The United Kingdom is still a top choice for people who want to invest and start businesses. London is one of the world’s biggest financial cities, and the UK has strong laws that protect investors. If you are a high-net-worth individual (someone with a lot of money), moving to the UK is not just about bringing your money, it’s about building a life in a country that values new ideas, business growth, and global connections.
Important Change: The End of the “Golden Visa”
In the past, the UK had a visa called the Tier 1 (Investor) visa, also known as the “golden visa.” This allowed people to get residency by investing at least £2 million in UK government bonds or company shares. However, this visa was closed to new applicants on February 17, 2022. The UK government ended this route because of concerns about how it was being used and where the money was coming from.
Now, the UK wants to attract people who will actively help the economy by starting businesses, creating jobs, and bringing valuable skills.If you see information online about the Tier 1 (Investor) visa, remember: this visa is no longer available. Today, investors must look at more active and creative ways to move to the UK
The Main Route in 2025: The Innovator Founder Visa
With the old investor visa gone, the Innovator Founder Visa is now the main way for investors and entrepreneurs to move to the UK. This visa is for people who have a new, practical, and growing business idea, and the skills and money to make it happen. You can’t just invest money; you need to be involved in building something new
How Much Do You Need to Invest?
There is no fixed minimum investment for the Innovator Founder Visa. Instead, you must show you have enough money to start and run your business. Usually, this means having a budget that covers your start-up costs, running expenses, and your own living costs. For many businesses, this could be between £50,000 and £200,000 or more, depending on what your business needs. The important thing is that your budget must make sense for your business plan
Main Requirements
1. Get an Endorsement
You must get an endorsement from an official UK organization (called an “endorsing body”). These are groups approved by the government, like business accelerators or investment firms. They will only give you an endorsement letter if your business idea meets three main points:
- Innovation: Your idea must be new and different from what is already on the market. Just opening a regular restaurant or shop is not enough. You need to bring something new to the UK.
- Viability: Your business plan must be realistic and show you can run the business well. This means having good financial plans, market research, and a clear way to get customers.
- Scalability: Your business must have the potential to grow and create jobs in the UK. You should show how you plan to expand and help the UK economy .
2. Financial Requirements
You must show you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 days before you apply. This is to prove you can support yourself and won’t need government help
3. English Language
You must prove you can speak English at a B2 level (upper-intermediate). You can do this by passing an approved English test or by having a degree taught in English that is recognized by UK ENIC
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Create Your Business Plan: Spend time making a detailed business plan that shows your idea is new, practical, and can grow.
- Find an Endorsing Body: Look at the list of approved endorsing bodies on the UK government website. Choose one that matches your business area and send them your plan.
- Get Your Endorsement Letter: If your idea is approved, you will get an endorsement letter. You need this to apply for the visa.
- Apply for the Visa: Fill out the online application and upload your documents (passport, proof of funds, English test results, etc.).
- Biometric Appointment: Go to a visa center to give your fingerprints and photo.
- Get Your Visa: If approved, you will get a visa for 3 years .
Path to Permanent Residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain, or ILR)
After 3 years on the Innovator Founder Visa, you can apply to stay in the UK permanently (this is called Indefinite Leave to Remain, or ILR). To qualify, you must:
- Not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 months.
- Show you have made good progress with your business.
You must meet at least two out of seven success criteria, such as:
- Investing at least £50,000 in your business.
- Doubling your customer base and being above average for your industry.
- Doing important research and applying for patents.
- Making at least £1 million in revenue in the last year.
- Making at least £500,000 in revenue, with £100,000 from exports.
- Creating at least 10 full-time jobs for UK workers.
- Creating at least 5 full-time jobs with salaries of at least £25,000 each .
Alternative Route: The Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa is for people who are leaders or rising stars in fields like science, research, arts, or digital technology. You do not need to invest money, but you must be recognized as a top expert in your field by an official UK body (like Tech Nation for technology).
- You do not need a job offer.
- You can work for any employer, start your own business, or be self-employed.
- You can get permanent residency after 3 years (if you are a recognized leader) or 5 years (if you have “exceptional promise”) .
Other Options for High-Net-Worth Individuals
- Skilled Worker Visa as an Executive: You can buy a big share in a UK business or start a new one, and then have the company sponsor you for a work visa as a senior manager. You must have a real job and meet salary requirements.
- Investing Without Residency: You can invest in UK property, stocks, or funds, but this does not give you the right to live in the UK. These are just financial investments.
Why Choose the UK?
- Stable Economy: The UK has a strong and reliable economy with laws that protect investors.
- Global Financial Center: London is a world leader in finance, technology, and creative industries.
- Top Education: The UK has some of the best schools and universities in the world.
- High Quality of Life: The UK offers good healthcare, a rich history, lively cities, and beautiful countryside.
- Gateway to Europe: The UK is still a great base for doing business with Europe and the rest of the world .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I still get a UK “golden visa” in 2025?
No. The Tier 1 (Investor) visa is closed and there is no direct route to residency through passive investment.Q2: How much money do I need for the Innovator Founder Visa?
There is no set minimum, but you need enough to fund your business plan (often £50,000–£200,000 or more) and at least £1,270 for personal living costs.Q3: Can my family come with me?
Yes. Both the Innovator Founder and Global Talent visas let you bring your partner and children under 18.Q4: Can I get a visa by buying property?
No. Buying property does not give you the right to live in the UK.Q5: What is the most important part of the Innovator Founder application?
Getting an endorsement from an approved body. Your business plan must be new, practical, and able to grow.
The UK no longer offers visas for passive investors. Now, the focus is on people who want to build businesses, create jobs, and bring new ideas. The Innovator Founder Visa is for those ready to start something new, while the Global Talent Visa is for top experts in their fields. If you want to move to the UK through investment, you need to be active, creative, and well-prepared. Professional advice is highly recommended to help you succeed