Investor Visa Could Return to UK
The UK government is thinking about creating a new visa program aimed at wealthy foreign nationals who are willing to invest in key industries to help boost the economy.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is considering reintroducing an investor visa focused on sectors like artificial intelligence, clean energy, and life sciences.
The UK used to offer the Tier 1 Investor Visa, which allowed people to live in the country if they invested large sums of money into UK companies. However, that visa was scrapped in 2022 over security concerns. Officials were worried that some applicants had gained their wealth illegally or were involved in money laundering and corruption.
Despite past efforts to reform the scheme, the UK eventually shut it down, saying it had been misused by corrupt individuals.
The proposed new investor visa is still in the early planning stages. It forms part of a wider push to attract more foreign investment and position the UK as a global hub for innovation-focused industries. Unlike the previous program, the new scheme is expected to include stricter safeguards such as thorough financial checks and stronger vetting processes to prevent misuse.
The UK is following the lead of countries like Portugal and Greece in reassessing its investor visa policies.
Similar Programs Exist in Europe
Several European countries, including Portugal, Greece, Malta, Cyprus, and Hungary—offer “Golden Visa” programs. These give residency to wealthy individuals in exchange for significant investments.
However, the European Commission has urged countries to stop these programs due to similar security concerns, even though they bring in a lot of money.
The UK government has recently made big changes to its immigration rules, aiming to reduce overall migration and tighten border controls.
Officials say the new investor visa would be designed to attract individuals who make meaningful contributions to the British economy, helping shape a more targeted immigration system.
Do you support the UK bringing back an investor visa program? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.
Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.
Check out the offers and discounts from:
And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.
IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries
If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.
Some of our posts include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products, we might get a small commission. For more information, check out our TOS.
- France Updates Schengen Visa Policy for Russian Nationals - 18 May 2025
- Investor Visa Could Return to UK - 17 May 2025
- Canary Islands Locals Protest Tourism Boom - 16 May 2025
