Self-sponsorship refers to setting up a UK company (or using one you already own) and having that company obtain a Sponsor Licence so that it can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to you. You then use the CoS to apply for a Skilled Worker visa, working for your own company.
“Self-Sponsorship” isn’t a visa category in its own right. It refers to a strategy where you work in the UK under the Skilled Worker route while being your own employer.
Eligibility & Requirements
Requirement | What You Must Show / Provide |
Company | A UK-registered company, legally formed, trading (or ready to trade). Must have appropriate infrastructure (premises, bank accounts, registrations with HMRC, etc.). Some sources suggest a UK resident (director or officer) is needed. |
Sponsor Licence | The company must apply for and be granted a Sponsor Licence under the Skilled Worker scheme. Must satisfy UKVI’s due diligence: HR systems, financial viability, record-keeping, compliance obligations. |
Genuine Vacancy / Employment Role | You must hold a bona fide role in the company (e.g. director/employee) that meets “eligible occupation” and “skill level” requirements. The role must pay at or above salary thresholds (or the going rate) for that occupation. |
Salary & Funds | Must meet the Skilled Worker salary threshold / going rate. In many documented examples, that is around £41,700 or more (or higher under more recent thresholds). Must also show maintenance funds (e.g. £1,270 or equivalent) if required. |
English Language | You’ll need English at the required CEFR level (often B1 or equivalent) unless exempt. |
Other Requirements | TB test (if from a listed country), criminal record checks if working in sensitive sectors; business plan, evidence of funds, etc. |
Pros & Cons of Self-Sponsorship
Advantages | Disadvantages / Risks |
More control — you work for your own company and can shape job role, hours, etc. | High scrutiny — risk of refusal if the business isn’t clearly established or considered non-genuine. |
Potential to bring dependants and later qualify for ILR after 5 years under the Skilled Worker route. | You must bear all responsibilities of an employer/sponsor: compliance, audits, and record keeping. |
No endorsement or fixed investment requirement (unlike some entrepreneur/innovator visas). | Significant initial costs: setting up a company, applying for a licence, maintaining operations, salary, and legal fees. |
Flexibility to scale business and possibly sponsor others in future. | Time and effort: set-ups, licence application, gathering documents, proving viability takes time. |
Step-by-Step Process
- Business Planning – decide what business you’ll run, ensure it’s viable, and prepare a business plan.
- Set Up Company – register a UK company, open a business bank account, register for taxes (PAYE, etc.), and get business premises if required.
- Apply for Sponsor Licence – prepare evidence, submit application, appoint key personnel (e.g. Authorising Officer, Key Contact).
- Assign Yourself CoS – once sponsor licence approved. Ensure job and salary meet requirements.
- Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa – with the CoS; gather all required documents, pass the English test, etc.
- Comply & Maintain – operate the business, keep records, and remain compliant with Home Office sponsor duties.
- Continuous Residence – after 5 years under this arrangement, you may apply for ILR, provided other requirements (salary, absences, character, English, etc.) are met.
Pricing / Costs Overview
Here are typical costs you should consider (examples from sources, though actual costs vary):
Item | Estimate |
Sponsor Licence Fee | £536 for small or charitable businesses; £1,476-£1,579 for medium/large businesses |
Skilled Worker Visa Application Fee | £719 (outside UK, up to 3 years) or more for longer duration; variable depending on inside vs outside UK, etc. |
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year for most applicants |
Certificate of Sponsorship costs, legal/consultant fees, business setup costs | Varies; legal fees and business setup can be several thousand GBP, depending on complexity |
Is Self-Sponsorship Right for You?
You might be a good candidate for this if you:
- Already have or are confident to establish a genuine UK business.
- Have relevant qualifications/skills to lead the business or act in the sponsored role.
- Have sufficient funds and infrastructure to sustain the company, pay salaries, etc.
- Can manage employer responsibilities (compliance, payroll, insurance, etc.).
- Are aiming for ILR eventually and want more control over your working life in the UK.
You may not be a good candidate if:
- You have no trading history and cannot convincingly show your business will function as a real employer.
- You are unable to meet salary thresholds or fund requirements.
- You find managing company affairs (tax, compliance, HR) overwhelming or risky.
References
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/workers-and-temporary-workers-sponsor-a-skilled-worker/workers-and-temporary-workers-sponsor-a-skilled-worker-accessible
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/workers-and-temporary-workers-guidance-for-sponsors-part-1-apply-for-a-licence/workers-and-temporary-workers-guidance-for-sponsors-part-1-apply-for-a-licence-accessible
- Workers and Temporary Workers – guidance for sponsors part 1: apply for a licence – GOV.UK
- Skilled Worker visa: Overview – GOV.UK
- https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job
- https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/when-you-can-be-paid-less
- https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/certificate-of-sponsorship-before-4-april-2024