
TIER 1 (ENTREPRENEUR)
For people starting or joining one or more businesses in the Isle of Man
In this section
Tier 1 (Enterpreneur)
The Isle of Man maintains the popular Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route, for people who applied prior to 6 April 2020 to start or join Isle of Man businesses.
Entrepreneur allows people starting or joining Isle of Man businesses to obtain residence in the Isle of Man or UK, and ultimately British citizenship. The route generally requires an investment of at least GBP200,000 and creation of at least two jobs for workers in the Isle of Man. The route typically leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years, although other options are available. Kinley Legal can help ensure the viability of the business plan and the likelihood of success of the immigration application.
This route closed to new applications on 6 April 2020. People already on the Entrepreneur route can continue to extend their leave to remain and ultimately obtain ILR, and Kinley Legal can assist with all aspects of preparation for and submission of extension and ILR applications.
Kinley Legal can help existing Entrepreneurs improve their chances of success in their applications for further leave to remain and ILR, which can be some of the most complex immigration applications: please contact us for details.
The new Start Up and Innovator routes have replaced the Entrepreneur route, and offer different and, in some circumstances, more advantageous terms.
Common Questions
What if my business is very successful?
If your business a very high income in the first three years, or has created at least 10 jobs, you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after only three years, rather than the normal five years.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, this route allows a spouse or partner and minor children to move with the main applicant, and they can work, subject to work permits and conditions set out in the Immigration Rules. Older children may need to be considered as a separate case: Kinley Legal can advise on this.
Do I need to spend all my time in the Isle of Man?
No. You will still be eligible for ILR, provided you have spent at least 180 days in each year in any of the Isle of Man, the UK and the Channel Islands.
Can I live in the UK on this visa?
Provided that you comply with the conditions of the visa, the UK recognises the right of the holder to be in the UK.
Can I work for someone else on this visa?
You cannot be a direct employee of someone else's business, but your businesses may be able to provide your services to other companies.
Do I need a work permit in addition to my visa?
The main holder of a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa is exempt from the requirement to hold a separate Isle of Man work permit. Your dependants may need work permits: Kinley Legal can help assess this.
I applied for this visa, but have been refused. Can Kinley Legal help?
Yes, contact us as soon as possible so we can discuss your options. Unlike in the UK, in the Isle of Man applicants have a full right of appeal against immigration decisions, which means that if you have wrongly been refused, an appeal can often be heard by an independent immigration judge within weeks.