As of today, the UK Tier1 Investor Visa scheme is suspended until new regulations will be finalised in 2019.   In the name of fight against organised crime, terrorism financing and money laundering, the Home Office decided to make it harder for investors to gain a lawful residency permit in the United Kingdom. The Tier1 Investor Visa required GBP2 million investment in government bonds, loan capital or share capital in the UK registered businesses. It is expected that the government bond investment possibility will be cancelled, as it did not contribute too much to the economy of the UK. Instead, the investments would be rather channelled towards active and trading companies, generating employment and tax receipts. Also, the source of funds will be even more scrutinised.   Immigration minister Caroline Nokes announced: “The UK will always be open to legitimate and genuine investors who are committed to helping our economy and businesses grow. However, I have been clear that we will not tolerate people who do not play by the rules and seek to abuse the system." “That is why I am bringing forward these new measures which will make sure that only genuine investors, who intend to support UK businesses, can benefit from our immigration system.”   The Editor's take: the abolishment of government bond investment possibility is totally understandable. If the GBP 2million is invested in the true economy, the advantages are much higher than a simple budget financing investment into UK gilts (government bonds).  

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