CLOSED ROUTE

The Tier 1 Investor Visa is closed

The Tier 1 Investor Visa previously allowed high-net-worth individuals to live in the UK by investing substantial funds in qualifying UK investments.

New applicants can no longer apply under the route and it is no longer possible to switch into the Tier 1 Investor category.

The transitional deadline for Tier 1 Investor extension applications passed on 17 February 2026.

Existing visa holders should now obtain advice about settlement before the final deadline of 17 February 2028.

INDEFINITE LEAVE TO REMAIN

Settlement as a Tier 1 Investor

Eligible Tier 1 Investor visa holders may still apply for indefinite leave to remain, provided the application is submitted before 17 February 2028.

The qualifying period will depend on the amount invested and the version of the Immigration Rules that applied to the applicant.

Depending on the circumstances, settlement may be available after:

• two years where the accelerated settlement requirements based on a qualifying investment of £10 million were met;
• three years where the accelerated settlement requirements based on a qualifying investment of £5 million were met; or
• five years under the standard qualifying period.

The precise requirements depend on when the applicant entered the route, the amount invested, the type of investments held and whether the required investment was maintained throughout the qualifying period.

INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS

Evidence of qualifying investment activity

A settlement application must normally demonstrate that the required investment was made within the permitted period and maintained throughout the relevant qualifying period.

The applicable rules differ depending on whether the applicant entered the Tier 1 Investor route before or after significant rule changes, including changes introduced in November 2014 and March 2019.

Evidence may need to address:

• the amount originally invested;
• the date on which the investment was made;
• the nature of the qualifying investments;
• the value of the investment portfolio throughout the qualifying period;
• the sale and reinvestment of qualifying investments;
• the source and ownership of the investment funds;
• the identity and regulation of the financial institution;
• any periods during which the portfolio fell below the required level; and
• whether any investments were excluded under the applicable rules.

Investment portfolio reports and supporting financial documents should be reviewed carefully against the rules that applied to the individual applicant.

CONTINUOUS RESIDENCE

Residence and absence requirements

Applicants must complete the required period of continuous lawful residence in the UK and remain within the permitted absence limits.

The rules governing absences can depend on when the leave was granted and when the absences occurred.

A detailed travel schedule should be prepared using passports, travel records and other reliable evidence. Potential issues should be identified before the settlement application is submitted.

Applicants must also meet the applicable suitability requirements and will normally need to pass the Life in the UK Test and satisfy the English language requirement.

PARTNERS AND CHILDREN

Settlement for dependant family members

An eligible partner or child may be able to apply for further permission or settlement as the dependant of a Tier 1 Investor.

A dependant partner will normally need to complete their own qualifying residence period before applying for indefinite leave to remain.

The accelerated settlement period available to the main Tier 1 Investor does not necessarily shorten the qualifying period for their partner.

The requirements for children depend on their age, dependency, family circumstances and the immigration status of their parents.

NEW APPLICANTS

Current UK immigration options for investors and business owners

There is no direct replacement for the Tier 1 Investor Visa based solely on passive investment in the UK.

Individuals wishing to establish, operate or expand a business in the UK may need to consider an active business or work route instead.

Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder Visa may be suitable for an entrepreneur who wants to establish and develop an innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK.

The applicant must obtain an endorsement from an approved endorsing body and play a key role in the day-to-day management and development of the business.

Read about the Innovator Founder Visa.

Self-Sponsored Skilled Worker route

A self-sponsorship strategy may be considered where an entrepreneur establishes or acquires a genuine UK business that obtains a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.

The business must have a genuine eligible role, satisfy the sponsorship requirements and comply with its ongoing sponsor duties.

Read about UK self-sponsorship.

UK Expansion Worker Visa

The UK Expansion Worker route may be suitable where an established overseas business intends to open its first UK branch or subsidiary.

It allows qualifying senior managers and specialist employees to undertake work connected with the UK expansion.

Read about the UK Expansion Worker Visa.

OUR SERVICES

How Westkin can help

Tier 1 Investor settlement applications require careful analysis of the immigration history, investment portfolio and rules that applied throughout the qualifying period.

Our immigration lawyers can assist with:

• assessing eligibility for indefinite leave to remain;
• identifying the relevant version of the Immigration Rules;
• reviewing the applicant’s immigration history and qualifying period;
• assessing whether accelerated settlement requirements were met;
• reviewing investment portfolio reports and bank evidence;
• checking whether the required investment was maintained;
• reviewing sales, purchases and reinvestment activity;
• identifying gaps or potential shortfalls in the investment evidence;
• calculating absences and continuous residence;
• preparing the online settlement application;
• preparing detailed legal representations;
• responding to Home Office requests for further evidence;
• advising dependant partners and children; and
• assessing alternative routes for new investors and business owners.

WHY WESTKIN

Why investors choose Westkin

Tier 1 Investor settlement cases require a detailed understanding of historic Immigration Rules, investment evidence and continuous residence requirements.

Lawyer-led advice: your application is reviewed by an experienced private client immigration lawyer.

Historic rules analysis: we identify which version of the Tier 1 Investor requirements applies to your case.

Detailed investment review: we examine portfolio reports, investment activity and financial evidence for potential gaps or compliance issues.

Settlement planning: we consider the qualifying period, absences, dependants and final application deadline together.

Established immigration firm: Westkin is Legal 500 ranked, regulated by the SRA and IAA, has more than 700 Google reviews and has advised more than 70,000 individuals and businesses.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Start your Tier 1 Investor settlement assessment

We begin by reviewing your immigration history, investment level, portfolio documents, absences and intended settlement date.

We will identify the requirements that apply to your case, highlight any evidential risks and provide a clear list of the documents needed.

Once instructed, our lawyers can prepare the settlement application, supporting evidence and detailed legal representations before submission.

Speak to a Tier 1 Investor settlement lawyer

Tier 1 Investor extension applications are no longer available, but eligible existing visa holders may still apply for indefinite leave to remain before 17 February 2028.

Arrange a consultation with one of our immigration lawyers to review your qualifying investments, residence history and settlement options.