The Tier 1 (Investor) visa has been designed for wealthy individuals willing to invest £2 million + in the UK economy and is the most efficient route to obtaining temporary UK residence.

The initial visa is granted for 3 years and 4 months, then an extension for 2 years can be applied for, providing all criteria are met.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) can be applied for in 2–5 years and citizenship in 5–6 years, subject to the eligibility criteria. An accelerated settlement option is available and dependent on the amount of invested capital – £10 million leads to ILR after 2 years, or £5 million for ILR in 3 years.

The Start-up visa category is aimed at new entrepreneurs starting their first UK business and has no requirements for initial capital investment.

Successful applicants are granted a 2-year long visa. Following this, they may be able to progress to the Innovator category to extend their stay and further develop their businesses in the UK. There is no visa extension available under the Start-up route.
To qualify for the Start-up visa, applicants must first obtain an endorsement from a Home Office-approved endorsing body, confirming that their business is innovative, viable and scalable.

The Innovator visa route is aimed at experienced entrepreneurs seeking to set up or to run a business
in the UK. Under this route, applicants are required to demonstrate an innovative, viable and scalable business idea which is supported by a Home Office approved Endorsing Body. With some exceptions, applicants should have access to at least £50,000 to invest in their business.

The initial visa is granted for a period of 3 years. Innovators will be able to apply to extend their stay after 3 years, for a further 3 years, or they can settle permanently in the UK.

The overseas representative visa (also known as the sole representative visa), can be granted to individuals that hold a senior position within a company whose headquarters are outside the UK, when the company is planning to set up UK representation, and where this individual is appointed as the sole UK company representative. No investments are required for this type of visa, however, there are a set of requirements to be met.

Initial Representative of an Overseas Business visa grants entry for 3 years which can be extended for another 2 years. After 5 years residing in the UK, applicants can apply for permission to settle permanently in the UK.