UK Investor Visa in 2026: What Happened and What Replaced It
The UK investor visa is closed. The Home Office stopped accepting new applications on 17 February 2022, so you cannot apply for it in 2026. Investors now use other routes, such as Global Business Mobility, Innovator Founder, or Global Talent.
We know this is not the answer many investors hope for. There is still a clear path forward, whether you hold the visa or are weighing options.
What was the UK investor visa?
The UK investor visa, formerly the Tier 1 (Investor) visa, was a settlement route for wealthy individuals. They invested at least £2 million in UK companies, and property never counted. Higher investment shortened the route to settlement, from five years down to two.
What did the investor visa require?
You needed at least £2 million in regulated personal funds, placed in share or loan capital in active UK companies. Government bonds stopped counting in March 2019. You also needed a valid passport, a criminal record certificate, and a bank letter confirming the funds.
The amount you invested set how quickly you could settle. These were the timelines in force when the route closed on 17 February 2022.
Why did the UK close the investor route?
The Home Office closed the route over security and due diligence concerns, not revenue alone. Officials worried about overseas funds and possible sanctions evasion, and the closure was immediate on 17 February 2022. You can read the official GOV.UK guidance for the route.
Four concerns sat behind the decision:
- Verifying the true source of applicants' wealth.
- The risk of sanctions evasion by a small minority.
- A weaker economic contribution than skilled migration.
- The difficulty of proper due diligence on overseas funds.
What should current UK investor visa holders do now?
If you already hold the visa, you will want to act soon, because your timeline is tight. The window to extend closed on 17 February 2026, but you can still settle. You must apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, the UK's permanent residence status, before 17 February 2028.
A sensible order of steps is:
- Check the exact expiry date on your current visa.
- Confirm that your continuous residence has no gaps.
- Gather evidence of your qualifying investment period.
- Prepare your Indefinite Leave to Remain application well before 17 February 2028.
- Take advice early if your circumstances have changed.
Which visas now suit investors in 2026?
No single visa replaces the investor visa, which rewarded passive capital alone. Three live routes now cover most investors, depending on your goals and background: Global Business Mobility, Innovator Founder, and Global Talent. Each asks for more than capital, so the right fit depends on you.
Your best route depends on your business and your background. We would suggest a short call before you commit to any one of them.
Is a new UK investment visa coming?
As of October 2026, the government has not confirmed a new investment visa, so no golden visa exists today. Reports have discussed an invite-only route aimed at sectors like clean energy and life sciences, but nothing is announced. Buying UK property still gives you no right to live here.
Which routes do former investors move to?
Across our casework, former investor clients usually move into one of three routes. An active overseas business usually points to Global Business Mobility. A fresh, scalable idea tends to suit Innovator Founder, and a strong personal record can qualify for Global Talent.
How to choose your route and apply
- Confirm whether you already hold the visa or are starting fresh.
- Match your background to a route: an overseas business, a new idea, or a personal record.
- Speak to us. Book a free discovery call with our immigration team, and we will prepare and manage your application.
Frequently asked questions
Is the investor visa still open in 2026?
No, the route closed to new applicants on 17 February 2022, so you cannot apply for it today.
Does buying UK property give me a visa?
No, property gives you no immigration status in the UK, and it never counted towards the £2 million requirement either.
Can I still extend my investor visa?
No, the window to extend closed on 17 February 2026, but you can still settle if you apply in time.
When must I apply for settlement?
Before 17 February 2028. Settlement means Indefinite Leave to Remain, the UK's permanent residence status.
Which route is the closest replacement?
There is no direct replacement, and the nearest fit is usually Global Business Mobility, Innovator Founder, or Global Talent.
Not sure which route fits? Book a free discovery call with our immigration team and we will tell you where you stand.
Written and legally reviewed by Sunny Sandhu, Head of Legal Operations, AY&J Solicitors. SRA regulated, Legal 500, Chambers and Partners. Last reviewed: October 2026.
About our Expert
Sunny is a Legal Operations Team Leader with over 12 years’ experience in UK immigration law, advising on both business and personal immigration matters. He specialises in Sponsor Licence applications, Skilled Worker visas, family settlement and Naturalisation, and is particularly known for supporting UK businesses with complex sponsorship and compliance matters. His practical, solutions-focused approach has made him the go-to adviser for organisations navigating Skilled Worker routes and sponsor licence applications.
Sunny holds a Degree in Psychology from the University of Westminster and is OISC Level 1 qualified. Earlier in his career, he gained valuable insight into the practical application of immigration and criminal law through his work at Hatton Cross Immigration and Asylum Hearing Centre and Isleworth Crown Court. This experience provided him with a strong understanding of how cases are assessed and managed, shaping his direct, strategic style of advice.
He is known for his clear communication, problem-solving ability and perseverance in securing successful outcomes for clients.
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