The UK has always been a popular choice for individuals and families looking to establish a new life abroad, thanks to its political stability, geographical location, and world-class legal, financial, education and healthcare systems.
Relocating is a major decision and one which requires careful consideration and planning.
Our Immigration team has extensive knowledge and experience to bring to bear on this important move. We provide a world-class service at every stage of your immigration journey, from initial discussions about the best visa type for you through to extension, permanent residence, and citizenship applications if that is your end goal.
Our clients often have complex international business interests and are looking to balance their professional responsibilities with the needs of their families, so it is essential to first understand their priorities and work out what their goals are in applying for a UK visa.
We pride ourselves on developing lasting relationships with you, becoming a trusted advisor who will see you and your family safely through to your end goals.
Our personal immigration legal expertise:
High net worth and ultra-high net worth routes including investment-related migration, global citizenship, and residence by investment programmes
There remain a number of options for new investors and high-net-worth individuals looking to relocate to the UK and our expertise means we are well-placed to advise on the best immigration strategy.
We are also experienced in coordinating with advisors in other jurisdictions. Many of our clients choose to undertake a residence or citizenship by investment programme in another country (e.g. Malta) alongside their UK immigration matters to give them maximum flexibility for international travel and overseas residence.
For our high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients, pre-arrival tax planning will usually be an essential element to consider alongside your visa planning. We work closely with our renowned Tax, Trusts & Succession team as well as our international offices to ensure you receive the specialist advice you need to achieve your goals.
Business or reputation-focused options such as Innovator, Start-up, Global Talent, and International Sportsperson visas
The UK has a number of visa routes designed to attract the most innovative or talented individuals. The Innovator and Start-Up visas are for entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in the UK for the first time, with the former aimed particularly at experienced applicants.
Individuals who are leaders or potential leaders in their chosen field, whether that be academia or research, arts, and culture or digital technology, may be eligible to apply for a Global Talent visa. Applicants must have endorsement from a UK government-approved body or have won a prestigious eligible award. This visa category can lead to settlement in the UK.
The International Sportsperson route is open to elite sportspersons and qualified coaches at the top of their profession, who have been endorsed by their sport’s governing body. Sponsorship by a licensed UK sponsor is required. The route can lead to settlement in the UK after 5 years.
Dependant visas for family members
Most of the main UK visa categories allow the main applicant to bring a dependant partner and/or minor children with them. Partners may be spouses, civil partners, or unmarried partners who have lived together for at least 2 years. Dependant family members may apply together with the main applicant or separately if they are joining a sponsor who is already in the UK. We can assist with all types of dependant applications and are experienced in dealing with complex family set-ups.
Family-orientated visas for partners or parents of British citizens and family members of EEA & Swiss nationals resident in the UK
Relocating to a new country is often a stressful experience, especially where the reasons for moving are deeply personal. We have extensive experience in acting for family members of British citizens or those with the right of permanent residence in the UK, including those with complex or sensitive family circumstances. For family applications, the financial requirements in particular are extremely technical and we recommend taking professional legal advice from the outset to avoid costly mistakes and minimise any stress involved.
The UK legal landscape has changed significantly for EEA & Swiss nationals and their family members in recent years. We have a wealth of experience in this area to guide you through the maze and help you determine and implement the best strategy to secure your position in the UK.
We also work closely with our specialist Family and Tax, Trusts & Succession teams both in the UK and internationally.
Settlement applications, British citizenship, and nationality issues
For many clients, achieving the security of permanent residence and British citizenship is the ultimate goal. The right to live in the UK permanently, free from any immigration restrictions, can provide a level of flexibility and peace of mind which is highly-prized. We regularly assist clients with everything from straightforward naturalisation applications, through registration of eligible children as British citizens, to complex and highly technical nationality issues often based on historic family circumstances.
We also recognise that immigration is only a part of the bigger picture. We offer a full-service approach working alongside our tax, property, family, and corporate teams. We also work closely with a network of professional services firms including wealth managers, buying agents, and education consultants. We are headquartered in the UK and have a network of international offices and partner firms that we work with on our client’s UK and global immigration requirements.
