UK Self Sponsorship Visa Guide 2025

Section A: What is a Self Sponsorship Visa?

‘Self Sponsorship visa’ in the UK is a general term used to describe an immigration route that allows foreign nationals to sponsor themselves to work through their own business, without needing a traditional employer to sponsor them. This is done by acquiring or setting up a UK-based company, which then applies to the UK Home Office for a sponsor licence. Once the company is approved as a licensed sponsor, it can then assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the business owner, who then applies for a Skilled Worker visa.

Table: Self Sponsorship Visa Stages

Self sponsorship can offer an appealing route for entrepreneurs, business owners and skilled workers who wish to start their own company or expand an existing enterprise, offering the flexibility of being both the employer and the sponsored employee, making it a popular choice for those seeking greater control over their work and career. However, it’s important to note that any application to sponsor yourself must satisfy the Skilled Worker rules and the Home Office may refuse if the job is not considered genuine.

1. Is There a Self Sponsorship Visa UK?

While there is currently no dedicated self sponsorship visa for the UK, it may be possible to establish or invest in a UK-based business and, having been approved by the UK Home Office for a suitable sponsor licence, arrange for your business to sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa.

Equally, if you already own or partly own a business in the UK, provided your business is approved to sponsor workers on the Skilled Worker route and you meet the requirements for a Skilled Worker visa, this can potentially provide you with the ideal solution to self sponsorship.

2. How does Visa Self Sponsorship Work?

The Self Sponsorship process consists of several key stages, each requiring careful attention to detail to ensure compliance with the sponsorship rules and visa conditions.

Step 1: UK-Based Business

The first step is to either acquire an existing UK-based company or establish a new business in the UK, which involves registering the company with Companies House, choosing a suitable business structure (such as a limited company), and ensuring the business meets all legal and tax obligations.

The business must be viable and capable of fulfilling the requirements needed to obtain a sponsor licence.

Step 2: Apply for a Sponsor Licence

The next step is for the company to apply for a sponsor licence from the UK Home Office.

A sponsor licence is the permission granted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to a UK-based business to enable that business to assign CoS to migrant workers – including the applicant, if they are self-sponsoring – under the Skilled Worker route.

UKVI is the division of the UK’s Home Office responsible for both sponsor licensing and visas.

The business will need to submit various documents to prove it is operating legitimately, can offer genuine employment, and has the necessary systems in place to monitor sponsored employees. The licence application usually takes 8 weeks to process if there are no issues and if the Home Office does not carry out a pre-licence compliance inspection.

Step 3: Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa

After obtaining the sponsor licence, the business can issue a CoS to the individual who will be sponsored. With this CoS, the individual can then apply for a Skilled Worker Visa.

A Skilled Worker visa applicant must have an offer of a genuine job role from an approved sponsor that meets the relevant route-specific requirements. From 22 July 2025, new Skilled Worker applications are generally limited to roles skilled to RQF level 6 (graduate level). Sponsorship in RQF 3–5 occupations is only permitted where the role is listed on the Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List, or where transitional protections apply to workers who already held Skilled Worker permission before 22 July 2025 and have kept continuous permission.

The sponsor confirms these requirements are met by assigning a CoS to the worker.

The visa application process involves submitting the CoS, along with proof of financial stability and meeting the necessary English language requirements. The visa application can take several weeks depending on whether standard or priority processing is used.

Step 4: Ongoing Compliance

Once the licence and visa have been granted, the business must maintain ongoing compliance with the Home Office regulations. This includes ensuring that the sponsored employee, whether the business owner or other staff, continues to meet the relevant visa conditions, such as salary thresholds and working in the approved job role.

The business is also responsible for monitoring visa expiry dates, keeping accurate records, and reporting any significant changes, such as the employee leaving the company or changing roles.

Failure to meet the ongoing compliance requirements could result in the sponsor licence being revoked, which would affect the visa status of the sponsored worker and potentially lead to legal consequences for the business.

Section B: Setting Up a UK Business

Setting up a company in the UK is the first stage in the Self Sponsorship visa process. This involves several steps, from choosing the type of company structure to registering with the appropriate authorities.

1. Choose a Business Structure

Before registering your business, you must decide on the appropriate legal structure. Common structures include:

Table: Company Structures in the UK

A Private Limited Company (Ltd) is often recommended for self-sponsorship as it offers limited liability protection and is more likely to meet sponsor licence requirements.

2. Register the Company with Companies House

Once you’ve chosen the business structure, you need to register your company with Companies House, the UK’s registrar of companies. Registration can be done online and typically takes one to three working days. To register, you will need to provide the following:

a. Company Name: Must be unique and comply with UK naming rules.

b. Registered Office Address: A physical address in the UK where official correspondence will be sent. It can be your business premises or a third-party service.

c. Company Directors: At least one director is required, who will manage the company’s operations. There is no legal requirement for a director to live in the UK; the company only needs a UK registered office. For sponsor licensing, however, the people you nominate as Key Personnel (Authorising Officer, Key Contact and Level 1 user) must be based in the UK, and you must have at least one Level 1 user who is an employee, director or partner and a settled worker.

d. Shareholders: A list of shareholders and their shareholdings, which may include yourself if you are both the director and owner.

e. SIC Code: This code identifies your company’s business activity. You must select the correct code that reflects your business sector.

3. Prepare Memorandum and Articles of Association

You will also need to prepare the Memorandum and Articles of Association, which are legal documents outlining how the company will be run and the rights of shareholders and directors. These documents must be submitted during registration with Companies House. Standard templates are available, but it’s advisable to seek legal advice to ensure they are appropriate for your business.

4. Set Up a UK Business Bank Account

After the company is registered, you’ll need to open a UK business bank account to manage the company’s finances. Most UK banks require proof of company registration, identification for the directors, and the registered office address. A business bank account is crucial for demonstrating the financial viability of your company when applying for a sponsor licence.

5. Register for Corporation Tax and VAT (If Applicable)

Once the company is registered, you must also register for Corporation Tax with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) within three months of starting business activities. If your company’s turnover is expected to exceed the VAT threshold (currently £90,000 per year), you will also need to register for VAT.

Corporation tax is applied to your company’s profits, while VAT is charged on most goods and services. Being compliant with tax obligations is vital for obtaining a sponsor licence.

6. Create a Business Plan

While the Home Office does not require a business plan, or evidence of job creation or economic benefit at the sponsor licence stage, a business plan can be useful to demonstrate that the business is viable and capable of sponsoring workers, including yourself. The focus should remain on proving the specific role you wish to sponsor is genuine, skilled and salaried at the correct rate, but it may be helpful to outline the company’s goals, financial forecasts, market research in a business plan covering:

a. Business Objectives: Clear goals for the company’s growth and operations.

b. Market Research: An analysis of the market demand for your products or services.

c. Financial Projections: Expected revenue, expenses, and profitability.

d. Staffing Plan: Details on how many people you plan to hire and the roles they will fulfil.

Take advice on how best to support your application through documentation.

7. Register for PAYE (Pay As You Earn)

If you plan to hire employees, including sponsoring yourself as an employee of your company, you will need to register for PAYE with HMRC. PAYE is a system for paying income tax and national insurance contributions on behalf of employees. It’s important to set up PAYE correctly to comply with UK employment law and sponsor licence requirements.

8. Ensure Compliance with UK Regulations

You must ensure that your company complies with all UK employment laws and regulations, including health and safety, insurance, and data protection rules. This compliance is necessary for obtaining a sponsor licence and operating the business legally in the UK.

Section C: Apply for a Sponsor Licence

With your company registered and operational, the next step is to apply for a sponsor licence from the UK Home Office. The sponsor licence allows your company to sponsor employees, including yourself, for a Skilled Worker visa.

To be eligible, your business must demonstrate that it is legitimate, financially stable, and capable of fulfilling its sponsor duties.

1. How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence for Self Sponsorship

Before applying for a Skilled Worker visa, your UK-based business will first need to be approved by UKVI to sponsor this category of worker. In addition to issuing visas, UKVI is also responsible for making decisions around sponsor licensing.

To apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, the details of your UK-based business will need to be registered with UKVI before submitting an online application form.

When you apply you must nominate key personnel: an Authorising Officer (AO), a Key Contact (KC) and at least one Level 1 user. The AO must be the most senior person responsible for the sponsor licence and for overall compliance across all sponsored workers. The KC is UKVI’s main point of contact. Level 1 users manage day-to-day tasks in the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). AO, KC and Level 1 roles can be held by the same person if appropriate. Only Level 1 and Level 2 users have SMS access; if the AO or KC needs access they must also be set up as a user.

If you appoint a representative to help manage your licence, the representative must be UK-based.

For applications made on or after 31 December 2024, you must have at least one Level 1 user who is a settled worker and who is your employee, director or partner. Further Level 1 and Level 2 users can be added later. All key personnel must be honest, dependable and reliable, and meet suitability checks.

The key personnel roles can be filled by the same person or a combination of different people in your business, although they must usually be either paid members of staff or office-holders. They must also meet a number of other requirements, including being based in the UK for the duration of their sponsorship role.

Once a Skilled Worker sponsor licence is in place, additional Level 1 Users can be appointed, together with Level 2 users, although they will have fewer permissions. Only Level 1 and Level 2 Users will have access to the SMS, where the AO and KC must be set up as a Level 1 or 2 user if they also require access.

2. Sponsor Licence Supporting Documents

To apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, the applicant business must submit a number of supporting documents, including the application submission sheet. This must be emailed, signed and dated by the AO and all supporting documents uploaded within 5 working days of the application submission, via the UKVI portal.

A number of detailed documents must be provided to meet the Skilled Worker sponsor licence requirements. These can be found online in Sponsor Guidance Appendix A, although it is strongly advised to seek expert assistance from our self sponsorship visa specialists, not least as the applicant business will need to be able to satisfy UKVI that it is able to offer a genuine job role for suitably skilled and salaried employment. If UKVI forms the view that the role has been created mainly so that you can apply for entry clearance or permission to stay in the UK, the sponsor licence application will be refused.

3. How Much Does a Sponsor Licence Cost?

There are various costs associated with applying for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence and the sponsorship process. These include the licence application fee, a fee for assigning each sponsorship certificate, plus an Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) for every CoS assigned.

Table: Sponsor Licence Application Costs

The cost of applying for a licence will depend on the size and status of your business. There is a £574 application fee for small or charitable businesses, with a £1,579 fee for medium or large businesses.

To qualify as a small sponsor, an organisation typically needs to satisfy at least two of these conditions: an annual turnover of no more than £15 million, total assets valued at £7.5 million or less, or a workforce of 50 or fewer employees. For charitable sponsor status, the organisation must be a registered charity in England or Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, with unregistered Northern Irish charities providing evidence of their charitable tax status from HMRC. Other qualifying charitable entities include excepted charities, exempt charities, and ecclesiastical corporations set up for charitable objectives.

The Immigration Skills Charge will also be payable when assigning a CoS to a Skilled Worker visa applicant. The fee is based on the size and status of your business, as well as the start and end dates on your CoS.

For small or charitable businesses, the ISC is charged at £364 for the first 12 months, plus £182 for every further 6 month period. For medium or large businesses, the ISC is charged at £1,000 for the first 12 months, plus £500 for every further 6 months.

4. Sponsor Licence Processing Time

Having submitted the sponsor licence application, paid the fee and submitted all supporting documentation, a decision will usually be made in less than 8 weeks, although this can be longer if UKVI needs to conduct a compliance visit to ensure that your business is trustworthy, reliable and capable of carrying out its sponsor duties.

If the licence is granted, the company will be given an A -rated sponsor licence, and access to the SMS, which should be used to manage the licence, and assign CoS to visa applicants.

A pre-licence priority service is available for an additional £500, aiming to consider an application within 10 working days, subject to a daily cap on requests.

Section D: Skilled Worker Visa Application for Self Sponsorship

With a valid CoS, the business owner can apply to the Home Office for a Skilled Worker visa.

1. What is the Skilled Worker Visa?

A Skilled Worker visa will allow you to come to or stay in the UK to work in an eligible job role with an approved organisation for up to 5 years and, provided you continue to meet the relevant requirements, you can apply to renew your visa an unlimited number of times.

Having continuously lived in the UK for a period of 5 years, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). To qualify for ILR you must still be needed for your role and meet the salary requirement at the date of your ILR application, alongside the KOLL requirement. However, provided you can meet the relevant requirements, you would be able to live and work in the UK on an indefinite basis.

As a long-term work route, one that provides a path to settlement, it is possible for your spouse, partner and any children to apply as your dependants to accompany or follow to join you in the UK on this route. A dependant would typically be granted a visa in line with the length of stay granted to the principal applicant or primary visa-holder, where they can either apply at the same time or at a later date. They can also apply to extend their stay as dependants on the Skilled Worker route, as well as apply for permanent settlement.

2. Skilled Worker Visa Requirements

To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, you must have a confirmed job offer before making your application and be suitably qualified to fill that role. You must also:

a. be working for a UK-based employer that has been approved by UKVI to sponsor workers on the Skilled Worker route

b. have a valid CoS from your licensed employer with information about the role that you have been offered in the UK

c. be doing a job that is on the list of eligible occupations under the UK’s Immigration Rules

d. be paid the relevant minimum salary for the job role

e. be able to speak, read, write and understand English to at least Level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale

f. have savings of at least £1,270 to show that you can support yourself on arrival in the UK or, alternatively, have your UK sponsor certify maintenance of this amount on your CoS.

For the financial requirement, applicants need £1,270 in savings or the sponsor can certify maintenance on the CoS. This is only needed for entry clearance or where the applicant has been in the UK for less than 12 months at the date of application.

When it comes to the minimum skill and salary requirements, a Skilled Worker must have a job offer in an eligible occupation as set out in Appendix Skilled Occupations of the Immigration Rules. The occupation in question must also meet the Skilled Worker salary requirements as set out in Appendix Skilled Worker and Appendix Skilled Occupations. This means that the salary for skilled workers must meet or exceed the relevant minimum salary threshold, which for most job roles is at least £41,700 per year or the ‘going rate’ for the selected occupation, whichever is higher, unless a lower threshold applies. Reduced thresholds may be available in certain circumstances, such as for role on the Immigration Salary List.

For applications made on or after 22 July 2025, the job you are sponsored for must normally be at RQF level 6. Sponsorship in RQF 3–5 roles is only possible if the occupation appears on the Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List, or if transitional provisions apply because you already held Skilled Worker permission before 22 July 2025 and have maintained continuous permission.

3. Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence Requirements

There are a number of general and route-specific requirements that must be met to be approved by UKVI for a sponsor licence on the Skilled Worker route. To be eligible for sponsorship, the Home Office must be satisfied that your UK-based business is:

a. a genuine organisation that is operating lawfully in the UK

b. any owners, co-owners, directors and those responsible for the day-to-day running of your business are honest, dependable and reliable, and are not engaging and have not engaged in behaviour or actions that are not considered conducive to the public good

c. capable of carrying out its sponsor duties, in relation to the HR systems and recruitment practices in place in your business.

When processing a sponsor licence application, UKVI will look at the history and background of the business, including any evidence of previous non-compliance with the UK’s Immigration Rules. It will also take into account any criminal convictions and immigration violations committed by those involved in the day-to-day running of the business, including the key personnel named in the sponsor licence application.

The key personnel are the people nominated to manage the sponsorship process within your business, where each of your key personnel must usually be a paid member of staff or engaged as an office-holder and be based in the UK for the period that they will be required to fill the role they have been appointed to. Some or all of these individuals will have access to the Home Office SMS in the event that a licence is approved, where the SMS can be used to issue CoS and comply with the sponsor duties.

In addition to the general requirements necessary to be eligible for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, the applicant business must also be able to offer a job role that:

a. is genuine and not a sham, where UKVI must be satisfied that the role has not been created mainly so that you can apply for entry clearance or permission to stay in the UK

b. does not amount to the hiring of you as a worker to a third party who is not the sponsor, either to fill a position or to undertake routine contract work with that party

c. meets the minimum skill level and salary requirements for the Skilled Worker route.

4. Self Sponsorship & Genuine Vacancy Requirement

Importantly, being able to offer a suitably skilled and salaried job on the Skilled Worker route is not all UKVI will focus on when assessing the suitability of your business to sponsor you as a Skilled Worker. UKVI will not approve a sponsor licence if they have reasonable grounds to believe the job you are being sponsored to do either does not exist, or is a sham, for example, the job exists but you will not be doing it. Similarly, even if the job exists and you have every intention of working in that role if you are granted a visa to do so, UKVI will again not approve a sponsor licence if this job has been created mainly to provide you with a basis upon which to apply for a Skilled Worker visa to come to or stay in the UK.

When it comes to self sponsorship, the genuine vacancy requirement can represent a significant hurdle to your business obtaining a licence and you subsequently being granted a Skilled Worker visa, where any concerns from the UKVI caseworker deciding the licence application may lead to a pre-licence compliance visit to your UK-based business and/or an in-person interview with you as the visa applicant. The proposed sponsoring employer must be able to show a genuine need for the job as described, and you, as the proposed visa applicant, must have the appropriate qualifications, skills and experience to do that job.

Importantly, if the business that you own or partly own is already approved to sponsor Skilled Workers or other categories of migrant worker, compliance action may be taken against the business where UKVI forms the view that a job role has been specifically created to facilitate your visa application. This can include having its existing sponsor licence suspended, downgraded or revoked, the net effect of which could be the loss of sponsorship for any existing migrant workers and those workers even being forced to leave the UK.

Seeking the help of an immigration specialist at the earliest opportunity can help you to maximise the prospects of a successful outcome and, where applicable, minimise the risk of any action being taken against an existing sponsoring business and its migrant workforce.

5. How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa for Self-Sponsorship

To apply for a Skilled Worker visa — whether you are applying from overseas or to switch from a different immigration route to stay in the UK — you will need to complete an online form with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the Home Office department responsible for issuing visas. As part of the application process, you will need to prove both your identity and nationality and submit a number of supporting documents.

You may also need to enrol your biometric information at either an overseas Visa Application Centre (VAC) or at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point from within the UK.

The way in which you prove your identity and nationality, and whether or not you will be required to attend a scheduled appointment, will depend on where you are from and what type of passport you have. You may be eligible to use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your passport. However, if you need to schedule an appointment to have a scan of your fingerprints and facial photograph taken, you will be told when you apply online.

6. Self Sponsorship Visa Application Form

The online application form will ask you a number of questions about the circumstances of your application. This form must be completed in English, and to be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, you are required to be able to communicate in English, including in writing.

You will be asked if you have a current EU, EEA or Swiss passport. If you do and your passport has a biometric chip, you may be eligible to use the ID Check app to prove your identity and nationality. Having created a UKVI account, you can scan your passport and upload a photo of yourself. If you cannot use the app, you will instead need to attend an overseas VAC or UKVCAS service point after completing the online application form.

7. Self Sponsorship Visa Supporting Documents

In addition to a valid CoS, there are a number of supporting documents that will also be needed when making a self sponsorship visa application, including:

a. a valid passport or other travel document to prove your identity and nationality

b. proof of savings of at least £1,270 in your bank account, where applicable

c. proof of your English language ability, where applicable

d. a tuberculosis test certificate if you are from a listed country

e. a criminal record certificate if you will be working in education, health or social care.

Additional documentation may also be required, depending on your circumstances. Taking advice on your application will help ensure you provide a comprehensive submission, to avoid processing delays and a potential visa refusal.

You should be able to upload your supporting documents using your online account with UKVI or, alternatively, you can take them with you to your scheduled biometrics appointment.

8. Skilled Worker Visa Fees for Self Sponsored Applicants

When you apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you will be required to pay an application fee, which varies depending on your circumstances.

You will also be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) per year of stay to allow you to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) for the duration of your visa. The IHS is £1,035 per applicant per year of stay.

Also payable is the fee for issuing a CoS per sponsored worker, which is £525 and is paid by the sponsor. The sponsor is responsible for the CoS assignment fee and must not recoup any part of the CoS fee or associated administrative costs from the sponsored worker.

9. Skilled Worker Visa Processing

Once you have proved your identity and nationality, provided your supporting documentation and paid the fees, you should receive a decision on your Skilled Worker visa within a period of 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK or 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK.

However, your visa application may take longer if, for example, your supporting documents need to be verified, or you need to attend an in-person interview, or if you have a criminal conviction and additional checks or information is required.

You will be notified shortly after receipt of your application if processing is likely to be delayed.

You may be able to pay for a faster decision, although not all locations offer priority services. You will be advised when you apply if priority services are available.

You can pay an additional £500 for a decision within 5 working days or an additional £1000 for a decision by the end of the next working day.

If your visa application is not straightforward, paying for a priority service does not necessarily guarantee a faster decision, nor does it guarantee a positive outcome.

10. Skilled Worker Visa Dependants

For applications made on or after 22 July 2025 in “medium-skilled” roles below RQF 6 (i.e. roles on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, new dependants are generally not permitted unless transitional protections apply.

If your role does permit dependants, your partner and dependent children can apply after your visa has been granted or at the same time as you. If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.

Each applicant will need to pay a separate fee to apply for a Skilled Worker visa, including a fee for any priority processing. They will also need to pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of stay.

A financial requirement also applies, and minimum funds will need to be provided as follows: £285 for your spouse or partner, £315 for the first child and £200 for each additional child. This is in addition to the requirement under this route for you to show funds of £1,270, where applicable.

11. Extending the Skilled Worker Visa

Having lived and worked in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, you can apply to extend your stay shortly prior to its expiry, provided you continue to meet the relevant requirements. This means that you must continue to be employed in an eligible job role for your business, one which meets the minimum skill and salary requirements at the time you apply, where your business will need to assign you a fresh sponsorship certificate as evidence of this.

You can apply to extend your visa from within the UK using the online form. You will be required to pay a new application fee, together with the healthcare surcharge. Any dependants who are living with you in the UK on this route can also apply to extend their stay, either at the same time or shortly prior to expiry of their own visa(s), where different.

Section E: Ongoing Sponsorship Duties

The final stage of the Self Sponsorship Visa process involves meeting the ongoing compliance obligations, both as a sponsor licence holder and as a Skilled Worker Visa holder.

Failure to meet these obligations can lead to penalties, such as loss of your sponsor licence and even visa cancellation.

1. Sponsor Licence Holder Obligations

As a sponsor licence holder, your business takes on the responsibility of ensuring that you, and any other sponsored employees, adhere to strict requirements set by the UK Home Office. These responsibilities are designed to ensure that businesses are genuinely sponsoring skilled workers and complying with the immigration rules.

a. Monitoring Sponsored Employees

As a sponsor licence holder, you must actively monitor the visa status of any sponsored employees, including yourself. This includes:

i. Keeping track of visa expiry dates.

ii. Ensuring that sponsored employees (including yourself) are working in the role specified in the CoS, with the required salary and job title.

iii. Monitoring work hours, locations, and conditions to ensure they match what was reported in the visa application.

b. Record-Keeping

Your business must maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all sponsored employees. These include:

i. Copies of passports, visas, and where relevant Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs).

ii. Employment contracts and salary information.

iii. Evidence of qualifications and professional accreditations.

c. Records of attendance and absence, including sick leave and holidays.

These records must be readily available for inspection by the Home Office at any time.

d. Reporting to the UK Home Office

You are required to notify the UK Home Office of any changes in the status of sponsored employees, including yourself. This includes:

i. Changes in employment status: If an employee’s job role changes, they leave the company or if there are significant changes to their salary or working conditions.

ii. Changes to your business: If the business changes ownership, relocates, or undergoes any significant restructuring, the Home Office must be informed.

iii. Non-compliance or breaches: If a sponsored worker does not meet the visa conditions (e.g., missing work for extended periods without explanation), it must be reported.

Notifications to the Home Office must typically be made within 10 working days of the change through the SMS.

e. Home Office Compliance Audits

The UK Home Office may conduct compliance checks or audits at any time. These checks ensure that your business is meeting its sponsor duties. During these audits, the Home Office will review your employee records, financial standing, and compliance with sponsor licence duties. Non-compliance could result in penalties, suspension, or revocation of your sponsor licence.

2. Skilled Worker Visa Holder Obligations

As a Skilled Worker visa holder (in this case, self-sponsored), you also have specific obligations to remain compliant with UK immigration laws. Failure to comply can lead to visa cancellation and impact your ability to stay and work in the UK.

a. Working in the Approved Role

As a Skilled Worker Visa holder, you must work in the role specified in your Certificate of Sponsorship. The job title, description, and salary must match what was submitted in your visa application. You cannot switch to a different role without updating your sponsor licence and, in some cases, submitting a new visa application.

b. Meeting Salary Requirements

Your salary must meet the relevant minimum threshold, as specified by the UK Government, for your role. For self-sponsorship, it’s important to ensure that your business can continue to pay you the required salary as per your visa conditions.

If your salary drops below the required level, this could breach the terms of your visa.

c. Maintaining Valid Visa Status

You must ensure that your visa remains valid. This includes extending your visa before it expires, and ensuring that your passport is kept up to date.

d. Reporting Changes in Circumstances

You are required to notify the UK Home Office through the SMS of significant changes in your personal circumstances, such as:

i. A change of address or contact details.

ii. Any changes to your marital status or if you have dependents joining or leaving the UK.

iii. Any changes to your immigration status if you apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or switch to another visa category.

Section F: Innovator Founder as an Alternative to Self Sponsorship

While self sponsorship offers a certain degree of control and flexibility to business owners, the eligibility and evidentiary requirements are strict, which may deter some from pursuing this immigration route.

As an alternative, you may consider the Innovator Founder visa, which is the primary visa option for foreign national business owners and entrepreneurs.

1. What is the Innovator Founder Visa?

The UK Innovator Founder visa is aimed at overseas entrepreneurs looking to set up and run a business in the UK. As with the previous Innovator and Start-up routes, the Innovator founder route is not a sponsored work route. This means that an entrepreneur can essentially self sponsor, provided they meet the relevant requirements.

This re-branded route has also introduced a number of favourable changes to attract foreign entrepreneurial talent to the UK, including the removal of the £50,000 minimum investment requirement previously required under the Rules.

However, there are various strict eligibility requirements that must be met, as set out under Appendix Innovator Founder of the UK’s Immigration Rules, including an English language and financial requirement, as well as a complex endorsement requirement.

Before you can apply for the visa, you first have to secure endorsement for your business idea from an authorised body.

The endorsement process involves making an application to the appropriate endorsement body for your industry, which will then assess if your business idea is innovative, viable and scalable:

a. Innovative: your business meets new market needs and/or creates a competitive advantage.

b. Viable: your business idea must be both realistic and achievable based on the resources available to you, whereby you have the knowledge, skills, experience and market awareness to successfully run your new UK business

c. Scalable: you can show evidence of planning and potential for job creation in the UK, as well as growth into both national and international markets.

Only with endorsement can you proceed to make the visa application.

If granted, this visa enables the applicant to live and work in the UK while developing their business. It is initially granted for 3 years, with the option to extend or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain if the business meets growth and sustainability criteria.

Read our detailed guide to the Innovator Founder Visa here >> 

2. Self Sponsorship v. Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder Visa and Self Sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa are both routes to setting up a business in the UK, but they differ significantly in focus and requirements.

The Innovator Founder visa is designed for entrepreneurs who have a truly innovative business idea that is endorsed by an approved body. The idea must be new, unique, and scalable in the UK market.

This visa requires applicants to demonstrate a high level of innovation and market potential. It is granted for three years and can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided the business shows growth and sustainability. The visa is suitable for those aiming to develop groundbreaking products or services and is less focused on traditional employment structures.

In contrast, Self Sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa allows individuals to set up and run a business in the UK while sponsoring themselves as an employee of that business. This route does not require an innovative idea, but focuses more on meeting traditional business, compliance and employment criteria, such as securing a sponsor licence and meeting salary thresholds. It is ideal for entrepreneurs who wish to maintain more control over their employment and business operations without needing external endorsement.

For potential applicants, the choice depends on whether their business is innovation-driven or focused on fulfilling skilled worker and employment needs.

Section G: Summary

A Sponsorship Visa UK allows individuals to sponsor themselves for a visa by establishing a UK-based business. This route is often chosen by entrepreneurs or skilled professionals who wish to work in the UK without needing a traditional employer sponsor.

The process involves several key stages. The first stage is to either acquire an existing UK-based business, or set up a legitimate business in the UK by registering the company with Companies House and meeting legal and tax requirements.

The next step is for the UK company to apply for a sponsor licence from the UK Home Office for permission to sponsor foreign workers, which in this case would include the applicant themselves.

Once the sponsor licence is granted, the business can issue a CoS, allowing the applicant to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. The visa application process includes submitting the CoS, proving financial stability, and meeting English language requirements.

The company must ensure that it meets the ongoing compliance and licence management duties, including keeping records, monitoring employee visa statuses, and reporting any changes to the Home Office. Maintaining compliance ensures the sponsor licence remains valid, allowing the business to continue operating and sponsoring employees.

Section H: Need Assistance?

DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists with extensive expertise in helping business owners, entrepreneurs and investors secure a visa to live, work and grow their business interests in the UK.

To discuss your visa options to run your own company or work yourself in the UK, whether through a self sponsorship visa or an alternative route, contact us.

Section I: Self sponsorship Visa FAQs

What is a Self Sponsorship Visa UK?

A Self Sponsorship Visa allows individuals to set up and run a business in the UK, sponsoring themselves as an employee of that business. It’s an option for entrepreneurs or skilled workers who want to live and work in the UK without needing a traditional employer sponsor.

Who is eligible for a Self Sponsorship Visa?

Eligibility includes having a viable business idea, setting up a registered business in the UK, obtaining a sponsor licence, and meeting the financial and English language requirements. Applicants must also ensure they comply with UK immigration laws.

How can I self sponsor my visa?

There is no dedicated self sponsorship visa in the UK, although it may be possible to either set up or buy into a UK-based business, which can then apply to sponsor you on the Skilled Worker route.

Can you self sponsor Skilled Worker visa?

While there is no dedicated self sponsorship visa UK, it may be possible to establish or invest in a UK-based business and, having been approved for a licence, arrange for your business to sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa.

Can a sole trader sponsor someone UK?

Yes, provided that meet the sponsor licence requirements. Private individuals cannot hold a sponsor licence, unless they are sole traders sponsoring a worker to work in their business. The business must be genuine and able to meet all sponsor duties.

What is a sponsor licence?

A sponsor licence is the permission granted by the UK Home Office to employers to hire certain categories of migrant workers to undertake employment in the UK in both short and long-term job roles including, for example, Temporary Workers or Skilled Workers.

How do I apply for a sponsor licence?

You need to submit an application to the UK Home Office, demonstrating that your business is legitimate and can comply with sponsorship duties. This includes proving you can monitor employees’ immigration status and meet all sponsor obligations.

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a digital document issued by a licensed sponsor, confirming that an individual has a job offer in the UK. It is required when applying for a Skilled Worker Visa.

Can I bring my family with me on a Self Sponsorship Visa?

Yes, you can bring eligible dependants (spouse/partner and children) to the UK under your Self Sponsorship Visa, provided you meet the financial requirements to support them.

What are the ongoing responsibilities after obtaining a Self Sponsorship Visa?

Once your business holds a sponsor licence, you must comply with UK immigration regulations, including record-keeping, reporting changes to the Home Office, and ensuring that you and any sponsored employees continue to meet visa conditions.

How long is the Self Sponsorship Visa valid?

The visa is typically valid for up to five years. After this period, you may apply for an extension or seek Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows permanent residency.

Can I switch from another visa to a Self Sponsorship Visa?

In many cases, it is possible to switch to a Self Sponsorship Visa from other visa types, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and have established a UK-based business.

What are the common mistakes to avoid in the application process?

Common mistakes include submitting incomplete business plans, misunderstanding financial requirements, or incorrectly completing the sponsor licence application. Ensuring all documents are accurate and meeting all requirements will help avoid delays or rejection.

Section J: Glossary

Section K: Additional Resources