United Kingdom

Tier 1 Investor Visa UK (Golden Visa)

The Tier 1 (Investor) Visa is the United Kingdom's version of the Golden Visa, wherein it offers residency to individuals who make substantial investments above £2 million. It is part of the UK Points Based System wherein the higher the amount of money invested, the quicker you can apply for settlement and eventually British Citizenship.

This initial visa is granted for a period of 3 years if it has been processed in the UK. It can vary depending on the country its processed. It is only applicable to those applicants from outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland. You can renew the visa for a 2 year extension period provided that you meet the eligibility criteria.

In order to become a UK resident, you would need to speak basic English, demonstrate your education and experience and meet other criteria of UK immigration authorities.

Benefits of becoming a UK Citizen by Investment

• Fast visa processing and straightforward visa requirements.
• There is no individual maintenance requirement.
• Investor's Immediate family members, spouses and children under 18 are also eligible to enter the UK.
• Applicants are permitted (but not obliged) to work, study or engage in business activities in the UK.
• UK investor visa is valid for 3 years and 4 months if you apply outside the UK and 3 years if you apply in the country. It can be extended for another 2 years, or you can apply for settlement straight away, depending on how much you have invested.
• Holders of regular British Citizen passports have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 countries and territories.
• Employment in the UK without a work permit and similar restrictions.
• Freedom of movement to other parts of the British Commonwealth, such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Requirement for becoming a UK Citizen by Investment

You must have at least £2 million in investment funds to apply for a Tier 1 (Investor) visa.

• Be 18 or over to apply for this visa.
• Be able to prove that the money belongs to either you or your partner.
• Provide a criminal record certificate covering the last 10 years and countries where you have spent more than 12 months.
• Have opened an account at a UK-regulated bank to use for your funds.
• Your funds must be held in one or more regulated financial institutions. They should be applicable to spending (disposable) in the UK.

Minimum Investment Amount

To qualify for a UK Investor visa, you will need to have access to at least £2 million.

Processing Time

The majority of the visa application centers outside the United Kingdom offer a priority service that allows Tier 1 investor visa applicants to receive a decision on their applications for entry clearance within 5 working days.

Real Estate in the United Kingdom

Real estate happens to be a significant feature of the UK's economy. It is regulated in accordance with Scottish and English land laws. When sizing up the UK's real estate market, it is the largest or second largest market in Europe after Germany, depending on the method of measurement.

Commercial real estate in the market has a market size of around € 250 billion, whereas domestic real estate has a net worth of £5.1 trillion. Investments from foreign entities play a substantial role in the UK's real estate market, particularly in London.

Are there any restrictions on the acquisition of real estate in the country by foreign buyers?

There are no restrictions for you as a foreigner to own residential properties in the UK. However, there are rules in place to ensure that tax is paid to the UK government when purchasing property and to any rental income you receive.

What additional expenses will the Real Estate Transaction Incur?

As an overseas investor, you may need to pay taxes, fees, and stamp duty. You should know that the rate for these varies on whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned buyer.

What kind of rental yield can be expected from Property Investment in the UK?

Your rental yield from the property you own and rent out will vary as it is reliant on the property value. The percentage is calculated by dividing your annual rental income by the property value.