Tier 1 Investor Visa – Expert Legal Guidance from HM & Co. Solicitors
The UK Tier 1 Investor Visa, also known as the UK Golden Visa, has long offered high-net-worth individuals a pathway to live, work, and ultimately settle in the UK through economic investment. At HM & Co. Solicitors, we provide discreet, strategic and comprehensive support for clients navigating this exclusive immigration route.
What Is the Tier 1 Investor Visa?
The Tier 1 Investor Visa allows individuals and their families to enter or remain in the UK by investing £2 million or more in qualifying UK investments.
Key features include:
✔ Open to all nationalities – no restrictions on country of origin.
✔ No age limit for applicants.
✔ Dependants included – spouse/partner and children under 18.
✔ Eligible for free UK education for children.
✔ Accelerated settlement – ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years, or as few as 2 years with higher investments.
Investor Visa Requirements
To qualify under the current scheme, you must:
Have a minimum of £2 million in investment funds.
Be able to prove legal ownership of the funds, and that they’ve been held for at least 2 years (or provide evidence of the source if held for less time).
Intend to invest in UK government bonds, share capital or loan capital in active and trading UK-registered companies.
How HM & Co. Solicitors Can Help
Strategic Planning & Eligibility Assessment
Every client’s financial background and long-term goals are different. We begin with a tailored consultation to identify the most appropriate investment route, taking into account:
Residency aims.
Tax implications.
Family and business commitments.
Visa timeline requirements.
We work closely with financial advisors and private banks to align your legal strategy with your wealth management plan.
Discretion and Flexibility
Our investor visa services are delivered with the utmost confidentiality. Meetings can take place at:
✔ Our London office
✔ Your private office or home
✔ Your bank or financial advisor’s premises
We ensure all client information is encrypted and stored securely via enterprise-grade systems.
Seamless Coordination with Financial Advisors
We liaise directly with:
Banks
Accountants
Tax consultants
Investment managers
To ensure your investment meets both Home Office requirements and your personal financial goals.
Ongoing Visa and Compliance Support
Once your visa is granted, we offer long-term support, including:
Visa renewals and extensions
Monitoring investment compliance
Managing timelines for settlement and naturalisation
Advising on travel restrictions and residence requirements
International Support Network
Our vetted global network includes:
Offshore and tax advisors
Security and relocation services
Educational placement consultants
Interpreters and international legal experts
Where required, we can also arrange introductions to private banks and bespoke tax advisors during your initial consultation.
Post-Investment Support: Towards British Citizenship
Many clients wish to pursue UK permanent residency and citizenship. Our investor visa specialists:
Design personalised timelines to meet ILR and nationality rules
Integrate tax and travel planning into your application strategy
Offer full assistance with British citizenship applications, including cases involving Commonwealth ancestry or historic UK ties
Why Choose HM & Co. Solicitors?
✔ Decades of combined immigration experience
✔ Fixed-fee pricing – transparent and predictable
✔ Multilingual support including Russian, Arabic, Mandarin, Hindi and more
✔ Trusted by private banks and embassies for legal training in investor visas
✔ Full end-to-end service from entry to citizenship
Book a Confidential Consultation Today
Whether you’re ready to invest or exploring your eligibility, HM & Co. Solicitors are here to provide clear, expert legal advice every step of the way.
📍 Visit us: 186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN
📞 Call us: 0207 112 8180
📧 Email us: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com
Let us help you build your future in the UK – securely, strategically, and stress-free.
Your Questions, Answered
FAQs
Investor Visa FAQs
Is the Investor Visa still open for new applicants?
<p class="" data-start="371" data-end="519">No, the <strong data-start="379" data-end="403">Tier 1 Investor Visa</strong> is now <strong data-start="411" data-end="439">closed to new applicants</strong>. However, individuals who are already on this visa route may still apply for:</p>
<ul data-start="520" data-end="589">
<li class="" data-start="520" data-end="548">
<p class="" data-start="522" data-end="548"><strong data-start="522" data-end="541">Visa extensions</strong>, and</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="549" data-end="589">
<p class="" data-start="551" data-end="589"><strong data-start="551" data-end="587">Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-start="591" data-end="695">These applications can be made under the original rules that applied at the time of their initial grant.</p>
Why was the Investor Visa closed?
The visa was discontinued due to concerns over the <strong data-start="797" data-end="816">source of funds</strong> used by some applicants. The UK Government raised issues about due diligence and the integrity of investments under this route.
How do I apply for an extension or ILR under the Investor Visa?
<p class="" data-start="1063" data-end="1110">To qualify for an extension or ILR, you must:</p>
<ul data-start="1111" data-end="1330">
<li class="" data-start="1111" data-end="1154">
<p class="" data-start="1113" data-end="1154"><strong data-start="1113" data-end="1141">Maintain your investment</strong> in the UK,</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1155" data-end="1245">
<p class="" data-start="1157" data-end="1245">Ensure the investment continues to meet the <strong data-start="1201" data-end="1238">Home Office’s qualifying criteria</strong>, and</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1246" data-end="1330">
<p class="" data-start="1248" data-end="1330">Demonstrate that your funds have remained invested throughout the required period.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-start="1332" data-end="1449">At HM & Co. Solicitors, we offer full support with extension and ILR applications, ensuring compliance at every step.</p>
How can I be sure that my investment still qualifies?
<p class="" data-start="1520" data-end="1599">Only specific types of investments are acceptable for visa purposes, such as:</p>
<ul data-start="1600" data-end="1710">
<li class="" data-start="1600" data-end="1657">
<p class="" data-start="1602" data-end="1657">Share capital or loan capital in active UK companies,</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1658" data-end="1710">
<p class="" data-start="1660" data-end="1710">Excluding property investment and offshore trusts.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-start="1712" data-end="1866">Our immigration solicitors work closely with <strong data-start="1757" data-end="1793">financial and investment experts</strong> to assess and confirm that your portfolio meets the qualifying criteria.</p>
What are the alternatives to the Investor Visa?
<p class="" data-start="1990" data-end="2069">With the closure of the Investor Visa route, many of our clients now explore:</p>
<ul data-start="2070" data-end="2380">
<li class="" data-start="2070" data-end="2185">
<p class="" data-start="2072" data-end="2185">The <strong data-start="2076" data-end="2104">UK Expansion Worker Visa</strong> – ideal for business owners or senior employees seeking to set up a UK branch.</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="2186" data-end="2286">
<p class="" data-start="2188" data-end="2286">The <strong data-start="2192" data-end="2218">Innovator Founder Visa</strong> – for those with innovative business ideas endorsed by a UK body.</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="2287" data-end="2380">
<p class="" data-start="2289" data-end="2380">The <strong data-start="2293" data-end="2315">Global Talent Visa</strong> – for highly skilled individuals in tech, science, and the arts.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-start="2382" data-end="2473">We’ll assess your profile and recommend the most suitable visa pathway based on your goals.</p>
Speak to Our Immigration Experts
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<p class="" data-start="2521" data-end="2666">At <strong data-start="2524" data-end="2547">HM & Co. Solicitors</strong>, we continue to assist Investor Visa clients with extensions, settlement, and alternative business immigration routes.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2668" data-end="2803">📍 <strong data-start="2671" data-end="2682">Office:</strong> 186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN<br data-start="2728" data-end="2731" />📞 <strong data-start="2734" data-end="2746">Call us:</strong> 0207 112 8180<br data-start="2760" data-end="2763" />📧 <strong data-start="2766" data-end="2776">Email:</strong> <a class="cursor-pointer" rel="noopener" data-start="2777" data-end="2801">info@hmsolicitorsltd.com</a></p>
<p class="" data-start="2805" data-end="2886"><strong data-start="2805" data-end="2828">Book a consultation</strong> today to ensure your visa plans are secure and compliant.</p>
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