Rules & Regulations
United Kingdom Residence by Investment

Application Process

• Endorsement for Business Idea

  The first step is obtaining an endorsement for the business plan or innovation from an approved endorsing body. The completed application and supporting documents must be submitted to the diplomatic post in the applicant’s country of residence. The endorsement letter must be included with the application to prove the viability of the business plan.

• Submit Visa Application

  Once the endorsement is secured, the applicant submits their visa application to the Home Office, including all required documents (endorsement letter, proof of funds, clean criminal record, etc.). Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be either the sole or an instrumental member of the founding team of the business. The business idea must meet the innovation, viability, and scalability criteria, as assessed by the endorsing body.

• Visa Issuance

  Upon approval, the Innovator or Start-up Visa is granted, allowing the applicant to live and work in the UK for a period of 2-3 years, depending on the visa type. After three years, applicants may apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK. Once they have held ILR for 12 months and have spent a minimum of five years in the UK, they may apply for British citizenship.

• Pathway to Permanent Residency

  After 3 years on the Innovator Visa (or after meeting growth targets), applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants permanent residency. For the Global Talent Visa, applicants can apply for ILR after 3-5 years, depending on their endorsement.

• Citizenship Eligibility

  After five years of residence in the UK, and holding ILR for the last 12 months of that period, applicants are eligible to apply for British citizenship. Applicants must meet all legal requirements for citizenship, including proof of residency and passing the "Life in the UK" test, among other criteria.