It’s a legal immigration pathway that allows you to use your own UK company to sponsor your Skilled Worker visa.
 Instead of relying on a job offer from another employer, you become both the employer (through your UK business) and the sponsored employee. It’s a fully compliant method that can lead to UK permanent residency for you and your family.

You’ll run your business in the UK while holding a Skilled Worker visa issued by your own company. This means:
You can act as a director, consultant, or specialist in a genuine skilled role.
You meet all Home Office requirements for salary, skill level, and compliance.
You control the company while still following all UK legal and immigration rules.

This path works well if you:
Have a strong track record in business.
Can invest £150,000 or more into a UK venture.
Want to build a long-term life in the UK and eventually secure Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Plan to relocate with your family.
Prefer to have full control over your immigration status through business ownership.

It’s not the right fit for:
People with no prior business experience.
Those with less than £100,000 to invest.
Individuals seeking only short-term UK stays.
Job seekers who don’t want the responsibility of running a company.
Anyone unwilling to meet ongoing sponsorship compliance duties.

No job offer needed — you employ yourself.
No endorsement required — unlike the Innovator Founder visa.
Works for any business sector.
Full entrepreneurial control — you own 100% of the business.
Direct path to ILR in 5 years.
Family members can join you.
Your visa security is tied to a business you control.

Acquire or set up a UK business that meets Home Office rules.
Put HR systems in place (payroll, compliance, reporting).
Apply for a Sponsor Licence from the Home Office.
Have your company sponsor your Skilled Worker visa.
Apply for ILR after 5 years of running your business in the UK.

You’ll need to:
Be 18+ and meet English language requirements (CEFR B1).
Have a valid passport from a country requiring a UK visa.
Run or acquire a genuine trading UK business.
Pay yourself at least £38,700/year (or the SOC rate if higher).
Budget around £150,000 for your first year’s operating costs.
Appoint a UK-settled Authorising Officer and other key personnel.