The UK remains an attractive destination for global investors, entrepreneurs and high net worth individuals seeking residence, business growth and long-term opportunity. Against a backdrop of evolving immigration policy — and with a key deadline approaching for legacy investor visas — informed and strategic planning has never been more important.
Critical Deadline: Tier 1 (Investor) Visa Extensions
Although the Tier 1 (Investor) visa route is closed to new applicants, existing visa holders retain important transitional rights:
- Tier 1 (Investor) visa extensions must be submitted by 17 February 2026. After this date, the Home Office will no longer accept extension applications under this category.
- Applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Tier 1 (Investor) route may be made until 17 February 2028, provided the relevant residence and investment requirements are met.
Failure to act before the February 2026 deadline may jeopardise ongoing UK residence and long-term settlement plans — even where current permission extends beyond that date. Early review and professional advice are strongly recommended.
Current UK Immigration Routes for Investors and High Net Worth Individuals
While the UK no longer offers a residence route based solely on passive capital investment, several immigration pathways remain available to wealthy individuals seeking to live, work, invest and ultimately settle in the UK.
1. Innovator Founder Visa — Active Investment and Business Growth
The Innovator Founder route is designed for individuals with innovative, scalable business ideas endorsed by an approved endorsing body. There is no fixed minimum investment requirement, with the emphasis placed on business credibility, innovation and growth potential.
Key features include:
- No prescribed investment threshold
- Focus on commercial viability and economic contribution
- Eligibility for settlement after three years, subject to meeting performance criteria
This route is increasingly attractive to investors seeking to deploy capital into UK businesses aligned with growth and job creation.
2. Global Talent Visa — Exceptional Individuals in Key Sectors
The Global Talent route is aimed at recognised leaders and emerging leaders in sectors such as technology, science, research and the arts. While not an investor visa, it can be suitable for high net worth individuals who bring exceptional expertise, reputation and leadership capability to the UK.
3. Business Mobility and Skilled Worker Routes
Routes such as the Expansion Worker and Skilled Worker categories — including structured self-sponsorship models — allow investors and founders to establish or expand UK operations and relocate senior personnel. These options are frequently used by family offices, entrepreneurs and internationally active businesses.
Policy Context and Emerging Discussions Affecting HNWIs
The Tier 1 (Investor) route was closed in February 2022 following concerns over national security, illicit finance and money-laundering risks, particularly in relation to politically exposed individuals. Since then, UK immigration policy has increasingly shifted away from “passive” migration towards active business participation, innovation and enhanced compliance standards.
While the UK has not reintroduced a direct “golden visa” style route, investor immigration continues to be discussed at policy level.
Investor Visa Proposals and Ongoing Debate
Some policymakers have suggested the possibility of a future investor-focused route with a higher investment threshold (for example, £2.5 million), potentially linked to funding strategic sectors such as AI, clean energy and life sciences. Any such model would represent a departure from earlier passive investment structures.
At the same time, campaign groups and regulatory stakeholders have cautioned that investor routes may pose security and financial-crime risks if not tightly controlled. In addition, proposals to extend settlement qualifying periods for most migrants mean that any investor-specific pathway would be politically sensitive if perceived as offering preferential treatment.
These debates continue to influence how — and whether — future investor-oriented immigration options might be framed.
White Paper Context and Skilled Migration Reform
The UK’s 2025 Immigration White Paper emphasised net migration control and economic contribution, prioritising high-skill, innovation-led routes over the reintroduction of an unrestricted investor visa. Nevertheless, media reporting suggests that investor-style mechanisms remain under consideration as part of wider reform discussions.
Practical Next Steps
In the current environment, we recommend that:
- Legacy Tier 1 (Investor) visa holders review eligibility for extension and settlement well in advance of the 17 February 2026
- Prospective investors explore innovation-led, talent-based and business mobility routes aligned with UK economic priorities.
- Intermediaries and clients continue to monitor policy developments that may affect future investor immigration options.
How Our Firm Can Support You
With UK immigration policy continuing to evolve, specialist advice is essential. Our firm provides:
- Extension and settlement support for Tier 1 (Investor) visa holders
- Strategic immigration planning aligned with investment and residency objectives
- Integrated advice covering immigration, private client matters, tax, corporate structuring and long-term settlement strategy