
TIER 1 (INVESTOR)
For people making a significant financial investment in the Isle of Man
In this section
Tier 1 (Investor)
The Isle of Man Tier 1 (Investor) route is a premium immigration route allowing people who applied prior to 23 February 2022 unparalleled access to live, work and do business in the Isle of Man and UK.
We regret that the Isle of Man Tier 1 (Investor) route has now closed to new applications, and that a promised replacement Isle of Man Investor route has not yet opened.
Tier 1 (Investor) allows people from outside Britain and Ireland to live, work and do business in the Isle of Man and UK, based upon a significant investment of GBP2,000,000 or more into one or more active and trading Isle of Man companies.
The route allows investors potentially to obtain British Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and full British citizenship, without ever becoming a tax resident of the UK.
People already on the Investor 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 Investors improve their chances of success in their applications for further leave to remain and ILR, which can be complex: please contact us for details.
While not a direct replacement for the Tier 1 (Investor) route, the Start Up and Innovator routes may suit investors whose plans include founding an Isle of Man business.
Common Questions
How good does my English need to be?
You do not need to prove your English language ability at the outset. However, before you can obtain ILR you will need to demonstrate your English level in a way prescribed under the Immigration Rules, for instance by passing the IELTS Life Skills test at CEFR level B1 across speaking and listening.
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.
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 spend time in the UK.
Do I need a criminal record certificate to obtain this visa?
You and your adult dependants will typically need to obtain criminal record certificates from each country you have lived in in the last 10 years. Kinley Legal can confirm the requirements in your case.
Do I need to pay NHS Surcharge?
No, there is no NHS Surcharge in the Isle of Man. This means that the costs of making an Isle of Man visa application are often considerably cheaper than in the UK.
What if I invest a larger amount?
If you invest GBP5,000,000 or GBP10,000,000 you may be able to apply for ILR after three, or even two, years, rather than the normal five years.
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 work on this visa?
Yes, this visa offers you complete freedom to work for yourself or someone else in the Isle of Man.
Do I need a work permit in addition to my visa?
The main holder of a Tier 1 (Investor) 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.