An area of law where having a long term portfolio of investment is becoming increasingly important is under the Immigration Rules. The UK Border Agency has significantly narrowed the categories under which people who want to come to the UK and live, can apply and then remain.
Under the Tier 1 Investor rules, Investors from outside the UK are entitled to obtain a visa on investment of funds of £1 million or if they own personal assets which, taking into account any liabilities to which they are subject, have a value exceeding £2 million.
At QS Fisher Jones Greenwood we work in close contact with those administering investment portfolios as it is essential for the validity of the visa and any subsequent extensions, for the investor to maintain the level of investment throughout the duration of their visa (an initial period of 3 years and then for the following extension period of 2 years).
In order to qualify for this visa, the investor needs to invest at least £750,000 of that £1 million in UK government bonds or share/ loan capital in active and trading UK Registered Companies. An investment portfolio then must be produced so as to show that any investment value fluctuations are made up in the next reporting period and at least by the time a further leave application has to be made.
This is a changing area of Immigration law which will open up investment opportunities in the UK. For more information please contact our immigration team on 01206 835270