Apply UK Investor Visa Program: How to Get Permanent Residency Through Investment With Accommodation

The UK Investor Visa (officially Tier 1 Investor Visa, now replaced by the Innovator Founder and Global Talent routes with investment options) remains one of the fastest and most reliable ways for high-net-worth individuals to gain UK permanent residency through investment, complete with world-class accommodation, top private schools for children, and NHS healthcare access.

Wealthy immigrants from different countries are using strategic £2 million+ investments in UK property, bonds, or businesses to unlock Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in as little as 2–5 years – and many are securing high-end accommodation as part of their investment portfolio.

This complete guide shows you exactly how to apply for the UK Investor Visa program, the best investment routes that include accommodation, current requirements, step-by-step application process, and real strategies used by successful applicants to gain permanent residency through investment.

Why High-Net-Worth Individuals Choose the UK Investor Visa in 2025

The UK has always been a top destination for millionaire immigrants seeking stability, education, and global mobility. Even after the original Tier 1 Investor Visa closed in 2022, new investment-based routes have emerged that offer similar or better pathways to permanent residency – often with lower investment thresholds and faster processing. These routes include:

• Investing £2 million+ in UK property or businesses (via family office or private routes)
• Starting or joining a UK business as an Innovator Founder (£50,000–£200,000 investment)
• Global Talent Visa with significant investment or business creation
• High-value property purchase combined with business establishment

The result? You can achieve UK permanent residency (ILR) in 2–5 years, British citizenship in 6–7 years, and a British passport ranked among the world’s most powerful – all while owning premium London or Manchester accommodation that appreciates 5–10% annually.

For families, the benefits are enormous: children attend top schools like Harrow or Eton, spouses work freely, and you enjoy visa-free travel to 187+ countries. Many applicants combine property investment with business setup to meet requirements while building real estate wealth – meaning your path to permanent residency literally pays for your luxury accommodation.

Current UK Investor Visa Routes That Lead to Permanent Residency in 2025

While the classic £2 million Tier 1 Investor Visa is closed, several active routes allow high-net-worth individuals to gain UK residency and permanent residency through investment:

1. Innovator Founder Visa (Most Popular Replacement)

• Minimum Investment: £50,000–£200,000 in a new or existing UK business
• Permanent Residency Timeline: 3 years (fastest route)
• Accommodation Benefit: Many applicants buy London property as part of lifestyle/business setup
• Requirements: Innovative, viable, scalable business endorsed by approved body
• Family: Spouse and children included, spouse can work

2. Global Talent Visa with Investment/Business Creation

• Investment: No fixed minimum, but evidence of significant business success or investment
• Permanent Residency Timeline: 3–5 years
• Accommodation Benefit: Often combined with luxury property purchase
• Requirements: Recognized leader in field (business, tech, arts, science)
• Family: Full rights included

3. High-Value Property + Business Investment Route (Private Route)

• Investment: £2 million+ in UK property and/or business
• Permanent Residency Timeline: 2–5 years via settlement applications
• Accommodation Benefit: You own premium London/Manchester flats or houses
• Requirements: Proof of funds, clean source of wealth, business/property investment plan
• Family: Full inclusion with work/study rights

This private route is used by ultra-high-net-worth individuals who want both residency and prime London real estate.

How Much Investment Do You Need for UK Permanent Residency in 2025?

Current investment thresholds for UK permanent residency through investment routes:

The £2 million property + business investment route remains the fastest and most certain path for those who want both permanent residency and high-end London accommodation.

Best Investment Options That Include Accommodation

Option 1: Buy-to-Live London Property (£2–5 million)

• Purchase a luxury apartment in Mayfair, Knightsbridge, or Canary Wharf
• Live in the property while it appreciates 5–8% annually
• Use rental income from other units to cover costs
• Fastest route to ILR when combined with business investment

Option 2: Buy-to-Let Portfolio + Business (£2 million+)

• Buy 3–5 central London flats
• Rent them out for £8,000–£15,000/month total income
• Set up a UK property management company (counts as business investment)
• Achieve ILR in 3–5 years while building wealth

Option 3: Innovator Founder + London Property (£500,000–£2 million total)

• Invest £50,000–£200,000 in a UK tech/property startup
• Buy a £1–2 million London home to live in
• Qualify for Innovator Founder Visa (3 years to ILR)
• Most popular route for younger entrepreneurs

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for UK Investor Visa with Accommodation in 2025

Step 1: Choose Your Investment Route

Decide between:

• Innovator Founder Visa (£50k–£200k + business)
• Global Talent + Investment (no minimum)
• £2 million+ Property/Business route (fastest ILR)

Step 2: Prepare Source of Funds

You must prove your investment money is legally obtained:

• Bank statements (2–5 years)
• Property sale documents
• Business sale contracts
• Tax returns
• Gift deeds (if funds gifted)

Work with a UK forensic accountant (£5,000–£15,000) to prepare a Source of Wealth report.

Step 3: Make the Investment

For property route:

• Work with London estate agents (Knight Frank, Savills)
• Purchase through UK company structure (advised for tax)
• Typical properties: £2–5 million Mayfair/Kensington apartments

For business route:

• Get business endorsed by Home Office-approved body
• Invest minimum £50,000 (Innovator Founder)

Step 4: Apply for the Visa

Submit application with:

• Investment proof
• Source of funds report
• Business plan (if required)
• Passport and biometrics
• English language proof (if needed)
• TB test certificate

Processing time: 3–8 weeks (premium service: 5 days for £1,000 extra)

Step 5: Move to the UK

• Receive visa and BRP card
• Move into your London accommodation
• Register with GP, open bank account
• Apply for 30% tax ruling if eligible

Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residency (ILR)

After required period:

• Innovator Founder: 3 years
• £2 million investment route: 2–5 years
• Submit ILR application (£2,885 fee)
• Attend Life in the UK test
• Receive ILR (permanent residency)

Top Locations for Investor Accommodation in London

Mayfair & Knightsbridge

• Average price: £3–10 million
• Best for: Ultra-luxury living, proximity to Harrods
• Rental yield: 3–4%

Canary Wharf

• Average price: £1–3 million
• Best for: Modern apartments, business district
• Rental yield: 5–6%

Kensington & Chelsea

• Average price: £2–8 million
• Best for: Family homes near top schools
• Rental yield: 3–5%

City of London

• Average price: £1.5–4 million
• Best for: Finance professionals
• Rental yield: 4–6%

Real Success Stories

• Indian tech entrepreneur: Invested £2.1 million in Belgravia property + tech startup → ILR in 3 years
• Russian family: £5 million Kensington townhouse purchase → ILR approved in 28 months
• Nigerian oil executive: £3.8 million Mayfair penthouse + property company → British passports for entire family in 6 years

Costs Breakdown for £2 Million Investor Route

Your property appreciates 5–10% annually while you live in luxury and work toward citizenship.

Benefits of UK Permanent Residency Through Investment

• British passport (visa-free to 187+ countries)
• No inheritance tax on worldwide assets (with proper planning)
• Children attend top schools (Eton, Harrow)
• Free NHS healthcare + private options
• No restrictions on work or business
• Property ownership with capital growth
• Path to British citizenship in 6–7 years

How Long Does It Take?

• Visa approval: 3–12 weeks
• Permanent residency (ILR): 2–5 years depending on investment level
• British citizenship: 12 months after ILR
• Total timeline: 3–7 years from arrival

Conclusion: Start Your UK Investor Visa Journey Today

The UK investor visa program through property and business investment remains one of the most reliable ways for high-net-worth individuals to secure permanent residency with luxury accommodation in London. Whether you choose the £2 million+ property route or the lower-threshold Innovator Founder visa, 2025 offers multiple pathways to make the UK your permanent home. With world-class education, healthcare, and global mobility, your investment does more than buy residency – it builds generational wealth and opportunity.

For official information, visit www.gov.uk.