The United Kingdom is a land of opportunity for UAE entrepreneurs. The UK Investor Visa may be your ticket to living and investing in one of the top economies in the world. Its business-friendly climate, laws, and regulations are the reason for the abundance of domestic and foreign companies in the nation. This is among the factors that lead so many business owners to seek to establish or expand companies in the UK. You will be entitled to work or study under the investor visa category.
Eligibility for a UK Investor Visa
The UK Investor Visa eligibility is,
1) You must be at least 18 years old.
2) You must have a minimum investment of fifty thousand pounds in a new business venture.
3) You have to have opened an account with a bank that is governed by UK law.
4) With certain restrictions, the UK Investor Visa is only available to people with a minimum of two million pounds in available investment capital.
5) Only you or your partner may own the funds.
6) The investor UK visa requirement does not include maintenance or English language proficiency.
7) The funds must be easily accessible for use in the UK and kept in a financial institution that is subject to regulation.
8) Although having a UK bank account is required, you are not need to have the cash in this account at the time of application. You may have funds in an account abroad.
Requirements for a UK Investor Visa
A business plan and sponsorship are not necessary for the visa, but there are certain paperwork and compliance requirements. The UK Investor Visa requirements include,
1) A valid passport from the UAE.
2) Evidence of the funds and that they are allowed to invest in the United Kingdom.
3) Evidence of capital investment of at least 2 million pounds.
4) The 2 million GBP must be invested in share capital, Government bonds, or loan capital in active and trading in registered companies in the UK.
5) A clear criminal record certificate.
6) Your Tuberculosis test report.
Advantages of the Investor Visa for the UK
The UK Investor Visa benefits for UAE business owners are,
1) By making a bigger investment, there is a quicker path to settlement. If you invest 10 million, you will get a settlement after two years. If you invest 5 million, you will get a settlement after three years.
2) You are free to work or study.
3) The application can be submitted for your spouse, and if you have children under 18 years old.
4) After five years, you will be eligible to apply for settlement, and a year after obtaining your payment, you will be eligible to apply for British citizenship.
5) You can avail yourself of facilities like healthcare and education.
How UAE Citizens Can Apply for a UK Investor Visa
Steps for applying for an Investor Visa UK from the United Arab Emirates are,
1) Obtain approval from a recognized firm for innovator and start-up visas. You must obtain an endorsement from a relevant organization in your profession to be eligible for the Global Talent Visa.
2) Apply online by choosing the relevant UK Business Visa Types on the UK Visas and Immigration website.
3) Get all required paperwork ready. It will include
a) Your passport, which should be valid for the length of your visit.
b) You need to show your bank statements, which will demonstrate the necessary maintenance funds.
c) You need to submit a portfolio or business plan for Global Talent and Innovator Visas.
d) IELTS or a comparable exam result is required as proof of English proficiency for innovator and start-up visas.
4) Pay your visa fees. Depending on the type of visa, there are different application fees. The annual cost of the IHS to access the UK National Health Service is 624 pounds.
5) Go to a visa application center and provide your biometric information. Additionally, some candidates might be invited to an interview.
6) Use the visa center or the internet to check the status of your application.
7) The processing time of the visa may vary. Most applications are resolved in three to eight weeks. A visa vignette to enter the UK will be added to your passport upon approval.
The UK visa from Dubai can be accessed online via the official UK Visas and Immigration website. Always check that you are using the most recent version.
Managing Your Compliance and Visa
After being approved, the visa comes with the following obligations.
1) After you get to the UK, you have three months to invest the 2 million pounds.
2) Investments must be made in operating UK enterprises rather than real estate or foreign corporations.
3) Maintain documentation and be prepared for audits or requests for supporting documentation from UK authorities.
4) You cannot spend more than 180 days outside of the UK for 12 months in a row.
Processing Time for UK Investor Visas
The UK Investor Visa processing time is one of the primary worries of applicants. Applying from outside the UK, including the UAE, usually results in a decision within three weeks. On the other hand, incomplete paperwork or extra background checks may cause delays. If offered at the UK visa center, priority and super-priority services can drastically cut waiting periods to five working days or even twenty-four hours. However, they come at an additional expense.
Fees for the UK Investment Visa
1) The application fee for the innovator visa is 1036 pounds for those applying from outside the UK. It is 1292 pounds for those applying from within the UK.
2) The application fee for a start-up visa is 378 pounds. It is the same amount for those applying from inside and outside the UK.
3) Applying for a Global Talent Visa costs 623 pounds. If you choose to switch to ILR, you will have to pay an additional fee.
4) The annual cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge is 624 pounds per application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1) It can be challenging to open a UK bank account from the UAE. Start early and pick a bank that understands the requirements for investor visas.
2) One of the main reasons for delays or denials is missing documentation.
3) Investments without approval. Make sure your investing plan is as per visa regulations.
4) Visa cancellation or ineligibility for ILR may result from not spending enough time in the UK.
Final Thoughts
One of the best options for UAE business owners looking to expand internationally and improve their standard of living is still the UK Investor Visa. The journey from Dubai to London can be simple with the correct preparation and direction. You can take advice from an expert if you have any doubts.