UK Tier 1 Investor Visa Guide 2025: Extension, Settlement & Alternative Routes

As an experienced UK immigration advisor, I’ve worked with numerous high-net-worth individuals seeking to invest in the UK and secure a route to residency and citizenship. While the UK Tier 1 Investor Visa closed to new applicants in February 2022, it remains a vital immigration pathway for those who currently hold this visa and wish to extend it or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain the current requirements for Tier 1 Investor Visa holders, the application process for extensions and settlement, and the most relevant alternative visa routes available in 2025.

What Was the UK Tier 1 Investor Visa?

The Tier 1 Investor Visa was designed for high-net-worth individuals willing to invest a minimum of £2 million into the UK economy. This visa provided a streamlined path to residency, settlement, and ultimately British citizenship, making it one of the most prestigious immigration routes in the UK.

Although the scheme is now closed to new applicants, existing visa holders and their dependents can still apply for extensions and settlement, provided they continue to meet the financial and residency requirements.

Apply Also: UK Innovator Founder Visa 2025 Guide – Requirements, Endorsement & Application Process

Who Can Still Use the UK Tier 1 Investor Visa Route in 2025?

If you currently hold a valid Tier 1 Investor Visa, you may still be eligible to:

• Extend your visa for an additional two years

• Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

• Progress to British citizenship (subject to meeting additional requirements)

To remain eligible under this route, you must have:

• Invested at least £2 million in qualifying UK investments within 90 days of entering the UK

• Maintained your investment throughout your stay

• Proven the source of your investment funds (held for a minimum of 2 years before your initial application)

Tier 1 Investor Visa Extension Requirements

To successfully apply for an extension, you must meet the following key criteria:

If your investment has temporarily fallen below the threshold due to market fluctuations, you may still qualify if you acted promptly to restore the balance.

How to Apply for a Tier 1 Investor Visa Extension or ILR in 2025

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you:

• Have met the minimum investment and maintenance requirements

• Have not been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents

Required documents typically include:

• Proof of ongoing investment (e.g., share certificates, loan documents)

• Source of funds documentation (e.g., bank statements, legal transfer records)

• Evidence of residence in the UK (e.g., utility bills, tenancy agreements)

• Valid passport and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

Step 3: Submit Application Online

Apply via the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal. You will need to:

• Complete the online application form

• Pay the applicable extension or ILR fee

• Book and attend a biometric appointment

Step 4: Await a Decision

Processing time is typically 8 to 12 weeks, but priority and super-priority services may be available.

Apply Also: UK Innovator Founder Visa 2025 Guide – Requirements, Endorsement & Application Process

Fast-Track to British Citizenship for Investor Visa Holders

Tier 1 Investor Visa holders may be eligible for accelerated ILR and citizenship based on the level of investment:

Citizenship applicants must also pass the Life in the UK Test, meet English language requirements, and have no more than 450 days of absence from the UK in the last 5 years.

Alternatives to the Tier 1 Investor Visa in 2024

Since the closure of the Tier 1 Investor Visa, the UK has introduced alternative routes for high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs:

1. Innovator Founder Visa

• Minimum investment: No set amount (but typically £50,000 recommended)

• Requires endorsement from a Home Office-approved endorsing body

• Suitable for experienced entrepreneurs with scalable, innovative business ideas

• Offers a 3-year visa with a route to ILR

2. Global Talent Visa

• No investment required

• For individuals recognised as leaders or emerging leaders in fields such as tech, science, engineering, and the arts

• No job offer or sponsorship required

• Fast route to settlement in as little as 3 years

3. Skilled Worker Visa

• Requires a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor

• Not an investment visa, but a practical route for those with in-demand skills

• Allows for permanent residency after 5 years

Final Thoughts

While the UK Tier 1 Investor Visa is no longer open to new applicants, it continues to offer significant opportunities for those who already hold it. With the right strategy and professional guidance, Tier 1 Investor Visa holders can secure extensions, achieve settlement, and eventually obtain British citizenship.

For those exploring investment immigration options in 2024, the UK’s Innovator Founder Visa, Global Talent Visa, and Skilled Worker Visa provide viable alternatives—each tailored to different profiles and goals.

If you’re unsure about the best pathway for you, working with a trusted UK immigration expert can help ensure your application is well-prepared, compliant, and positioned for success.

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