Forge Your Own Path to the UK with
Self-Sponsorship
Self-Sponsorship isn't an
official visa type
Instead, it’s a strategic way for business owners to get a UK visa. This process combines two existing immigration routes: your UK company gets a Sponsor Licence, and then uses that license to sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa.
This is a fast, smart path to UK residency, offering entrepreneurs a stable, long-term future on their own terms.
Why This Route Stands Out
Be Your Own Sponsor
Your UK business serves as your authorised visa sponsor, giving you independence in the process.
Full Ownership
Retain complete control and 100% shareholding in your company.
Direct Route to Settlement
Potential eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain after just five years of successful business operation.
Family Inclusion
Your spouse or partner and dependent children can join you under the same application.
Is the Self-Sponsorship Route the Right Choice for You?
Best Suited For
✅
Experienced business owners or professionals with a proven history of running successful ventures.
✅
Applicants with £150,000+ in available funds to invest in establishing a UK-based enterprise.
✅
Individuals committed to building and managing a business in the UK over the long term.
✅
Clients aiming for a structured route to UK permanent residency (ILR).
✅
Families intending to relocate together and create a long-term future in the UK.
Not Recommended For
❌
Those with no background in managing or
operating a business.
❌
People whose available capital for a UK business is below £100,000.
❌
Those seeking only short-term UK stays rather than a route toward settlement.
❌
People seeking employment only and not prepared for the responsibilities of company ownership.
❌
Anyone unwilling to take on the legal, compliance, and sponsorship obligations of running a UK business.
Advantages of Self-Sponsorship for UK Visas 🇬🇧
Self-sponsorship provides a unique path to living and working in the UK, offering benefits not typically available through traditional employment visas. This route gives individuals significant control and flexibility.
Key Benefits
No Job Offer Required
With this approach, you essentially create your own employment, eliminating the need to secure a job from a UK employer. This frees you from the constraints and competitiveness of the local job market.
No Endorsement Needed
Unlike many entrepreneur-focused visas, self-sponsorship does not require you to get an endorsement from an external body. This simplifies the application process significantly.
Access to UK Services
As a visa holder, you and your dependents gain full access to the UK's public services, including the National Health Service (NHS) for healthcare and the UK education system.
Business Autonomy
You retain total control over your company's strategy, operations, and future growth. This provides complete freedom to build and manage your business as you see fit.
Direct Path to Settlement
Self-sponsorship is a reliable and guaranteed route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is a permanent settlement status in the UK. This offers long-term security.
Family Inclusion
You can include your spouse and dependent children in your visa application, allowing your family to join you in the UK.
Enhanced Visa Stability
Your immigration status is directly linked to your own business, giving you a greater sense of security and stability compared to being dependent on an employer.
Streamlined Processing
The application for this type of visa is often more straightforward, which can lead to faster decision times and quicker entry into the UK.
Streamlined Processing
The application for this type of visa is often more straightforward, which can lead to faster decision times and quicker entry into the UK.
High Quality of Life
This pathway allows you to fully enjoy the advantages of residing and working in the United Kingdom, which is known for its high standard of living.
Your Step-by-Step Journey to Success
Launch or Purchase
Your UK Business
Your first step is to own or acquire a genuine UK-based enterprise. This will be the legal cornerstone of your visa application and must operate in full accordance with UK laws.
Put Compliance
Systems in Place
We guide you in setting up the required HR, payroll, and employment processes to ensure your business meets the Home Office’s sponsorship standards.
Apply for a Sponsor
Licence
Once your business framework is ready, we prepare a comprehensive application to obtain your Sponsor Licence from the Home Office.
Submit Your Skilled Worker Visa Application
With your company approved as a sponsor, we handle the preparation and submission of your Skilled Worker visa so you can legally live and work in the UK.
Secure Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
After five years of continuous and compliant business operation, you’ll be in a position to apply for ILR, granting you the right to live in the UK permanently.
Key Eligibility Requirements for
Self-Sponsorship
You must:
✦ Be at least 18 years old.
✦ Prove your English language ability to the required B1 level.
✦ Hold a valid passport from an eligible country.
✦ Have a genuine plan to run an active, trading UK business.
✦ Pay yourself a salary of at least £38,700 per year (or the specific rate for your job code, whichever is higher).
✦ Appoint a settled person in the UK to be your company’s Authorising Officer.
✦ Budget for business operating costs, such as rent, staff, and expenses, estimated at around £150,000 per year.
Real Client Stories
Self-Sponsorship in the UK
Your Key Questions Answered
Understanding the Concept
Eligibility & Suitability
Visa Switching & Job Role
Typically, you’ll be at a managerial or senior level, with a job title such as Managing Director, Director of Operations, or similar. The role must align with an eligible occupation code.
Language & Skills Evidence
You can meet the requirement by:
Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT)
Showing UK secondary school qualifications in English (GCSE/A-level/Scottish equivalent) taken before you were 18
Presenting a degree taught in English (with Ecctis confirmation if obtained overseas)
Financial Planning
Sponsor Licence: £574 (small) or £1,579 (medium/large)
Certificate of Sponsorship: £525
Visa fee: £719–£1,636 depending on duration and location of application
Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035/year (adult), £776/year (child)
Optional extras: priority processing, legal support
Running the Business & Compliance
Additional Work & Shareholding
If you stop operating or fail to meet your sponsor duties, your licence can be revoked. This usually gives you 60 days to find a new sponsor or change to another visa route.
Family & Settlement
If you stop operating or fail to meet your sponsor duties, your licence can be revoked. This usually gives you 60 days to find a new sponsor or change to another visa route.
Potential Challenges
Yes. Your spouse/partner and children under 18 can be included in your application.
After five continuous years on the Skilled Worker route, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain, provided all requirements are met.
