If you want to live and work in the UK but don’t have a job offer, you might think your options are limited. However, the good news is that it’s entirely possible to move to the UK without an employer through the self-sponsorship route. While this isn’t an official visa category, this route utilises the Skilled Worker visa, where you set up your own UK company, apply for a sponsor licence, and then sponsor yourself.
This article explains how the self-sponsorship process works, who it suits, what it costs, and the key steps involved. If you’re serious about relocating to the UK through your own business, here is everything you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- The UK self-sponsorship visa route is based on using the Skilled Worker visa through your own UK-registered company.
- You need to establish a legitimate business in the UK, obtain a sponsor licence, and then issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to yourself.
- Suitable for entrepreneurs, freelancers, consultants, and business owners seeking flexibility and control.
- As of 9 April 2025, visa fees are increasing to £769 (up to 3 years) and £1,519 (more than 3 years), with an additional £1,035 per year for the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Meeting eligibility criteria, including salary thresholds, English language requirements, and sponsor compliance, is essential for success.
What is a Self-Sponsorship Visa?
The UK does not officially offer a visa specifically named a “self-sponsorship visa”. Instead, the term refers to a legitimate immigration strategy that enables foreign nationals to move to the UK by setting up their own UK-based company and using it to sponsor themselves through the Skilled Worker visa route.
The process involves establishing or acquiring a legitimate company within the UK, securing a sponsor licence from the UK Home Office, and then assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to oneself to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa.
While this approach is completely lawful, the self-sponsorship process involves rigorous requirements and thorough documentation. Success requires careful planning, diligent compliance, and understanding each stage of the UK immigration rules.
This route is particularly suitable for:
- Entrepreneurs: Those who wish to start a new UK-based business or expand their existing enterprise, maintaining independence and control over their work.
- Freelancers and Consultants: Independent professionals aiming to deliver their services in the UK without relying on an external employer.
- Business Owners: International entrepreneurs operating abroad who want to open a UK branch or move their existing business operations entirely to the UK.
- High-Level Professionals Seeking Independence: Skilled individuals who prefer autonomy in their career, choosing to sponsor themselves through a self-owned UK business rather than depending on traditional employer sponsorship.
Benefits of the Self-Sponsorship Visa
The self-sponsorship route offers significant advantages, making it an attractive choice for professionals who prefer independence and flexibility:
- No Fixed Investment Requirement: Unlike investor-based visas, self-sponsorship does not mandate a fixed investment amount, making it accessible for professionals with varying financial resources.
- Opportunity to Bring Dependants: You are allowed to bring your partner and children under the age of 18 to join you in the UK. They enjoy the same rights as you, including access to public healthcare through the NHS and education services.
- Route to Settled Status: After spending five years on a Skilled Worker visa, you may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which can later lead to British citizenship.
- Full Control Over Your Business and Career: Self-sponsorship empowers you to control your employment terms and business trajectory, reducing reliance on external employers or sponsorship.
- Access to UK Market Opportunities: You gain full entry to the UK’s vibrant economic environment, business networks, and public services, which enhances your career prospects and quality of life.
Step-by-Step: How to Move to the UK Through Self-Sponsorship
The self-sponsorship route typically involves three key steps: setting up a business, securing a sponsor licence, and submitting a Skilled Worker visa application. Here are the details about each stage.
Step 1: Establishing a UK Business
Your initial action is setting up a legitimate and compliant UK company. This typically involves:
- Choosing an appropriate business structure (most often a private limited company).
- Registering your business officially with Companies House by providing the necessary details such as company name, UK-registered address, and director information.
- Selecting an appropriate SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) code that accurately represents your business activity.
- Opening a UK business bank account.
- Preparing a comprehensive and realistic business plan that clearly shows your business’s potential for growth and its alignment with UK legal requirements.
- Registering your business for Corporation Tax and fulfilling all relevant financial compliance obligations.
Successfully completing this foundational step is essential for your next stage: obtaining a sponsor licence.
Step 2: Obtaining a Sponsor Licence
After your business has been officially registered and is up and running, you will need to submit an application for a sponsor licence to the UK Home Office. This licence officially allows your business to hire and sponsor foreign nationals, including yourself.
To qualify, your business must:
- Operate lawfully, providing clear evidence of genuine business activities.
- Show a real necessity for the sponsored role, clearly aligned with your company’s needs.
- Provide documented evidence of financial stability, compliant HR practices, and effective systems to monitor sponsored workers.
- Nominate key personnel responsible for managing sponsorship compliance, notably an Authorising Officer.
The Home Office may conduct audits or compliance visits to validate your business operations and ensure your documentation meets strict requirements. When the sponsor licence is granted, your business will be able to sponsor you under the Skilled Worker route.
Step 3: Sponsoring Yourself as a Skilled Worker
With a valid sponsor licence, your UK-based company can now issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to you. The CoS formally specifies your job role, salary, terms of employment, and confirms your eligibility for a Skilled Worker visa.
Key requirements for your Skilled Worker visa application include:
- Meeting salary and skill level thresholds set by the UK Home Office of £38,700 a year.
- Occupying a job role recognised by the UK government as eligible under the Skilled Worker visa route.
- Showing your English ability can be done by passing an approved English test or holding a recognised degree taught in English.
- Ensuring all visa application documentation (passport, proof of funds, criminal record checks, etc.) is accurate and complete.
Once you have received your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), you can apply for the Skilled Worker visa online through the UK Home Office website. The application will ask for your personal information, details about the job, and your sponsor’s licence number.
The current application fee for a Skilled Worker visa is £719 if the visa is for up to 3 years, and £1,420 if it is for more than 3 years. From 9 April 2025, these fees will increase to £769 and £1,519 respectively. You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is currently set at £1,035 for each year and gives you access to NHS healthcare during your stay in the UK.
Upon successfully applying and paying associated fees (visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge), you will receive a Skilled Worker visa permitting you to legally reside and work in the UK under your self-sponsored role.
Sponsor Licence Duties You Must Be Aware Of
After your visa and sponsorship are granted, it is important to follow all Home Office requirements to maintain your legal status. Non-compliance may result in significant penalties, licence suspension, or revocation. Your ongoing duties include:
- Monitoring Sponsored Employees: Ensure that you (and any sponsored employees) strictly adhere to visa conditions, working exclusively in the role and at the location specified on the CoS.
- Maintaining Accurate and Comprehensive Records: Keep detailed and updated records of employment contracts, salary payments, attendance, passport and visa copies, and compliance documentation.
- Reporting Significant Changes: Promptly inform the Home Office of substantial changes to job roles, business ownership, business addresses, or cessation of employment.
- Preparing for Home Office Compliance Audits: Maintain organised and easily accessible records, as the Home Office regularly inspects businesses to ensure compliance with sponsorship duties.
Adhering strictly to these sponsor licence responsibilities is crucial for maintaining your licence, keeping your legal status secure, and ensuring your business continues operating without disruption.
Final Thoughts
The self-sponsorship route offers a flexible way to move to the UK without relying on an employer. It gives you full control over your business and career, while also providing a clear path to long-term residency and even British citizenship. It is not a shortcut, but with the right structure and support, it is absolutely achievable. For more information about this particular business immigration path, its best to speak with an immigration lawyer who can advise you accordingly.
FAQs
How long does it take to complete the self-sponsorship route?
The full process typically takes around three to six months from start to finish. The timeline depends on how efficiently you prepare your paperwork and whether you choose to use priority processing options.
Is it possible to bring my family on a self-sponsorship visa?
Yes, your partner and children under 18 can come to the UK as your dependants. Their visa will match the duration of yours, and they will be able to use NHS services and attend school or college while living in the UK.
Do I need to invest a specific amount of money?
No, there is no fixed investment requirement for the self-sponsorship route. However, you do need to show that your business is genuine, financially viable, and capable of paying the required salary under the Skilled Worker visa rules.
Can I work with clients outside the UK?
Yes, you can work with overseas clients, but your business must have a real presence in the UK and carry out activities from within the UK. The work you do should align with the role for which you are being sponsored.
What happens if my business fails?
If your business stops trading and you can no longer be sponsored, your visa may be curtailed, meaning you could be asked to leave the UK unless you switch to another eligible visa route. It’s important to maintain proper records and stay compliant to avoid risking your immigration status.
