Investor visa, residency by investment and citizenship-by-investment programmes across Europe.
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Thresholds vary by country — typically €250,000–€500,000 for real estate, or lower amounts via investment funds. Requirements change regularly; always verify with a lawyer.
In most countries, Golden Visa holders can apply for citizenship after 5–10 years of residence. Requirements include language tests and clean criminal records.
Browse our verified directory of law firms across United Kingdom's major cities. All listed firms offer English-language legal services to expats and foreign nationals.
Find My Lawyer in 60 SecondsThe Tier 1 Investor Visa was closed to new applicants on 17 February 2022, following concerns about financial crime, corruption and national security. The UK now attracts high-value individuals primarily through the Global Talent visa, the Innovator Founder visa, and for Commonwealth nationals, the UK Ancestry visa. The government has announced a new "High Potential Individual" (HPI) visa and has consulted on a replacement investor route, though no new investor visa had been launched as of early 2026.
| Field | Endorsing Body | Criteria | ILR Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science, Research, Engineering, Technology | UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) | Recognised leader (Exceptional Talent) or emerging leader (Exceptional Promise) | 3 years (ET) / 5 years (EP) |
| Humanities, Social Sciences | British Academy | Academic distinction; international recognition | 5 years |
| Engineering | Royal Academy of Engineering | Fellow-level international reputation | 3 or 5 years |
| Medicine & Healthcare | Royal Society of Medicine / UKRI | Clinical / research excellence | 3 or 5 years |
| Arts & Culture | Arts Council England | Outstanding talent in arts; sustained career | 5 years |
| Digital Technology | Tech Nation successor / UKRI (from June 2023) | Exceptional technical or entrepreneurial talent in digital economy | 3 or 5 years |
| Architecture | Royal Institute of British Architects | International standing; significant body of work | 5 years |
The Global Talent visa has no minimum salary requirement, no sponsor requirement, and permits self-employment. Switching from within the UK is possible from most routes. Endorsement fee: £716; visa fee: from £259 (under 3yr) to £820 (3yr); IHS: £1,035/yr.
Replaced the Start-up and Innovator visas from April 2023. Requirements: (1) Endorsement from an approved endorsing body that the business is innovative, viable and scalable; (2) at least £50,000 investment in the business (evidence of access, not necessarily spent); (3) English B2 (CEFR). No minimum salary requirement. ILR after 3 years if business meets endorsement conditions at renewal — evidence required: endorsing body's continued support and achievement of specific milestones (e.g. generating revenue, hiring UK staff, holding patents). If business fails: must switch to another route or leave the UK.
Launched May 2022. For graduates of top global universities (Top 50 QS ranking in the two years before application). No job offer required; no sponsor required. Duration: 2 years (bachelor's/master's), 3 years (PhD). IHS payable. Can switch to Skilled Worker if job obtained. No direct route to ILR from HPI — must switch. A useful route for recent graduates exploring the UK market before committing to a sponsored role.
The government announced the abolition of the non-domicile remittance basis in the Autumn Budget 2024, effective 6 April 2025. The non-dom regime is replaced with a Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) exemption: new arrivals who have not been UK tax resident in the previous 10 years benefit from a 4-year exemption on foreign income and gains (regardless of remittance). After the 4-year period, worldwide income and gains are fully taxed in the UK. The Temporary Repatriation Facility (TRF) allows former non-doms to remit pre-April 2025 foreign income/gains at a reduced rate (12% in 2025/26 and 2026/27). This represents a significant change for HNWI planning their UK tax position — legal advice is essential before April 2025.
Rachel, a US citizen and former CTO of a San Francisco AI company, applied for Global Talent (Digital Technology) in December 2023 following Tech Nation's wind-down (endorsements transferred to UKRI). UKRI endorsement obtained in 6 weeks (submitted evidence: patents, keynote speaking, advisory roles, press coverage). Visa granted 3-year Exceptional Talent route. Rachel co-founded a UK AI company; after 3 years, applied for ILR (£2,885). ILR granted. Applied for British naturalisation 12 months later (£1,500 + £50 Life in the UK test). Total cost: approximately £6,500 over 4 years excluding professional legal advice (£8,000–£15,000 for immigration solicitor support throughout).
