Strategy Call
Free Consultation

UK Self Sponsorship

Suppose you are interested in setting up a new business in the UK or you own an existing UK business. In that case, you may be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa via self-sponsorship, that is, by being sponsored by your own UK company. Your UK business must obtain a Skilled Worker sponsor licence before you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship.

Overview of Self Sponsored Visa

The self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa pathway offers a route to settlement in the UK, with the option for dependent partners and children to accompany the main applicant.

Thinking of self-sponsoring as a Skilled Worker? Reach out to our team of experienced immigration specialists today.

To sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa, you must demonstrate to UK Visas and Immigration that:

  1. You are 18 years of age or older;

  2. You have established a UK-based company that is both active and genuine;

  3. Your UK company has been granted a Skilled Worker sponsor licence;

  4. Your company has issued a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the role you intend to undertake;

  5. The job offer represents a genuine vacancy;

  6. The role meets the required skill level;

  7. The salary offered meets or exceeds the general salary threshold, the ‘going rate’ for the occupation, and any applicable minimum hourly rate;

  8. Your sponsor has paid the applicable Immigration Skills Charge;

  9. You meet the English language requirement at a minimum of CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0);

  10. You have sufficient funds to support yourself without recourse to public funds;

  11. You have submitted a criminal record certificate, if applicable; and

  12. You have submitted a valid TB certificate, if required.

The specific criteria you must meet to sponsor yourself under the Skilled Worker visa route may vary depending on your individual circumstances. It is advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer for tailored guidance.

To sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa, you must complete the following four steps:

  1. Establish a UK-based company

  2. Apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence

  3. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

  4. Submit your Skilled Worker visa application

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship, you must first either register a new company in the UK or already have a UK-registered company in place.

Can You Register a UK Company from Overseas?

Yes, it is possible to register a UK company while based overseas. There is no requirement for a UK company director to be a resident of the UK or a British citizen. However, all directors — including those residing outside the UK — must comply with specific legal duties and responsibilities.

If a non-UK resident director is unable to fulfil certain obligations, such as attending board meetings or signing official documents in person, they may appoint a UK-based representative to act on their behalf.

If you are unfamiliar with the UK company registration process or the relevant laws and regulations, it is advisable to engage a professional company formation agent. They can assist you throughout the process and help ensure full compliance with UK requirements.
Additionally, you must ensure that you observe any legal obligations in your home country relating to the registration and operation of overseas companies.

Requirements for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence

Once you have registered a UK company, the next step in obtaining a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship is for your business to apply for — and be granted — a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.

If you are considering applying for a sponsor licence, it is important to understand that the Home Office will assess your application based on several key criteria. In summary, your UK business must demonstrate that:

  1. It is a genuine and lawfully operating business within the UK;

  2. It is capable of fulfilling all sponsor duties in accordance with Home Office requirements; and

  3. It is offering genuine employment that meets both the salary and skill level criteria of the Skilled Worker route.

Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa: FAQs

Can I be a Director and shareholder of the UK company if I sponsor myself for a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes, if you sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa, you may serve as the Director of your company and hold up to 100% ownership of its shares.

No, self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa applicants are not required to meet an investment funds threshold. Therefore, there is no minimum investment amount mandated. However, the Home Office must be satisfied that your UK business is a genuine and lawfully operating entity.

Demonstrating access to sufficient investment funds—to support business growth and meet minimum salary obligations—may strengthen your application and provide further assurance of your company’s viability.

Any type of business can qualify for the Skilled Worker self-sponsorship visa route. Unlike the Innovator Founder visa, the Skilled Worker route does not require the sponsoring UK company to be innovative, viable, or scalable.

There is no requirement for endorsement by a Home Office-approved endorsing body, and there are no restrictions on the nature of business activities your company may undertake.

A business plan is not mandatory. However, if you intend to sponsor yourself as a Skilled Worker, having a detailed business plan for your UK business can often make it easier to satisfy the Home Office that your company is a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK.

Our immigration specialists can advise you on the requirements for a business plan in support of your sponsor licence application. We can also assist you in finding a suitably qualified professional business plan writer and liaise with them to ensure that your business plan meets the Home Office requirements.

Yes, self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa holders must receive a salary from their company which (subject to the ability to rely on alternative tradable points) must equal or exceed the general salary threshold, the ‘going rate’ for the occupation (as outlined in the relevant occupation code), and any applicable minimum hourly rate—whichever is highest.

Our immigration barristers can advise you on the exact salary you will need to receive based on your occupation, qualifications, and other relevant factors.

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa via self-sponsorship, you must demonstrate English language proficiency at Level B1 (intermediate) on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) across all four components: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Applicants applying for entry clearance or leave to remain as a self-sponsored Skilled Worker will meet the English language requirement if they:

  1. Are a national of a majority English-speaking country;

  2. Have passed a Secure English Language Test (SELT);

  3. Have been awarded a degree taught in English;

  4. Obtained a GCSE, A Level, or Scottish Highers in English while at school in the UK; or

  5. Have previously demonstrated Level B1 English in a successful application for entry clearance or permission to stay.

If your application to sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa is approved, you will be granted entry clearance or permission to stay for a period ending 14 days after the expiry date of your Certificate of Sponsorship (which may be valid for up to a maximum of 5 years from its start date).

Self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa holders are permitted to work in the role for which they have been sponsored. They may also take on supplementary employment, provided it meets the definition of ‘supplementary employment’ and they continue to fulfil the duties of their sponsored role.

Yes, self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa holders can qualify for settlement as a Skilled Worker after spending 5 continuous years in the UK. You will need to meet the residence requirement and pass the Life in the UK test (unless an exemption applies).

Your UK business must still hold a Home Office sponsor licence and continue to require you to work for them on an ongoing basis. You must also be paid at least the general ILR salary threshold (which, for most applicants, is £26,200 per year) or the going rate for the occupation—whichever is higher.

Our business immigration barristers regularly assist both new and established UK business owners in obtaining Skilled Worker sponsor licences and sponsoring themselves to live and work in the UK.

Whether you require an assessment of your chances of successfully applying for a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship, guidance on preparing a strong sponsor licence application, or expert assistance in preparing and submitting your self-sponsorship Skilled Worker visa application, our immigration barristers can manage the entire process on your behalf.

We take pride in being approachable and proactive in understanding and fulfilling our business clients’ needs. Our team is highly driven and committed to delivering clear, reliable immigration advice directly to business owners, as part of a professional and friendly service.

More services