Routes for investors

Even though the investor visa option is no longer available, we are actively assisting individuals in relocating to the UK through various alternative visa routes. These include the Innovator Founder route, the UK Expansion Worker route, and the Global Talent route.

Each of these pathways allows applicants to work in the UK and bring their spouse and children under 18 years old as dependents.

Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder route caters to international entrepreneurs looking to establish an innovative, sustainable, and scalable business in the UK. Endorsement from a recognised body is mandatory for all applications. The endorsing bodies evaluate Innovator Founder applications based on Innovation, Viability, and Scalability criteria.

Innovation – Does your Business Plan offer a genuine, original solution to market needs or provide a competitive advantage? Can you showcase a unique selling proposition (USP) that sets you apart from competitors?

Viability – Is your Business Plan realistic and feasible with the resources at hand? Do you possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and market awareness to successfully operate the business?

Scalability – Is there a strategic growth plan in place with the potential for job creation and expansion into national markets?

Applicants must play a crucial role in the business's daily operations and have their business concept evaluated by a relevant body before proceeding on this route.

Successful candidates receive a three-year leave and can bring their family to the UK. After this period, permanent settlement in the UK may be an option for the applicant and their dependents.

UK Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)

This visa is designed for senior managers or specialised employees temporarily relocating to the UK to establish a branch of an overseas business. The business must not have commenced trading in the UK for this route to be applicable. Alternatively, if the business is already operational in the UK, the applicant might qualify for a Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker Visa. Individuals looking to start a new business in the UK or those who own an existing UK business may explore the Skilled Worker visa through their UK entity.

Aside from forming a non-trading subsidiary, applicants need to provide extensive documentation showcasing the overseas company's three years of active trading and a credible expansion plan. To secure a UK Expansion Worker Visa, the applicant must be sponsored for a specific job meeting skill and salary prerequisites by a Home Office licensed employer.

While the Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker Visa doesn't directly lead to settlement in the UK, applicants may switch to another immigration route enabling settlement once in the country.

Global Talent

The Global Talent route caters to individuals aged 18 or above in fields such as science, engineering, humanities, social science, medicine, digital technology, or arts and culture, demonstrating exceptional talent or promise.

Most applicants undergo a two-part application process, starting with endorsement and followed by entry clearance or permission to stay. Alternatively, individuals awarded a prestigious prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes are automatically deemed to exhibit exceptional talent and are exempt from the endorsement requirement.

Under this route, a dependent partner and children can apply, with settlement eligibility after three or five years (depending on the application route). Global Talent serves as a pathway to settlement.

For further discussions on the mentioned visa routes or any immigration queries, please reach out to a member of our Immigration team on [email protected]