Month: April 2021

The Future

The number of Tier 1 investor visas issued in the UK has fallen by 44% to 219 in the last year, down from 394 the year before according to Shard Capital. Undoubtedly the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions have affected this sudden fall in figures.

Brexit and the pandemic could have a lasting effect on the future of investor visa programmes, but how will the UK’s Tier 1 Investor Visa help those from the EU wishing to reside in the UK?

Due to the flexibility of the Tier 1 investor visa, it could possibly become the most popular option for EU and Swiss high net worth (HNW) individuals in the near future. Whilst those residing in the UK prior to 31 December 2020 will be eligible to apply for status under the free EU Settlement Scheme, new entrants to the UK will need to apply for a visa following the UK’s immigration rules.

The UK remains a safe haven for both health and political reasons.

We are now into the second quarter of 2021 and the vaccine rollout here in the UK continues at speed. While 2020 saw a 40% decline in visa applicants due to the pandemic, the success of the vaccine campaign, the slowing of the pandemic in the UK, and the continued political instability around the world mean the Tier 1 investor scheme could be set to grow again in 2021. The UK remains a safe haven for both health and political reasons.

Hong Kong has faced over two years of political hardships. It has led to a wave of departures over the past 18 months.