorities than typical business immigrants:
The current immigration system doesn't adequately offer benefits to individuals looking to settle in the UK with substantial capital. Routes like the Innovator Founder visa prioritise innovative business over pure investment. On the other hand, Self-Sponsorship still offers an immigration pathway for high-net-worth individuals to settle in the UK. However, you need to have a business background and must be committed to running a UK business. We offer comprehensive Tier 1 Investor visa guidance for those transitioning to new routes.
While the traditional Tier 1 Investor visa is closed, the UK government is looking into a new investment route to attract high-net-worth individuals to key national sectors. Although nothing official has been announced, initial talks suggest the focus will be on investments that drive long-term innovation and growth.
These ideas are still in the early planning stages and would require investors to be actively involved in the sectors they fund. The government seems focused on attracting capital with expertise, not just money. Any future scheme would still apply strict national security and compliance standards, similar to those that led to the original route’s closure.
Best for entrepreneurs with genuinely innovative, scalable business ideas.
Best for senior employees of overseas businesses establishing UK branches.
Best for senior employees of overseas businesses establishing UK branches.
Ideal for recognized leaders in technology, sciences, humanities, or arts
Best for entrepreneurs who want full control without needing external endorsements
Best for entrepreneurs who want full control without needing external endorsements
After the Investor visa UK was closed, Self-Sponsorship became the new popular alternative for ambitious individuals, whether entrepreneurs or business leaders around the world, who want to settle in the UK.
However, it is the closest alternative for high-net-worth individuals who want to enjoy similar benefits. You can acquire a business, you can obtain a UK visa, and eventually, you can settle in the UK permanently.
Your company sponsors your visa legally
There is no criteria for an innovative business
Your company sponsors your visa legally
You don’t need to get endorsed every year
Choose any genuine UK business, whether it’s a consultancy or tech start-up, based on your passion and relevant experience.
Self-Sponsorship combines the best of business ownership with visa stability. Rather than relying on endorsements or meeting unpredictable innovation criteria, you take control by
We have assisted over 200 entrepreneurs in funding their UK visas. Every time someone succeeds, it adds to our reputation.
You would be dealing with solicitors who are experienced and competent to the core and who know the regulations inside out.
We have fine-tuned our Self-Sponsorship process to the maximum to ensure the highest approval rate and minimise all delays.
You will see all the costs upfront, so you will not be hit with any surprises on your final bill.
We process your spouse and children's applications along with yours to keep your family together.
We offer HR compliance policies as required by the rules and will represent you at a Home Office audit so you can keep your sponsor licence active.
Dream It. Do It. Stories of UK Business Success With Us: Real journeys of ambition, resilience, and success—powered by strategic immigration and legal support by A Y & J Solicitors.
A Y & J Solicitors has handled over hundreds of successful Self Sponsorship UK applications, making it a renowned leader in UK immigration law. Each case that we take is handled with meticulous professionalism by our experienced team, meeting every requirement and providing the highest possible likelihood of approval.
No, the Tier 1 Investor visa route was permanently closed by the UK government. Currently, the viable pathway for high-net worth individuals who want to invest and run a business in the UK is Self-Sponsorship. At A Y & J Solicitors, we can assist you and your advisors in not only securing entry into the UK, but making introductions to banks, wealth managers, estate agents and schools, so you and your family can quickly settle into your new life.
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