UK Self-Sponsorship for the Skilled
Worker Visa
What exactly is the Self-Sponsorship route?
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.
How does self-sponsorship actually work in practice?
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.
Who is the self-sponsorship route best suited for?
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.
What makes this route different from other UK business visas?
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.
What’s the process for sponsoring myself?
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.
What are the eligibility criteria?
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.
Get Started
Get Started
Latest Immigration News & Insights
Real stories from people we’ve helped make the UK their new home
