Immigrate to the UK and secure an income from the moment you land

*This content is brought to you by Sable International, specialists in securing secondary residency and citizenship for South Africans. Sable can help relocate yourself and your family, along with your business to the UK.

There are hundreds of thousands of South Africans living in the UK, and for good reason. The UK has long been a fantastic choice for highly skilled professionals from around the world. Its business friendly policies, stable political and social climates and connectedness to the world make it top of the list for most people looking to immigrate.

Many people, especially those with families, are reluctant to up sticks and move to the UK. These would-be movers are often worried that they will not be able to secure employment when they arrive in the hugely competitive UK job market. This source of stress alone is enough to discourage some from pursuing their dreams of living in the UK.

But, there is an innovative and accessible solution. The UK has several visa classes aimed at individuals who wish to invest in the country. These visas essentially give an investor the right to live and work in the UK with their families, if they make a defined investment.

The particular visa class we’ll be looking at today, and one that should interest many South Africans, is the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa.

Move yourself, move your family

It’s quite straightforward. To be awarded a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa, you will need to make an investment of at least R3,5 million (£200,000) in a UK business. There are other requirements, but these are not extraordinary or particularly onerous and most investors will qualify if they submit their application correctly.

The entrepreneur visa allows you to live and work in the UK as well as take dependant family members with you. A dependant is defined as:

  • Your partner
  • Your child under 18
  • Your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as a dependant

This means, if you have the capital or are willing to liquidate all your assets in South Africa to raise that capital, that the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa is a great way to relocate your entire family.

Do note: You will need to make specific applications for each dependant, so it is vital you consult with an immigration expert before beginning your application.

Read also: How you can send your child to a UK university

You’re not just immigrating, you’re investing in the UK

Here’s the great thing about this visa: By investing in a UK business you will not only be granted the right to live and work in the UK, you will also be earning an income from that business.

The business you invest in will want you to take an active part in that business, so you can’t just contribute seed capital. If you want to invest in a business without being an active director you will be allowed to do so, but you will not be eligible for the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa.

Another restriction to keep in mind is that you cannot hold this visa and work for a business other than the one you are invested in. However, a partner or spouse who comes with you on this visa will be allowed to work in whatever field he or she pleases.

This all makes this visa an excellent way for you and your family to find your feet in the UK while also allowing your partner to look for other work to supplement your income.

How do you choose the right business?

South African immigration regulationsThere is always an element of risk when you invest in a business in a foreign country, particularly when you don’t have feet on the ground there. It’s never advisable to invest in something you do not fully understand and it can be difficult to make these decisions when you’re thirteen thousand kilometres from London.

That’s why you’ll benefit hugely from having a partner that can put you in touch with ventures that are specifically looking for foreign direct investment.

Talk to us today

There are many compelling reasons to move to the UK. A brighter future for your children and a more stable country in which to retire are just two. The benefits are massive and our comprehensive immigration and investment solution will make sure you get the most out of your relocation.

Our UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur Investment Programme matches your investment capital with a pre-approved business already established in the UK. We’ll even go one step further and make sure that your skills are matched with an appropriate venture so you can be a fully active director of that business.

While we’re doing this we’ll also handle your and your family’s visa applications. Providing you with a comprehensive immigration and investment solution.

Our partner’s list of business is over 200 strong, giving you a wide variety of choices in a variety of industries. This allows us to pair you with the business that best suits your investment goals as well as your professional skills.

Send us a mail on [email protected] if you’re thinking of immigrating to the UK or investing offshore. Either or both, we can help.

  • Gary Kockott, Managing Director of Sable International
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