For many entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and business owners abroad, the idea of moving to the UK to live and work independently, without relying on a traditional employer sponsor, may seem out of reach. However, there is a viable and increasingly popular immigration strategy often referred to as “self-sponsorship”, which allows you to sponsor your own Skilled Worker visa by establishing or acquiring a UK business.
What is the Self-Sponsorship route?
While the UK does not officially offer a “Self-Sponsorship visa”, foreign nationals have the option to sponsor themselves for work through their own business, eliminating the need for a traditional employer to provide sponsorship. This approach is entirely legal and recognised, provided all compliance and regulatory requirements are met. At Gherson, we have guided numerous clients through this intricate yet empowering route. Here is what you need to know.
Self-sponsorship is an immigration pathway that allows non-UK nationals to live and work in the UK by setting up a UK-based business that then sponsors them for a Skilled Worker visa. This route provides greater autonomy, flexibility and control compared to reliance on an employer’s sponsorship.
Unlike other entrepreneurial visas, such as the Innovator Founder visa, self-sponsorship does not require a unique or highly innovative business idea, making it suitable for a wide range of commercial ventures, from tech start-ups to professional services.
How Does It Work?
There are several stages involved in pursuing the self-sponsorship route:
1. Establish or acquire a UK Business
The first step is to either set up a new UK-based company or acquire an existing one. Your business must be legally registered with Companies House, and it must meet all legal, financial and tax obligations applicable to UK businesses.
While you can retain full ownership and act as the sole director, your business must also operate in a genuine and compliant manner, with the capacity to hire employees and operate day-to-day in the UK market.
2. Apply for a Sponsor Licence
To sponsor yourself (or any other employees), your UK business must apply for a Sponsor Licence from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This licence allows your business to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to eligible migrant workers under the Skilled Worker route.
To secure the licence, your business must demonstrate that it is:
- Operating lawfully in the UK.
- Genuinely seeking to hire foreign talent.
- Capable of monitoring and managing sponsored employees in compliance with UKVI regulations.
You will be required to submit substantial documentation including, but not limited to:
- Corporate bank statements.
- Employment policies.
- Proof of trading activity.
Additionally, your business must appoint key personnel (such as an Authorising Officer) who meet the stringent requirements of UKVI, this is a logistical hurdle that can be overcome with strategic planning.
3. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship:
Once your business is granted a sponsor licence, it can issue a CoS to you, the applicant. This confirms that the business is offering you a genuine role that meets the Skilled Worker visa criteria, including:
- An eligible job code.
- Minimum salary threshold (the new standard Skilled Worker Visa minimum salary is now £38,700 per annum, where no salary discounts are applicable).
- Suitable qualifications or experience.
4. Apply for the Skilled Worker visa
With your CoS in hand, you can then apply for the Skilled Worker visa from your country of residence or (in some cases) from within the UK. The visa is typically granted for up to five years and can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after a qualifying period, provided continuous compliance is maintained.
Why choose self-sponsorship?
This route is ideal for individuals who want more autonomy over their careers and long-term plans in the UK. Key benefits include:
- Independence: You are not tied to an external employer.
- Business growth: You can build and expand your business while living in the UK.
- Control: You decide the direction of your business and your own working conditions.
- Family inclusion: Your partner and children can join you in the UK as your dependants, subject to eligibility.
Ongoing compliance responsibilities
Once your sponsor licence is active and your Skilled Worker visa is granted, your company assumes ongoing compliance responsibilities, including:
- Monitoring employee immigration status.
- Keeping employee records up to date.
- Reporting any changes in employment to UKVI.
- Renewing the sponsor licence as needed.
Failure to meet these obligations could result in revocation of the sponsor licence, which may adversely affect your visa status. At Gherson, we offer ongoing compliance services to help you maintain your sponsor status with confidence.
How does this compare to the Innovator Founder visa?
The Innovator Founder visa is another option for entrepreneurs seeking to live and work in the UK. Unlike the Skilled Worker route, this visa:
- Requires endorsement from an approved UK body.
- Demands a truly innovative, scalable. and viable business idea.
- Is not a sponsored route, meaning there is no need for a sponsor licence.
- Can lead to ILR after 3 years if specific growth and innovation milestones are achieved.
If your business idea is ground-breaking and you are in the early stages of launching, the Innovator Founder visa might be a better fit. You can read more about it here.
In contrast, the Skilled worker route focuses more on operational and compliance factors, and does not require a novel business concept. This makes it accessible for more traditional business ventures.
Is self-sponsorship right for you?
This route is not suitable for everyone, as it requires a genuine business intention, the ability to meet visa requirements and careful compliance. However, for the right candidate, it offers a pathway to independence, business opportunity, and a long-term future in the UK.
Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or a skilled worker ready to take control of your career, Gherson Solicitors can help you explore your options. Our immigration specialists provide tailored legal advice and end-to-end support from start to finish.
Updated: 8 April 2025
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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