Tier 1 (Investor)
Settlement
This section explains whether and how you can apply for permission to settle in the UK (also known as 'indefinite leave to remain') if you are here under Tier 1 (Investor) of the points-based system.
On this page
Full details of these requirements are in Part 6A of the Immigration Rules, which you can find on the right side of this page.
When can you apply for settlement?
Depending on your level of investment in the UK, you must complete a continuous residence period of 2, 3 or 5 years here before you can apply for settlement.
During the continuous residence period, you cannot be outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 calendar months.
The continuous residence period is 2 years if:
- you have money of your own under your control in the UK amounting to at least £10 million; or
- you own personal assets with a value (once any liabilities are taken into account) of at least £20 million, and you have at least £10 million under your control and disposable in the UK which has been loaned to you by a UK regulated financial institution.
The continuous residence period is 3 years if:
- you have money of your own under your control in the UK amounting to at least £5 million; or
- you own personal assets with a value (once any liabilities are taken into account) of at least £10 million, and you have at least £5 million under your control and disposable in the UK which has been loaned to you by a UK regulated financial institution.
The continuous residence period is 5 years if:
- you have money of your own under your control in the UK amounting to at least £1 million; or
- you own personal assets with a value (once any liabilities are taken into account) of at least £2 million, and you have at least £1 million under your control and disposable in the UK which has been loaned to you by a UK regulated financial institution.
Additional requirements
If you have been in the former investor category throughout your permission to remain in the UK, you must show that you have maintained your investments throughout the investment period, with the exception of the period before the investments were made.
If you currently have permission to remain under Tier 1 (Investor), you must show that you have maintained your investments throughout the investment period, with the exception of the first 3 months of that period.
You must also meet all other requirements of the Immigration Rules. The Immigration Rules are subject to change, and you must meet the requirements that are in place at the time when you apply for settlement.
How can you apply for settlement?
You should apply using the SET(O) form, which you can download from the right side of this page.
You must have sufficient English language ability and knowledge of life in the UK, unless you are under 18 years old or over 65 years old when you apply. You can find more information in the Settlement section.
Can your dependants apply for settlement?
The partner of an investor can apply for settlement at the same time as the investor, if they have lived together in the UK for at least 2 years before applying for settlement.
An investor's child can apply for settlement at the same time as the investor, as long as the child meets the requirements of the Immigration Rules.