UK’s Tier 1 programme new driver for immigration

If one could summarise recent developments of the immigration policy to the UK, it would be correct to say it has not been made easier.

With more and more restrictions on existing programmes and the cancellation of some popular immigration routes, the options for potential applications have substantially narrowed down.

This has led to an increased interest in the Tier 1 programme, according to immigration consultancy firms.

The Tier 1 programme, though not for everybody, offers the flexibility of two options: that of a high-net investment; or entrepreneurship with the options of applying for indefinite stay and consequently British citizenship. Both programmes have seen a considerable increase in applicants over the past month.

"Although it comes at a price (at least GBP1 million, with GBP750k of that being invested in the UK) the investor visa provides the most flexibility as it allows the holder to be employed, self-employed or set up in business – or indeed sit back and watch your investment should this be all that you wish to do," advises Newland Chase, a UK-based immigrant specialist firm.

Investment is the nominator of this programme.

"The more you invest, the faster you get your permanent residence," says Damian Mohammed, International Strategy Analyst at the company. "For example, an investment of GBP5 million could get you residence after three years. If the investment is GBP10 million, you could get residence in 2 years."

The entrepreneur route is the cheaper option, however, personal involvement is required.

"The Tier 1 Entrepreneur route is a much popular proposition for investors as they are able to invest GBP200,000 to establish a business which in turn allows them to remain in control of their investment whilst ultimately supporting the UK governments goal of developing their economy," clarifies Peninsula Business Solutions Ltd (DIFC), a Dubai-based immigration consultancy firm.

According to Ibrahim Mohammed, Managing Director of the company, it is this route that has received increased interest over the past months.

"People were not really aware of the programme, but we received many applications. It is really a unique programme, because it offers the opportunity to manage a business. And is currently one of the cheapest investment options."

Numbers are surging, according to Ibrahim. “We recently introduced the UK Tier 1 residency programme and are now witnessing an upsurge in demand specifically from Russian, Indian, Chinese and Iranian investors.

“We believe the demand is increasing due to economic and political stability in certain regions which is proving the driving force for investors.”

According to Damian, the Tier 1 programme is really the most accessible when it comes to personal requirements. "There is no requirement to be able to speak English for the investor visa. English skills are assessed for the entrepreneur route, but here you have other benefits aside the financial ones.

"It is now possible for up to two individuals to apply as an ‘entrepreneurial team’ using the same GBP200k funds for investment provided that both team members have equal access to the funds and intend to set up together in business in the UK. This is currently the option that saw the biggest increase in applications."

However, the increase in applications should not be confused with an increase in successful immigrants, points out Asma Bashir, Practice Manager at Newland Chase. "Especially the entrepreneur route is a programme that puts a lot of pressure on the new immigrant. It is not just about the money; if the business is not successful, there could be issues when looking to extend the visa."

"There are many applicants who have the money, but not the capacity to make a business work. They might consider the programme a possibility to gain a second passport, but the programme is not just an easy passport," she adds.

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