UK Self-Sponsorship Visa
The UK Self-Sponsorship visa isn’t a separate visa category, but a smart way for entrepreneurs to move to the UK using the Skilled Worker visa route. It lets you start or buy a UK business, get a sponsor licence, and then sponsor yourself to work there. It offers flexibility, no fixed investment amount, and can lead to settlement and citizenship.
Visa Category Type
Work (via Skilled Worker route)
Typical Duration
Up to 5 years initially
Nationalities Eligible
Open to all nationalities that meet the eligibility requirements
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the UK Self-Sponsorship visa, both you (the applicant) and your UK company must meet certain requirements:
- Age: Must be 18 years or older.
- English Skills: You need to prove you can speak, read, write, and understand English (minimum B1 level).
- Personal Savings: Show you have enough money to support yourself — at least £1,270 for yourself, plus extra for each family member (unless your company agrees to cover this).
- Relevant Experience: You must have the skills or experience to run or work in the kind of business you’re setting up in the UK.
For Your UK Company (the Sponsor)
- Genuine Business: Your company must be real, active, and planning to trade in the UK — not just created for visa purposes.
- Sponsor Licence: The company must get a Skilled Worker sponsor licence from the UK Home Office.
- Job Role: You must have a real job in the company (like Director), at the right skill level and pay the required salary.
- Financial Capability: Your business should be able to afford your salary and running costs — start-up expenses could begin around £25,000.
- Authorising Officer: Ideally, someone already in the UK should manage the licence (they act as your point of contact with the Home Office).
Application Process
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Company Incorporation in the UK
- Start by setting up a UK-based company. You can do this even if you are not in the UK, and you don’t need to be a British citizen or resident to be the initial director.
- This company will later apply for a sponsor licence.
- Estimated time: 6–8 weeks
2. Apply for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence
- After your company is set up, apply for a sponsor licence from the UK Home Office.
- The Home Office will check if your business is genuine and able to meet sponsor duties, including having the right HR policies.
- Estimated time: about 8 weeks after submitting all documents
3. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Once your sponsor licence is approved, your company can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to you.
- This is a digital reference number showing you have a job offer and sponsorship.
4. Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
- With your CoS, you can apply for the Skilled Worker visa online.
- You’ll need to provide proof of identity and biometrics (fingerprints and photo), usually at a visa application centre.
- Estimated time: 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK
Required Documents
For the Company & Sponsor Licence
- UK business bank account
- Proof of HMRC registration for PAYE and National Insurance
- VAT registration (if needed)
- Employer’s liability insurance
- Proof of business premises (ownership or lease)
- Recent annual accounts
- Corporation tax documents (CT600/603)
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
- Company organizational chart
- Detailed HR policies and procedures
For the Visa Applicant
- Valid passport or ID
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
- Proof of English language (CEFR Level B1 or higher)
- Proof of savings (maintenance funds), unless your company certifies this on your CoS
- Police clearance certificate (if required)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (if required)
- Certified translations for any non-English/Welsh documents
- Business plan (recommended for showing genuine intent)
Cost and Hidden Costs
Official Government Fees
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Fee Type
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Amount
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Maintenance Funds Requirement
- Main applicant: £1,270 in savings (held for 28 days)
- Partner: £285
- First child: £315
- Each additional child: £200
Potential Hidden Costs
- Legal/professional fees: £20,000–£35,000+ (for expert help)
- Business start-up and first-year costs: From £25,000; total funds for first year could reach £150,000 depending on business type and salaries
- Certified translations: £28–£75 per page
- Notarization fees: Varies
- Travel expenses for visa appointments and relocation
- Other operational costs (rent, salaries, insurance, etc.)
Family and Dependents
- Your partner and children can apply as dependents and join you in the UK.
- Eligible dependents:
- Spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner (must show proof of relationship, e.g., living together for 2 years)
- Children under 18 (or over 18 if already in the UK as dependents)
- Each dependent must apply separately and pay the visa fee.
- Dependents’ visas usually last as long as the main applicant’s visa.
- Proof of relationship and address is required for all dependents.
- Dependents must provide biometrics and supporting documents as part of their application.
Pathway to Settlement
- The Skilled Worker visa can lead to permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years in the UK, provided you meet all requirements (such as continuous residence, salary thresholds, and absence limits).
- After obtaining permanent residency, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship, subject to meeting further requirements.