Tier 1 (Investor)
Can you apply?
This page explains the requirements that you must meet if you want to enter or remain in the UK under Tier 1 (Investor) of our points-based system.
Before you apply, you must read the Tier 1 (Investor) policy guidance, which you can find on the right side of this page. The policy guidance is based on Part 6A of the Immigration Rules.
To be able to apply, you must score 75 points in our points assessment and meet the other requirements of the Immigration Rules - see 'More information' below.
You should read the Initial applications page if you:
- have not held a visa (entry clearance) or permission to stay as a Tier 1 (Investor) migrant or as an investor under the previous route in the 12 months immediately before the date of your application; or
- and applying to 'switch' into Tier 1 (Investor) from a different immigration category (except the former investor category)
- and have not held a visa (entry clearance) or permission to stay as a Tier 1 (Investor) or as an Investor under the previous category. To find out if you can switch, see 'More information' below.
You should read the Extension applications page if you are already in the UK under Tier 1 (Investor) or the former investor category.
Exemption from English language and maintenance requirements
Most other applicants under the points-based system must demonstrate their English language ability and show that they have enough money to support themselves. You will not need to meet these requirements.
More information
-
Other requirements (general grounds for refusal)
Even if you meet the requirements described above, we may refuse your application for other reasons (such as your previous immigration history) . For more information about these 'general grounds for refusal', see Chapter 9 of our immigration directorate instructions.
-
Can you switch into Tier 1 (Investor)?
If you already have permission to stay in the UK under any of the following categories, you can apply to Tier 1 (Investor) from inside the UK:
- Tier 1 (General)
- Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
- Tier 1 (Post-study work)
- any Tier 2 category
- any Tier 4 category
- Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
- businessperson
- innovator
- student (under the Immigration Rules that were in force until March 2009)
- student nurse
- student re-sitting an examination
- student writing up a thesis
- work permit holder
- writer, composer or artist
- investor
If you are here in any other immigration category, you will need to leave the UK and make your Tier 1 (Investor) application from abroad.