Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa category is for non-EEA nationals who intend to establish, join or take over a business in the UK. The key requirements to qualify for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa are:

• Have at least £200,000 of own or third party funds available for investment (£50,000 when the funds are from government department, FCA registered ventured capital firm or from Home Office approved seed funding competition).
• Have a viable business plan.
• Have £3,310 maintenance funds (plus £1,890 for each dependant) in addition to the investment funds.
• English language knowledge CEFR B1 or above (in each of the 4 components: reading, writing, speaking and listening).
• Provide criminal record certificates from any country that applicant (equally applicable to adult dependant) resided for at least 12 months during the 10 years before application.
• Meet the genuine entrepreneur test (this is an assessment of viability and credibility of the applicant’s business plan by way of an interview).

The initial visa lasts 3 years and 4 months, with a 2-year extension option.

After 5 years, applicants can seek settlement, or achieve accelerated settlement after 3 years by creating 10 jobs or generating £5 million in turnover. The Innovator Visa will replace this route.

Please get in touch for our advice in obtaining an Investor Visa, we will be happy to help.