UK Plans £5M Invite-Only Investor Visa to Attract Global Investors

The United Kingdom is planning a new “invite-only” investor residency visa aimed at wealthy foreign nationals prepared to commit at least £5 million to strategic sectors of the British economy, Bloomberg reports.

Eligible investors and entrepreneurs could secure up to three years of UK residency in exchange for investments in priority sectors, including artificial intelligence, clean energy, life sciences, and fast-growing technology companies.

The Tier 1 Investor Visa was scrapped in 2022 due to concerns over illicit financial flows, weak oversight, and misuse by politically exposed individuals.

Unlike the earlier scheme, the proposed programme would be selective and invitation-based, giving authorities tighter control over capital sources and investment sectors. Officials hope to attract investors who actively support business growth, innovation, and job creation rather than those seeking passive asset preservation.

Globally, countries are competing to attract mobile wealth through tax incentives and flexible residency options. The UAE, for instance, has drawn entrepreneurs, athletes, and business owners seeking low taxes and easier residency structures.

The UK’s new programme could appeal to high-net-worth individuals from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East interested in the country’s financial markets, education, legal systems, and international business network.

British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua confirmed plans to relocate to Dubai in March 2026, while Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris has reduced his London presence following recent UK tax changes, highlighting shifting patterns in global wealth migration.