UK residency by investment
The UK offers a wealth of opportunities for individuals seeking residency, and one promising avenue is through investment. Investing in the UK not only allows you to contribute to its economy but also opens doors to UK permanent residence. Let’s explore the different pathways available for obtaining UK residency through investment, with a particular focus on the benefits and processes associated with an investment. Whether you’re a high-net-worth individual or an aspiring entrepreneur, understanding the possibilities of UK residency by investment can help you navigate the path to a secure and prosperous future in the United Kingdom. So, let’s delve into the details and discover how investment can lead you to UK permanent residence.
Benefits
- Limited Residency required (only 9 months per year for 5 years)
- Citizenship after 5 years of residency (plus 1 year)
- Ability to live in a politically, and economically, stable environment
- Applicants gain residency in the UK within 3-6 months
- Limited number of documents to be submitted
- Visa Free access to 175+ countries (EU; Canada)
Investment Option
UK Business Expansion Worker Route
The UK Business Expansion Worker Route is a visa category designed to enable overseas businesses to send key employees to the UK for the purpose of establishing a new branch or subsidiary, or to fulfill a significant role within an existing UK entity. This route provides businesses with the flexibility to bring in skilled personnel from overseas and expand their operations in the UK market.
It enables you to come to the UK and establish a branch of your overseas business for a period of 12 months. Once the initial 12 months are completed, you can transition to a work visa category that may lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK and ultimately British citizenship.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an Expansion Worker visa, you must demonstrate to the UK Home Office that you have an established overseas business that has been actively trading for a minimum of 3 years. Additionally, you need to present a viable business plan for setting up a branch in the UK. This requires providing specific supporting documents.
Required Documentary Evidence
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and additional documents may be necessary:
- Business Plan
- Corporate or business bank statements showing active transactions for goods or services received or provided, covering the past 3 years.
- Business accounts from the previous 3 years.
- Copies of contracts for goods or services spanning at least the past 3 years.
- Company or business tax returns for the past 3 years.
- Bank statements demonstrating the business’s capability to pay an initial salary of at least £45,800.00.
Other credible evidence showcasing active trading during the specified period may include:
- Annual reports and investor information.
- Evidence of advertising the services or goods offered by your overseas business.
- Please be aware that you may be required to successfully complete an English language test.
Processing time
The UK Business Expansion Worker Route offers businesses a streamlined and efficient processing time of 4-5 months. This relatively short timeframe allows companies to swiftly navigate the application process and begin their expansion plans in the United Kingdom. The expedited processing ensures that businesses can quickly bring in key employees from overseas or recruit new talent to support their growth objectives.
Benefits of the UK Business Expansion Worker Route
- Flexibility: The route allows businesses to bring in skilled individuals from their existing workforce or recruit new talent from overseas to support their expansion plans in the UK.
- Growth Opportunities: Expanding operations in the UK opens up access to a large and diverse market, providing businesses with new growth opportunities and the potential to increase their customer base.
- Global Talent: It enables businesses to tap into a global talent pool, ensuring they have the skills and expertise required for success in a competitive market.
- Long-Term Presence: Successful applicants can secure a visa for up to five years, providing stability and the opportunity to establish a long-term presence in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does buying a house in the UK give you a residency?
Despite what is commonly believed, purchasing a property in the UK does not grant residency in the country. Furthermore, there is currently no available visa option that instantly grants foreign nationals residency solely based on owning property in the UK.
Can I buy UK citizenship?
No, it is not possible to purchase UK citizenship. If you are a foreign national and wish to obtain UK citizenship, you must go through the naturalization process. However, investors have the option to utilize their investments in the UK as a basis for their citizenship application.
What are UK Expansion Worker Visa Opportunities and Restrictions?
The UK Expansion Worker visa has restrictions but still allows for a normal life and professional development. It permits training, volunteering, and travel, and dependents can be added to the application. Changing jobs or having a side hustle requires switching to a different visa category. The visa is valid for two years and does not lead to settlement; options for further visas or leaving the UK exist.
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