Points will be awarded for an investment of £1,000,000 in money that is disposable in the United Kingdom and in a regulated financial institution, or £2,000,000 in personal assets and £1,000,000 that is in a loan from an authorised financial institution (one that is regulated by the Financial Services Authority).

In order to meet the requirements for an extension in this category, an individual must invest not less than £750,000 of their capital in the United Kingdom by way of United Kingdom Government bonds, share capital or loan capital in active and trading United Kingdom registered companies other than those principally engaged in property investment within three months of receiving permission to enter the United Kingdom. An individual must also show that the £750,000 is maintained throughout the period of the permission to stay (from the date that the investments were made). Individuals are not restricted to keeping the same investments that were originally made on entering this category as long as the £750,000.00 is maintained. If the value of any investment in stocks or shareholdings is reduced by changes in share prices, it must be corrected by the next reporting period, so that the overall value of the investments has been maintained throughout the period.

The remaining part of the £1,000,000 can, of course, be kept on deposit in a bank, providing it remains in the UK. It can also be used, amongst other things, to buy the home in which the investor and any family members will live.

Individuals may also undertake employment.

For individuals applying from abroad, this category requires an entry clearance which must be issued in the individual’s home country (or other country in which they are lawfully resident). Assuming all the criteria can be met, an entry clearance will be given for an initial period of three years.

Extensions: An application for an extension must be made before the initial three year period expires. Assuming all of the above criteria continue to be met, the extension will normally be granted for two years. As the value of investments can fluctuate over time, this category isn’t always suitable for those who can only just meet the investment requirements and wouldn’t be able to "top up" the funds held & invested in the UK if the value falls.

Switching: It is potentially possible for individuals to switch into this category from other immigration categories. However, this depends on the individual case and on all of the relevant criteria of the category being met. We can advise on each individual case.

Indefinite leave to remain: Individuals who have spent five continuous years in the UK in this category will usually become eligible for indefinite leave to remain ("ILR"), subject to meeting all the relevant criteria, including passing the Life In The UK Test. Individuals may also aggregate time spent under the former "Investor" category.

Accompanying family members: Family members may accompany the applicant to the UK but will almost always require entry clearances. These must be issued in the home country (or other country of lawful residence), before they travel to the UK.