Is it Still Possible to Get British Citizenship by Investing in the UK?

Countries like St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Turkey, and Egypt offer the chance to acquire citizenship through investment. But is this possible in the UK?

What is Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by Investment allows individuals to obtain citizenship in another country by making significant financial contributions to its economy. Typically, Citizenship by Investment programs require a minimum investment in approved assets like government bonds, or real estate, granting citizenship in just a few months. Some countries may not require any physical presence, while others mandate a minimum residence period.

Does the UK Offer a Citizenship by Investment Program?

The UK previously had the Tier 1 Investor Visa, a formal citizenship by investment program. This visa allowed wealthy individuals to gain indefinite leave to remain(permanent residence) after two, three or five years of investing in the UK, with citizenship available afterward if certain criteria were met. However, this program was closed in 2022.

What Are the Current Investment Pathways to British Citizenship?

While the UK no longer offers a direct citizenship by investment route, foreign nationals can still achieve British citizenship through specific visa programs that contribute to the UK’s economy.

_{1. Innovator Founder Visa}

The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for entrepreneurs who want to establish an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK. Applicants need endorsement from an endorsing body to confirm the business’s potential.

Although no set amount of investment is required, entrepreneurs must demonstrate access to funds to meet the requirement to show the business’s growth potential and viability. This visais valid for three years, and after this period, applicants can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) if it is meeting specific growth and success criteria such as:

• A minimum of £50,000 invested in the business.
• A noticeable increase in the number of customers or gross revenue.
• The creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for UK residents, or 5 full-time jobs with a specific salary threshold.
• Significant business achievements, such as market growth or innovation.

Once granted ILR, you can apply for British citizenship if eligible.

_{2. Self-Sponsorship Visa Route}

The Self-Sponsorship route is an alternative for entrepreneurs or existing business owners looking to establish or expand their ventures in the UK. This option is not officially recognized as a separate route but operates under the framework of the Skilled Worker Visa and Sponsor Licence.

To use this route:

• Set up or acquire a UK-based business.
• Apply for a sponsor licence to sponsor yourself as a skilled worker.

Although no specific investment funds are required, businesses must prove they are genuine, and applicants need to meet the required salary threshold. After five years, applicants can apply for ILR, followed by British citizenship a year later, provided all requirements are met.

Conclusion

While the UK no longer offers a fast-track to citizenship purely through investment, it still provides pathways to settlement and citizenship through contributions to the UK economy. Both the Innovator Founder Visa and Self-Sponsorship route require economic activity and a certain level of investment, making them viable alternatives for those looking to establish a long-term presence in the UK.