Self Sponsorship

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.

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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.

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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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is self-sponsorship and how does it work?

Self-sponsorship allows skilled individuals to obtain a UK Skilled Worker visa by setting up their own UK-based company. It involves establishing a legitimate business, applying for a sponsor license from the Home Office, and assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship to oneself for a genuine role. Applicants must meet all Skilled Worker requirements, including skill level, salary threshold, and demonstrate the business's operational capability.

How can ICONIQ Solicitors help with self-sponsorship in the UK?

ICONIQ Solicitors can assist with UK self-sponsorship by guiding you through the process of setting up a UK-based company and securing a sponsor licence from the Home Office for a Skilled Worker visa. Their legal team ensures your business meets immigration requirements, helps draft compliant job descriptions, and manages the sponsor licence application. They also advise on salary thresholds, SOC codes, and ongoing compliance to avoid penalties. With their support, you can develop a tailored immigration strategy, allowing you to live and work in the UK independently.

What business structure and sponsor licence are required?

To pursue self-sponsorship for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you must first establish a UK limited company registered with Companies House. After setting up the company, apply for a Worker sponsor licence under the Skilled Worker route through the Home Office. Once the licence is approved, your company can assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship, allowing you to apply for the visa.

Which roles/salaries are realistic under sponsorship?

In 2025, Skilled Worker sponsorship in the UK includes high-skilled roles at RQF Level 6 or above. The minimum salary is £41,700 or the specific occupation's going rate. New entrants, PhD-qualified applicants, and shortage occupations may have lower thresholds, starting around £30,000 to £38,700.

What compliance and audit duties apply?

The Skilled Worker sponsors must comply with strict duties to maintain their sponsor licence. Regular audits are necessary to ensure job duties align with the SOC code and that salary thresholds are met, especially after the July 2025 increase to £41,700.

What are typical timelines and costs?

Typical timelines for a UK Skilled Worker visa are 3 to 8 weeks, varying by application location and priority service use. Standard processing takes about 3 weeks for overseas applications and 8 weeks for in-country changes. Application fees vary between in-country and outside-country applicants. Additional fees apply for dependants, and priority services incur extra costs.