London, May 20, 2026 — The UK government is considering a new high-end investor visa programme that would grant residency to ultra-wealthy foreigners committing at least £5 million ($6.7 million) into priority sectors of the British economy. The initiative, described as “invite-only,” aims to reverse the country’s recent loss of millionaire residents and restore its status as a global wealth hub.
According to internal government documents reviewed by Bloomberg, the proposed visa would offer successful applicants three years of residency in the UK, with a pathway to permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) thereafter. The programme would not be open to general applications. Instead, it would target carefully selected entrepreneurs and globally mobile high-net-worth individuals through government endorsement, likely involving the Office for Investment.
Investment Requirements and Focus Areas
Applicants would need to invest the £5 million threshold in “priority areas,” such as fast-growing UK businesses in strategic sectors including artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy, and life sciences. Investments are expected to be active — typically equity stakes in companies — rather than passive vehicles. Property purchases would not qualify.
The scheme would include rigorous enhanced vetting procedures, including strict source-of-wealth checks and anti-money laundering safeguards, reflecting lessons from the previous Tier 1 Investor visa.
Background and Motivation
This proposal marks an attempt by the Labour government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer to attract targeted capital inflows following the closure of the old “Golden Visa” programme in 2022. The former Tier 1 visa, which required a lower £2 million investment, was criticised for delivering limited economic benefits and was eventually scrapped.
The urgency has grown amid a sharp exodus of wealthy individuals. The UK recorded a net loss of around 16,500 millionaires in 2025, driven largely by the abolition of the non-dom tax regime and changes to inheritance tax rules.
Plans for the new visa began circulating within government last year, with officials seeking ways to channel foreign investment into high-growth areas that can create jobs and innovation without reopening a broad, passive investment route.
Reactions and Challenges
Supporters view the “velvet rope” approach as a pragmatic step to secure meaningful economic contributions from high-calibre investors. Critics, however, question whether the programme will prove attractive enough without accompanying tax incentives or broader policy adjustments. Some commentators have pointed out that competing nations, such as Portugal, Italy, and the UAE, offer more flexible residency and tax benefits.
Others have expressed scepticism about the optics of courting multi-millionaires at a time of domestic fiscal pressures and heightened public sensitivity around immigration.
The proposal remains in early discussion stages and has not yet been formally announced or finalised. Details, including exact implementation timelines and selection criteria, could evolve significantly before any launch.
This development will be closely watched by high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and immigration advisers worldwide, particularly those exploring second-residency options in Europe and beyond. Further updates are expected in the coming months as the government refines its strategy to balance economic growth with public confidence.
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