Self Sponsorship Visa Route UK

Self sponsorship is a process which involves setting up a company in the UK with the intention that it will trade and be used to sponsor yourself as part of a Skilled Worker visa.

It is important to note that self sponsorship is not a visa itself, it is a process for getting a Skilled Worker visa. However, this immigration route is often referred to as a self sponsorship visa.

The process of self sponsorship is typically utilised by business owners and entrepreneurs to come to the UK and work for their own businesses. It can also be used as a route to secure permanent residency and British citizenship for applicants and their family members.

There are several steps to complete to secure self sponsorship in the UK. BHD Solicitors have over 30 years of experience supporting individuals and businesses with this visa route, and we can offer specialist advice for every stage of the process.

Special Offer: Fixed Fee Self Sponsorship Package – £10,000 + VAT

BHD Solicitors are currently offering a fixed-fee self sponsorship package for £10,000 + VAT as a special monthly offer. This package is designed to provide clear, professional legal support throughout the self sponsorship process, from start to finish. Please note that this fee does not include disbursements, such as Home Office application fees and any other third-party costs, which will be payable separately.

Contact our self sponsorship visa solicitors in London and Croydon

As specialist self sponsorship visa solicitors in London and Croydon, we can provide tailored, practical and affordable solutions to support you through the process.

For more information and to arrange a consultation with one of our senior UK immigration solicitors, contact your local branch in London or Croydon.

Our self sponsorship services in London and Croydon

UK self sponsorship visas applications

If you are interested in applying for a self sponsored visa in the UK, BHD Solicitors are here to help.

We are committed to supporting businesses and individuals, and we will work tirelessly to produce the best outcomes for you and your business.

For over 30 years, our immigration specialists have dedicated themselves to putting the needs of our clients first, providing bespoke immigration advice designed to achieve your needs as efficiently and cost effectively as possible.

Our London immigration lawyers have been independently recognised for their expertise. We are accredited by the Law Society in Immigration and Asylum matters. We are also accredited in Immigration Law Advanced, which signifies our expertise handling complex immigration work.

Our firm has been recognised as one of the leading Immigration teams in the South East by prestigious client guide, the Legal 500.

The three steps to successfully navigate self sponsorship

Step 1: Establish and register a UK business

You can establish and register a UK company from overseas, and significantly, there is no requirement for a director of a UK company to be settled in the UK or a British citizen. There is, however, a requirement that all directors of UK companies meet specified requirements and obligations, including:

Your company must then be registered with HMRC for PAYE and VAT.
A business bank account must also be set up.
You should then obtain Employer’s Liability Insurance.

A business plan should be prepared and include an explanation as to what the company will do, your role in the business, marketing strategies, funding and financial forecasts, and detailed information as to how the company would meet its responsibilities as a company with a sponsor license.

Specialist legal advice is especially important for start up companies. At BHD Solicitors, we work in partnership with company formation specialists to ensure that your company registration process is completed smoothly and efficiently.

Step 2: Apply for a Sponsor Licence

Once you have established and registered a UK business, you can apply for a Sponsor Licence online with the required supporting evidence.

To successfully obtain a Sponsor Licence, the Home Office must be satisfied that the company is a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK.

The Home Office requires at least four pieces of supporting evidence from the following list:

Certificate of Incorporation (from Companies House).
VAT registration certificate.
Evidence of the Employer’s Liability Insurance (minimum £5 million cover).
Recent business bank account statement (issued within the last three months).
Proof of PAYE registration and accounts reference numbers (HMRC letter or a screenshot from the PAYE portal).
Latest audited or unaudited accounts.
Proof of premises ownership or lease agreement.
Evidence of registration with a regulatory body (if required for your sector, e.g., FCA or Ofsted).
Franchise agreement (if applicable).

BHD Solicitors will provide you with full training, a detailed human resource compliance pack, and ongoing advice and assistance to ensure you remain compliant with your duties. Full audit training is also provided in preparation for compliance checks.

Stage 3: Apply for a Skilled Worker visa

Once you have received a Sponsor Licence, the company will need to assign you a defined Certificate of Sponsorship, after which you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa, which will enable you to work and live in the UK.

When applying for a Skilled Worker visa, you will be required to provide the following:

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number.
Valid passport or travel document.
Proof of English language proficiency.
Details of the job offer, including your job title, salary, occupation code and working hours.
The name of your employer and their sponsor licence number.

Your Skilled Worker visa will be valid for five years. After these five years, you will be eligible to apply for settlement in the UK, followed by British citizenship.

Frequently asked questions about self sponsorship

What is self sponsorship?

Self sponsorship is an immigration route in the UK that allows you to establish your own business and sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa.

This means you can work for your own company, which acts as your sponsor, giving you full control over your business and employment.

It is a popular route for entrepreneurs, business owners, and skilled professionals seeking independence and flexibility in the UK.

Once you have secured a Skilled Worker visa, you may be eligible to apply for settlement in the UK after five years, followed by British citizenship.

How to apply for self sponsorship in the UK?

The general steps for applying for a self sponsorship in the UK include:

Establish and register a UK company.
The company must have either an employee or a director who is a resident in the UK in order to fulfil the role of ‘Authorising Officer’ and apply for a sponsor license.
Apply for a Sponsor Licence for that company.
Apply for a Skilled Worker visa to work at that company.
Enter the UK with entry clearance and leave to remain initially for 5 years to run your business, which is extendable.

These steps are usually completed within six to eight months.

What are some common challenges with self sponsorship?

Self sponsorship can be a complex route with several challenges. One key difficulty is meeting the eligibility criteria, including proving you have a genuine business idea, sufficient funds, and the skills to run the business successfully.

Applicants must also demonstrate that the business will contribute to the UK economy. Gathering the right documentation and presenting a credible business plan can be daunting without legal guidance.

Immigration rules are detailed and change frequently, so professional advice is essential to avoid errors or refusals. At BHD Solicitors, we provide expert legal support to ensure your self sponsorship application has the best chance of success.

What are the advantages of self sponsorship?

Self sponsorship offers a flexible and independent route to live and work in the UK. You can start or take over a business of your choice, with no need for endorsement or a unique idea.

There is no minimum investment, and you can be the sole shareholder and director of your company.

Whether your business is a start-up or already trading, you remain in control, working for your own company without relying on an employer.

This route can lead to permanent residency and British citizenship and allows you to bring your spouse and children.

Does the UK offer a visa for self employment?

The UK does not offer a specific ‘self-employment visa’, but there are routes for those who want to be or are already self-employed.

The main route is the Skilled Worker visa through self sponsorship, where you can sponsor yourself if your UK company holds a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence.

This pathway suits entrepreneurs who have a legitimate, actively trading UK business and want to establish or grow it.

Other options include the Innovator Founder or Global Talent visas, depending on your circumstances.

What are the requirements for a Skilled Worker visa?

To successfully meet the self sponsorship visa requirements, you must demonstrate the following:

Your Certificate of Sponsorship is valid.
Your job offer is a genuine vacancy.
You have the suitable experience, skill or qualification to do the job.
Your job is at an appropriate skill level.
You will be paid a salary that equals or exceeds a general salary threshold, the ‘going rate’ for the occupation, and a minimum hourly rate (if applicable).
Your sponsor has paid any required Immigration Skills Charge.
You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1.
You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds.
You have provided a criminal record certificate, if required.
You have provided a valid TB certificate, if required.

Who can apply for a self sponsorship visa?

Anyone who wishes to run their own business in the UK can apply for a UK sponsorship visa, provided they meet certain criteria.

You must have a genuine UK company that holds a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence and be willing to sponsor yourself as an employee of that company.

This route is ideal for entrepreneurs with a viable business plan, transferable skills, and the ability to manage and grow the business successfully.

At BHD Solicitors, we can guide you through the eligibility requirements and application process, ensuring your self sponsorship visa stands the best chance of approval.

How much is a self sponsorship visa in the UK?

The cost of self sponsorship in the UK can vary depending on your circumstances, but there are several key fees to consider.

You will need to set up a UK company and apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, which currently costs £536 or £1,476, depending on the size of your company.

The visa application itself involves a fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and potential legal and business setup costs.

What is the minimum investment required to set up a business for self sponsorship?

There is no set minimum investment required to set up a business for self sponsorship in the UK under the Skilled Worker visa route.

However, your business must be financially viable and able to meet key obligations, such as paying your salary at the required rate.

You will also need to show you have sufficient funds to support yourself when you arrive in the UK, unless your company certifies this on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Can I use an existing UK company for self sponsorship?

Yes, you can use an existing UK company for self sponsorship, provided you own the business and it meets the necessary requirements.

Your company must apply for and obtain a Skilled Worker sponsor licence from the Home Office. Once granted, the company can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to you, which you can then use to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.

You must be able to demonstrate that the business can offer a genuine role that meets the Skilled Worker salary and skill level thresholds.

Get expert advice from self sponsorship visa solicitors in London and Croydon

As an established UK immigration law firm in Greater London, we can draw upon our vast resources to provide tailored, practical and affordable solutions to support you while offering a tailored service.