With the abrupt closure of the Tier 1 (Investor) route in February 2022, the options for obtaining a visa solely on the basis of investing in the UK were sealed with it. Only those who already hold leave on this route will be able to continue through to settlement. The deadline for most extension applications is 17 February 2026, with settlement applications to be made by 17 February 2028.
Investment into a UK business is still possible, although to secure a visa on that basis, it would require day-to day work / involvement in that business. Possible work-related routes are as follows:
1. Innovator Founder visa – this route is essentially the latest version of the ‘entrepreneur route’. With the closure of the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) category in 2019, this was replaced by the Start-up and Innovator categories before they were later amalgamated into the Innovator Founder Route in 2023. It is the only route left that allows entrepreneurs to come to the UK for the purpose of establishing an entirely new UK business or to contribute to an existing UK business. There are strict criteria for such a business – it has to be innovative, scalable and viable. Endorsement is required from an approved Endorsing Body who will assess the entrepreneur’s business plan against set criteria. The entrepreneur is expected to have a day-to-day role in the business and must contribute to implementing the business plan. It is important to remember that even if you are able to secure endorsement from one of the handful of providers, UKVI ultimately retain discretion over their consideration and could still refused the application. Some level of investment is needed to ultimately reach settlement, normally within 3 years.
2. Skilled Worker visa – this route was established in December 2020 to replace its predecessor, the Tier 2 (General) visa. One of the big changes at the time was the removal of the cap on shareholding for sponsored workers. This now means that someone who is the sole or majority shareholder of a UK company could in theory be sponsored by it. The UK company would already need to be an established business and hold a relevant sponsored licence. UKVI tend to scrutinise applications where the sponsored worker has significant shares in the company who will act as their sponsor and will focus on the genuine nature of the role. They want to be sure that such an application is not just a way to facilitate entry to the UK.
3. Expansion Worker visa – This lesser used route replaced the Representative of an Overseas Business route, which closed its doors to new applicants in April 2022. This allows a senior representative of a business operating overseas to open a branch or subsidiary in the UK. The overseas company would first of all have to secure a sponsor licence for the UK entity they intend to establish in the UK. The process can take significantly longer than under the Skilled Worker route and is prone to receiving additional requests for information from UKVI. Unlike the categories mentioned above, it is not a route that would lead to settlement in the UK and would normally only allow a worker to stay for a maximum of 24 months in total.
Successful entrepreneur & partner dependant visas
"Deciding to choose Latitude Law firm for my visa application was the best decision my husband made. They first assisted him with his tier-1 Entrepreneur visa which was a success and later my PBS partner-dependent visa.
My first two applications were refused due to lack of relationship evidence as my marriage was fairly new at that time. Similarly we went ahead with the administrative review which again upheld the decision to refuse my application. This painstaking process was two years long which took a toll on my mental health.
By the blessing of God, we came across Mr Hafejee at Latitude Law. His excellence, determination and guidance helped us at every step of our application. Mr Hafejee was extremely patient with our countless queries and calmed our anxiety humbly. He is one of the most approachable solicitors we ever came across and is equipped with brilliance in his field of work. He helped me reunite with my husband after 2 years and the credit goes to his hard work behind our application.
My husband and I will always be thankful to Mr Hafejee and his brilliant team for the wonderful service they provide. They surely are the best in this field and would truly recommend their services to everyone."
Our expert solicitors at Latitude Law can provide the latest expert advice on all investment routes. We can provide detailed guidance about the requirements or prepare the entire application alongside a detailed representation document explaining how the relevant rules are met.
If you would like further advice on any of the routes mentioned above, call us today on 0300 131 6767 or fill out our enquiry form and our team will get back to you. met.
Latitude Law has significant experience of preparing successful visa applications for overseas investors in UK businesses. We have assisted clients with tackling some of the most complex issues that can arise for entrepreneurs looking to gain endorsement for their UK business venture.
Thanks to our extensive knowledge of immigration rules, we are able to provide pragmatic advice and meet our clients’ needs. We have connections with the Home Office and other immigration authorities so we can advise you with confidence and ensure the entire immigration procedure runs smoothly and efficiently for you.
Working with a law firm can be a big decision, which is why we ensure that our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We are a highly driven team that is dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice.
As a boutique law firm specialising in UK-inbound immigration, our experts understand the complexity and uncertainty that constantly shifting visa and residence policies create for entrepreneurs looking to invest and work here. Our lawyers can provide up-to-the-minute legal advice on how any changes will impact your application.
We are pleased to be recognised as a leading law firm by the following independent bodies: The Times Best Law Firms 2024, Chambers & Partners 2024, Legal 500 2024 and Who'sWhoLegal 2024. These endorsements from the international legal directories demonstrate our integrity and success in dealing with difficult cases. We are also proud of our 5-star Google reviews from over 150 satisfied clients.
As the requirements for investing and working are complex, to ensure success, you should seek specialist advice from an immigration solicitor before you proceed with an application. Latitude Law’s specialist lawyers can advise you about your individual requirements and ensure that your supporting documentation is compliant with the very latest immigration rules.
Get in touch with our legal team today on 0300 131 6767 or fill out our enquiry form and we will get straight back to you. Face your future knowing you have the dedicated support of one of our expert lawyers.
The Innovator Founder visa route replaced the Start-up and Innovator routes in 2023. It is essentially a hybrid of the two. It is now the only route for foreign entrepreneurs to enter the UK to establish a new business. It is also available to those who have significantly contributed to an existing business.
A Skilled Worker visa is open to individuals of all nationalities wanting to work in the UK who have been offered an eligible job by an employer with an approved Sponsor Licence. This route can lead to settlement and applicants can be joined by dependent partners and children.
The Expansion Worker visa allows senior or specialist employees to temporarily work in, and expand a business’s presence to the UK. A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed sponsor is required to permit overseas workers to enter the UK as an expansion worker.
