The Tier 1 (Investor) route closed to new applications at 4pm on 17 February 2022. The government has not introduced a replacement that grants UK residence solely in return for passive investment. Existing holders also passed the final extension deadline on 17 February 2026, although qualifying settlement applications can still be made before 17 February 2028.
The former route was for high-net-worth applicants investing substantial funds in qualifying UK assets. For applicants granted under the rules introduced from 6 November 2014, the usual minimum investment was £2 million. Higher investment levels could shorten the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain. Earlier entrants may be subject to different historic requirements.
What has closed and what remains
| Stage | Position in July 2026 |
|---|---|
| New applications | Closed since 4pm on 17 February 2022 |
| Switching into the route | No longer permitted |
| Extension applications | Had to be submitted before 17 February 2026 |
| Settlement applications | Must be submitted before 17 February 2028 |
| Typical post-2014 settlement periods | Five years with £2 million, three years with £5 million or two years with £10 million |
| Direct replacement | None has been introduced |
The Home Office closed the route following concerns about illicit finance, security and whether it delivered sufficient benefit to the UK. The closure did not cancel permission already granted, but it created firm deadlines for remaining holders. Current investors should check the official Tier 1 (Investor) guidance against the rules applying to their original grant.
If you already hold Tier 1 Investor permission
The settlement deadline does not extend your current immigration permission. You must apply before your existing leave expires and, in every case, before 17 February 2028. Applicants must satisfy the requirements applying to their grant. These may include maintaining the qualifying investment, meeting continuous-residence limits, passing the Life in the UK Test and meeting the English-language requirement unless exempt.
Investment evidence should be reviewed early because the rules can differ according to the initial grant date and the assets held. Waiting until the final months may leave insufficient time to resolve missing records or identify a break in qualifying investment.
After settlement, British citizenship after ILR may be possible. Most applicants must hold ILR for at least 12 months, although someone married to a British citizen may not need to wait. Residence, absence and good-character requirements still apply.
If an application is refused, the correct response depends on the decision and available review rights. Our guide to appeal, administrative review or a fresh application explains the main options. In suitable cases, advice on appeals and judicial review may be required.
Alternatives for new investors and founders
No current UK category provides residence simply because an applicant transfers investment capital. The appropriate route depends on the person’s business plans, achievements and intended UK role.
The Innovator Founder visa is for applicants developing an endorsed business that is innovative, viable and scalable. It can currently lead to settlement after three years if the applicant and business meet the relevant criteria.
The self-sponsorship route is not a separate visa category. It usually describes a founder establishing or acquiring a genuine UK business that obtains a sponsor licence and sponsors them under Skilled Worker rules. Our comparison of self-sponsorship compared with the Innovator Founder visa explains the distinction.
A Skilled Worker visa requires an eligible role with a licensed sponsor, the correct salary and skill level, and continuing sponsor compliance. The guide to which route suits founders and scale-ups compares wider options.
The Global Talent visa may suit recognised leaders or potential leaders in academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology. Settlement can currently take three or five years. The government’s proposed settlement reforms may change parts of the system, but proposals are not current law.
Family and visitor routes serve different purposes. A marriage visitor visa is for a short visit to marry or enter a civil partnership and does not lead to settlement.
Get advice before the remaining deadline
Existing investors should review their immigration history, absences and investment records now. New applicants should be cautious of anyone advertising a current UK visa based solely on passive investment. Speak to the immigration solicitors in London at Garth Coates for advice on settlement under the closed route or a current route that matches your plans.
