Tier 2 general - allowed to invest in a startup?

[Viralts]

Hi all

I'm currently on a tier two general visa sponsored by my employer.

I have a few questions regarding owning a share in a friends start up. He'd like me to invest and own 49%' of the share capital in the business. It will be a limited company in his name.

Am I allowed to own shares in the startup? If I don't work or earn a salary in any capacity - would I be breaking any rules? I'm not doing any supplemental work in theory. Would my name be in any official documentation? What is the maximum % of a startup I can own without voiding the conditions of my visa?

Although am I allowed to receive part of the post tax income as dividends?

Thanks!

[Viralts]

Anyone?!

[manci]

you can invest in a business as long as you don't work in the business. The dividends you get are a matter for HMRC, not the HO.

see para 195-197 for the terms of your leave:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... idance.pdf

[Goolshun]

Hi ,
I went all through the documentations on immigrations on Tier 2 Visa.
I do not see any restrictions on being a director of a company.

There is restrictions of being max. 10 % shareholder of the company (If its a Ltd company) and if the company is applying for your tier2.

I cannot see restrictions of having your own company / being a director of company, since being director does not mean 'being employed'

I would like your opinion on this.

The links below will help:
Visa: https://www.gov.uk/tier-2-general/overview
Policy Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... .0_EXT.pdf
Immigration Rules: ttps://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/up ... MASTER.pdf (from page 34)