UK Tier 1 Investor Visa
At a Glance
- closedclosed to new applicants at 4pm on Feb. 17, 2022; extension applications had to be made before Feb. 17, 2026; settlement applications must be made before Feb. 17, 2028
- £2,000,000 one-timeunder the holder's control in the UK; legacy extension and settlement applications only · existing holders who applied on or after Nov. 6, 2014
- Existing holders can still apply for indefinite leave to remain, but must apply before Feb. 17, 2028.
The Tier 1 (Investor) visa is closed. The Home Office closed it to all new applications from Feb. 17, 2022 (Home Office caseworker guidance), and the UK has no replacement investor visa.
The route let people who invested large sums in the UK live there and later settle. It now matters only to people who already hold it.
- New applications: closed since Feb. 17, 2022
- Extensions: applications had to be made before Feb. 17, 2026
- Settlement: Existing holders can still apply for indefinite leave to remain, but must apply before Feb. 17, 2028.
For current routes, including the Global Talent visa and the Innovator Founder visa for new businesses, see the UK country guide.
No one can qualify as a new applicant. Only existing Tier 1 (Investor) holders can still use the route, and only to apply for settlement before the deadline (caseworker guidance).
Legacy holders applying to settle must keep their qualifying investment. For holders who applied on or after Nov. 6, 2014, that means £2,000,000 under their control in the UK (GOV.UK). The caseworker guidance sets the full evidence rules.
No visa fee applies because no new visas are issued. Legacy holders pay the standard indefinite leave to remain fee listed in the Home Office fee table when they apply to settle.
The route takes no new applications. Existing holders can still apply for indefinite leave to remain, but must apply before Feb. 17, 2028. Applications go through GOV.UK.
Extensions are no longer possible: the last extension applications had to be made before Feb. 17, 2026. Settlement applications must be made before Feb. 17, 2028 (caseworker guidance).
The route never carried a tax regime of its own. Investors resident in the UK are taxed under the normal UK rules, with residence decided by the Statutory Residence Test (GOV.UK).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone still apply for a UK Tier 1 Investor visa?
No. It closed to all new applications on Feb. 17, 2022, and the UK has no replacement investor visa.
Can existing Tier 1 Investor holders still extend?
No. Extension applications had to be made before Feb. 17, 2026.
What is the deadline for Tier 1 Investor settlement?
Existing holders can still apply for indefinite leave to remain, but must apply before Feb. 17, 2028.
What are the alternatives to the Tier 1 Investor visa?
The UK has no investor route. Founders can look at the Innovator Founder visa, and leaders in research, arts or digital technology at the Global Talent visa.
How It Compares
More United Kingdom programs
| Program | Country | Income | Fee | Max stay | Renewable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK Global Talent Visa | United Kingdom | - | £766 | 60 mo | |
| UK Innovator Founder Visa | United Kingdom | £1,270 saved | £1,357-1,693 | 36 mo |
Similar visas elsewhere
| Program | Country | Income | Fee | Max stay | Renewable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt Citizenship by Investment | Egypt | $250,000 saved | $10,000 | - | |
| Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment | Antigua and Barbuda | - | $10,000 | - | - |
| Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) | Malta | €375,000 saved | €60,000 | 60 mo | |
| Dominica Citizenship by Investment | Dominica | $200,000 saved | $1,000 | - |
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