Can an Investor Get a UK Residency by Buying a Property in London?

If you’re an investor researching how to get a British residency, you may be wondering if you can secure a visa through buying property.

Many countries around the world offer such schemes, which fast-track you to a visa or passport if you buy a home. Spain, Portugal and Ireland are just a few of these nations. The UK used to provide this option, but unfortunately the legal situation has changed.

However, living in the UK – particularly London – still offers a multitude of benefits for foreign investors. London is the business centre of the world, and the UK offers internationally-renowned education, unbeatable healthcare and a favourable tax regime.

As a result, there are still many reasons to buy a property in London. Most importantly, buying a home in the UK can still be a crucial step towards residency. Here, we outline the legal situation for foreign investors hoping to get a visa. In addition, we look at the role property investment can play in the process.

Can Buying a Property in London or the UK Get Me a UK Visa?


Sadly, the short answer to this question is no. According to the New York Times, there are at least 14 countries that grant visas or passports to investors who buy real estate. Similarly, the US and most European Union nations offer residency permits if you buy property. However, the UK is no longer one of these countries.



According to the barristers at Richmond Chambers, ‘prior to 6 November 2014 it used to be possible to secure a Tier 1 Investor visa by relying on property and real estate with a value of not less than £2 million’. However, ‘this option has not been available to any new Tier 1 Investor visa applicants since 6 November 2014’.

The remaining options for investors hoping to get their hands on a coveted UK passport are Tier 1 Investor or Innovator visas. These routes lead to permanent residence (known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) and can even be a step towards British citizenship, through means other than buying property.

In conclusion, if you’re hoping to get residency or leave to remain in the UK through investment, these Tier 1 visas are the way to go.


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Location: United Kingdom

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