Self-sponsorship in the UK
Self-sponsorship in the UK
The UK Self-Sponsorship route is one of the most flexible immigration pathways for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to establish or expand operations in the United Kingdom—without needing external investors or meeting high capital thresholds.
While there is no visa officially called a “Self-Sponsorship Visa,” this pathway operates under the Skilled Worker visa framework. It enables an individual to establish a UK company, obtain a Skilled Worker sponsor licence for that company, and then sponsor themselves to work for their own business.
For experienced professionals and business-minded individuals, this is a practical and scalable route that can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, ultimately, British citizenship.
what is the self-sponsorship scheme?
The Self-Sponsorship Scheme allows you to:
- Start or expand a business in the UK
- Register and operate a UK limited company
- Obtain a Skilled Worker sponsor licence for your business
- Sponsor yourself to work for your own company as a skilled employee
- Apply for a Skilled Worker visa through that sponsorship
You retain full ownership of your company. There is no mandatory minimum capital investment requirement, and unlike the Innovator Founder visa, you are not restricted to “innovative” or tech-based businesses. This flexibility makes the self-sponsorship route increasingly popular among international entrepreneurs and professionals.
who is eligible for self-sponsorship?
You may qualify if:
- You are a UK resident or non-UK resident intending to establish and work for a UK-based business
- You have professional skills and experience relevant to the role you will perform within your company
- You can establish or already own a UK limited company
- Your business is eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence
- You can prove a genuine need for your employment within the company
- You meet the English language and financial requirements
We typically present 2–3 visa options so you can choose the one that works best for you.
what are the steps in the process?
- Register a UK company – Incorporate a UK limited company with Companies House (this can be done remotely).
- Set up business operations – Open a UK business bank account, register for PAYE, prepare employment contracts, and draft a credible business plan showing why your company requires your role.
- Apply for a sponsor licence – Submit an application to UK Visas and Immigration (UK Home Office), providing supporting documents and passing compliance checks.
- Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – Once your company is approved, you can assign a digital CoS to yourself through the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
- Apply for a Skilled Worker visa – Using the CoS reference number, submit your Skilled Worker visa application (either from outside the UK or, in some cases, from within the UK if eligible).
- Enter the UK and start operations – After approval, collect your BRP, begin work, and continue developing your business.
sponsor management system (SMS)
The SMS is Uk Home Office online portal for licensed sponsors. Your business must keep it updated with:
- New sponsored workers
- Employee details and changes
- Reports on absences or non-compliance
⚠️ If you are sponsoring yourself, a UK-resident director or senior employee should usually act as the Level 1 user to avoid conflict of interest.
choosing your role and business plan
Your chosen role must match an eligible occupation code on the Skilled Worker visa list. It must be genuine and justifiable for your business needs
Popular roles for self-sponsorship include:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Managing Director
- Business Development Manager
- IT Consultant
- Marketing Director
A strong business plan should outline your services or products, target clients, operational strategy, and financial sustainability. While you do not need to hire additional employees at the outset, your plan must demonstrate credibility and long-term viability.
required documents
The application process involves substantial documentation, including:
- Valid passport and travel history
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS UKVI or recognised degree in English)
- Educational qualifications or professional experience evidence
- Bank statements showing maintenance funds
- TB test certificate (if required)
- Incorporation certificate of your UK company
- PAYE registration documents
- Business plan and evidence of trading (e.g., contracts, invoices)
You may also need utility bills, lease agreements, or HR policies to satisfy compliance checks.
financial and salary requirements (updated 2025)
Under the April 2024 Skilled Worker visa reforms (still in force August 2025):
- The general salary threshold is £41,700 per year (or £23,040 if aged under 26 or a new entrant, though this rarely applies to self-sponsorship cases).
- In some public sector shortage occupations (such as healthcare or education), lower thresholds apply, but these are usually not relevant for entrepreneurs self-sponsoring.
- You must also have at least £1,270 in personal savings for 28 consecutive days, unless your business certifies your maintenance.
adding family members
You can bring your spouse/partner and children under 18 as dependants. They will be permitted to live, study, and work in the UK.
- £285 for your partner
- £315 for your first child
- £200 for each additional child
These amounts can also be certified by your company.
settlement and citizenship
- After 5 years under the Skilled Worker route, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you: Have remained in the same or a similar sponsored role
- Meet the salary threshold for ILR (£41,700+ in most cases)
- Pass the Life in the UK Test and meet English requirements
- Once you hold ILR for 12 months, you may apply for British citizenship.
common reasons for refusal
Applications can be refused if:
- Documentation is incomplete, false, or inconsistent
- The business is not seen as genuine or sustainable
- The sponsored role is not on the eligible occupation list
- The Home Office does not accept there is a genuine need to hire yourself
- English language test requirements are not met
- Maintenance funds are insufficient
how LawSentis supports your case
At LawSentis, we provide full end-to-end support for self-sponsorship, including:
- Incorporating and structuring your UK company
- Preparing and submitting your Skilled Worker sponsor licence application
- Drafting a genuine job role and business plan
- Assigning your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Guiding you through the Skilled Worker visa application
- Ensuring HR compliance and readiness for Home Office audits
Our IAA-regulated team combines immigration expertise with business structuring knowledge, ensuring that your application is not only compliant but strategically positioned for long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions or need more information? Our team is here to help.
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