UK Self-Sponsorship Visa: The Ultimate Guide to Moving to the UK Without a Job Offer
For many entrepreneurs and skilled professionals, the biggest obstacle to relocating to the UK is the requirement for a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsorship licence. If you don’t have a UK-based company willing to sponsor you, does that mean your dream of moving to the UK is over? Not at all.
The UK Self-Sponsorship route offers a unique alternative for individuals who want to live and work in the UK but do not have an employer willing to sponsor them. Through this route, you can set up your own UK company, obtain a sponsor licence, and sponsor yourself as a Skilled Worker. It’s a legitimate and legal pathway, but it requires careful planning, financial resources, and a strong business strategy.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about self-sponsorship, from eligibility and application steps to common pitfalls and how to maximize your chances of success.
1️⃣ What is the UK Self-Sponsorship Route?
The UK Self-Sponsorship route allows individuals to:
✔ Set up their own UK business (or buy an existing one).
✔ Apply for a Skilled Worker visa under their own business.
✔ Live and work in the UK legally, without needing a job offer from a third-party employer.
This route is ideal for:
- Entrepreneurs who want to run their own business in the UK.
- Highly skilled professionals who want to work for their own company.
- Individuals who do not qualify for other business visas, like the Innovator Founder Visa.
📌 Important: This is NOT an official visa category—it is a strategy that uses the existing Skilled Worker Visa route. Instead of being sponsored by a third-party employer, you become your own sponsor by setting up a UK company with a valid sponsor licence.
2️⃣ How Does Self-Sponsorship Work?
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how self-sponsorship works:
1️⃣ Set Up a UK Business – You must register a UK-based company.
2️⃣ Apply for a Sponsor Licence – Your business must obtain a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence from the UK Home Office.
3️⃣ Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to Yourself – Once your company is approved as a sponsor, it can issue a CoS to you, allowing you to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
4️⃣ Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa – With your CoS, you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa to legally live and work in the UK.
5️⃣ Manage and Operate Your Business – After arriving in the UK, you must run your business properly and comply with sponsorship duties.
💡 Key Point: You cannot be the sole director of the company. You must appoint at least one other UK-based director or employee to meet the Home Office’s sponsorship requirements.
3️⃣ Who is Eligible for UK Self-Sponsorship?
To qualify for self-sponsorship, you must meet the following criteria:
✔ Business Ownership – You must establish a UK company OR acquire an existing business.
✔ Sponsor Licence Eligibility – Your business must be eligible for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence.
✔ Skills & Experience – You must meet the Skilled Worker visa job requirements (your job role must be eligible).
✔ English Language Requirement – You must prove English proficiency (e.g., IELTS or UK degree).
✔ Financial Requirements – You must have personal funds to support your stay and business operations.
📌 Common Misconception: Many people think self-sponsorship is only for tech entrepreneurs or large business owners. In reality, anyone with relevant skills and experience can apply, including professionals in finance, healthcare, marketing, IT, education, and more.
4️⃣ Business Requirements for Self-Sponsorship
Setting up a UK company is relatively straightforward, but not every business can qualify for a sponsor licence.
✔ Your business must be genuine, active, and operational.
✔ It must have a real office presence in the UK (virtual offices are not acceptable).
✔ You must hire at least one additional employee or director based in the UK.
✔ The company must pay the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold (£26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour).
📌 Key Tip: Your company must show a clear business plan and financial resources to support its operations. The Home Office will scrutinize companies applying for sponsor licences, so your business must be legitimate.
5️⃣ Step-by-Step Process for UK Self-Sponsorship
Step 1: Register Your UK Company
- Choose a business name and legal structure (usually a Limited Company).
- Register the company with Companies House.
- Open a UK business bank account.
Step 2: Apply for a Sponsor Licence
- Prepare the required documents:
✔ Business registration certificate
✔ Proof of office premises in the UK
✔ Employer’s Liability Insurance
✔ Business bank statements
✔ A genuine business plan - Submit the application online via the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal.
- Pay the Sponsor Licence fee (£536 for small businesses, £1,476 for large businesses).
- Wait for a decision (usually 6 to 8 weeks, or 10 days with priority processing).
Step 3: Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to Yourself
- Once the business is approved as a sponsor, it can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- You must apply under an eligible Skilled Worker job role within your business.
- The company must pay you the minimum salary threshold (£26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour).
Step 4: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
- Submit your visa application online.
- Pay the visa fees (£610-£1,408 depending on duration).
- Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee (£624 per year).
- Book a biometrics appointment at a UK visa application centre.
- Wait for your visa approval (typically 3 to 8 weeks).
Step 5: Move to the UK & Manage Your Business
- Once approved, enter the UK and start working on your business.
- Maintain your sponsorship compliance (record-keeping, salary payments, business taxes).
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
6️⃣ Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
❌ Applying for a Sponsor Licence Without a Genuine Business – The Home Office will reject businesses that exist only on paper.
✅ Solution: Show real business activity with a UK office, contracts, and financial transactions.
❌ Being the Sole Director of Your Company – You need at least one additional UK-based employee or director to qualify.
✅ Solution: Hire a co-director or UK-based team member to manage the sponsorship process.
❌ Not Meeting the Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold – Your business must pay you at least £26,200 per year.
✅ Solution: Choose an eligible Skilled Worker job role with the correct salary.
❌ Applying Without a Clear Business Plan – The Home Office may question the viability of your business.
✅ Solution: Prepare a detailed business plan, showing financial sustainability.
Should You Hire a Legal Expert for Self-Sponsorship?
The UK Self-Sponsorship route is 100% legal and achievable, but the process is complex and requires careful planning. Many applicants struggle with:
✅ Setting up a sponsor licence-compliant business.
✅ Preparing strong documentation for the Home Office.
✅ Ensuring visa approval without errors.
Hiring an experienced immigration lawyer can significantly improve your chances of success.
📩 Need expert help with UK Self-Sponsorship? Contact Sahin Legal Consultancy today for professional immigration assistance!
