Skip to content

Can I apply for citizenship if I have an Investor visa?

Yes, if you invested £2m, you must have lived in the UK for five years and held ILR for one year (a total of six years) before you can apply for citizenship. This is also the case for dependants regardless of the total funds invested.

If you invested £5m or £10m, you are usually eligible to apply for citizenship after five years rather than six.

The absence requirements for British citizenship applications are more onerous than they are for ILR and so if you may want to apply for citizenship in the future, please contact us to ensure that you are aware of the requirements and can plan ahead.

Read more about this and other questions in our

Investor Visa section.

Disclaimer

Given the fast pace of change, we would stress that this information is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.

As a hub, we have included references to articles and explainers from third parties. We have no control over and are not responsible for the content, use by you or availability of those third party websites, for any products or services you buy through those sites or for the treatment of any personal information you provide to the third party.

Our immigration team

Flora Mewies

Flora Mewies

Partner | Employment

Leeds and Manchester

Read bio

Roisin Patton

Roisin Patton

Partner | Employment

Newcastle

Read bio

Gillian Burns

Gillian Burns

Associate | Employment

Newcastle

Read bio

Natalie Payne

Natalie Payne

Solicitor | Employment

Leeds and Manchester

Read bio