In recent years, the United Kingdom has been gradually relaxing its immigration visa policies, particularly the entrepreneur immigration visa, which is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many foreigners, including a significant number of Chinese citizens. If one has £200,000 in funds and is willing to invest in a business in the UK, they can apply for the entrepreneur immigration visa. Once approved, if they can prove the creation of two permanent jobs in the UK or generate a certain income after three years, they can apply for a two-year extension, making it a total of 3+2. After five years, they can apply for permanent residency, and in the sixth year, they can apply for citizenship.
Currently, the UK also has an investment immigration visa that requires an investment of £1 million, with 75% needing to be invested in UK government bonds, which is relatively strict. In contrast, the £200,000 investment required for the entrepreneur immigration visa is more flexible, allowing for the establishment of a new company or investment in existing companies.
Not only is the number of Chinese applicants for this visa increasing, but the total number of applications for the UK entrepreneur visa has also been on the rise in recent years. In the 2010-11 fiscal year, there were 293 applications, which increased to 520 in the 2011-12 fiscal year, and reached 973 in the 2012-13 fiscal year, representing an 87% increase from the previous year. Among these, 116 were granted to Chinese residents, more than doubling the previous figures.
Why are more and more people choosing this immigration method? Firstly, changes in the UK visa system have led to changes in their choices. Previously, international students could work in the UK for two years after graduation before deciding to settle or return to their home country. However, this visa has now been canceled, forcing some students who wish to stay to apply for the entrepreneur visa. Secondly, working in the UK offers a fairer development environment. A student from Beijing mentioned that finding a job in China is too complicated; without connections, it is difficult to secure a good job. Therefore, they prefer to stay in the UK through the entrepreneur visa to seek development opportunities. Thirdly, the UK economy is currently in a phase of recovery, with numerous opportunities in sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and financial services.