Tier 1 Investor Visa

For high-net-worth individuals investing at least £2 million in the UK.

Reviewed by Border & Boundaries Immigration Team·Last updated 30 Aug 2026

Overview

The Tier 1 Investor visa route has been closed to new applicants. We advise existing investors on extensions, ILR, and alternative routes. Contact us if you hold or previously held investor status.

Overview & Eligibility

Route status

The Tier 1 Investor route closed to new applications from February 2022. You cannot apply afresh as a new investor under this category. Existing permission holders may still have options to extend or settle if they meet transitional Rules.

Who we advise

We advise people who already hold or previously held Tier 1 Investor leave on extensions, settlement, dependants, and switching to routes such as Innovator Founder or Skilled Worker where eligible.

Alternative routes

Entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals may look at Innovator Founder, Global Talent, or sponsored Skilled Worker routes depending on business plans and career goals. Each route has distinct evidence requirements.

Requirements & Evidence

Current immigration status

Passport, BRP or eVisa, and history of investor leave help us confirm what extensions or ILR options remain open.

Investment compliance history

For existing investors, evidence of regulated investments and compliance with prior route conditions may be required for extension or settlement applications.

Dependants and absences

Family members and travel history can affect ILR calculations. We review continuous residence and qualifying investments together.

Applying, Costs & Refusals

How to apply

If you hold existing investor leave, apply to extend or settle before expiry using the correct legacy forms and online portals. New investors must choose a different route — we assess Innovator Founder or other options.

Costs & processing time

Extension and ILR fees follow current Home Office tables (subject to change as of 2026). Closed-route applications have no new-entry investor fee. We confirm payable amounts for your stage.

Common reasons applications are refused

Applying for new investor entry after route closure
Investment no longer meets legacy extension rules
Absences or breaches breaking continuous residence
Incorrect application type for legacy investor ILR
Failure to evidence regulated qualifying investments

Key Requirements

Status	Route closed to new applicants from February 2022
Existing Holders	Extensions and ILR may still be possible for existing visa holders
Alternative Routes	Innovator Founder or Skilled Worker may be alternatives

Route Closed

The Tier 1 Investor visa is closed to new applicants. We advise existing holders on extensions, settlement, and alternative immigration routes.

Typical Supporting Documents

Current visa and investment evidence
Portfolio statements
Passport and BRP

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still apply for a Tier 1 Investor visa in 2026?

No. New Tier 1 Investor applications are closed. Existing visa holders may have extension or ILR options under transitional rules. Others should consider alternative routes.

What replaced the UK investor visa?

There is no direct fee-for-investment replacement. Many entrepreneurs consider Innovator Founder; employed professionals may use Skilled Worker or Global Talent depending on profile.

Can Tier 1 Investor visa holders get indefinite leave to remain?

Some existing holders may still qualify for ILR if they meet investment, residence, and absence requirements under the rules that applied to their grant. We review your timeline individually.

Send an enquiry

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Questions About Investor Status?

Speak to our business immigration specialists for advice on your options.

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