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UK Self-Sponsorship Visa
At a glance

Quick facts

No minimum investment; Typical timeline 3 months; 3 highlights

Minimum investment
No minimum
Currency: GBP
Typical timeline
From application start
Highlights
  • Self-Sponsorship
  • Entrepreneur
  • UK
~10 sec

Quick eligibility check

Answer 4 short questions. No data is sent to our servers.

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1Question 1 of 4 — Do you have a viable business plan or existing UK business?
2Question 2 of 4 — Is your company registered or ready to incorporate in the UK?
3Question 3 of 4 — Can your company apply for a Sponsor Licence?
4Question 4 of 4 — Do you have the qualifications or experience to manage your UK business?

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Company snapshot

Self-SponsorshipEntrepreneurBusiness SetupUnited Kingdom
Entity type
Private Limited Company (Ltd)
Ownership
100% foreign ownership permitted
Office / facility
Registered UK address required
Indicative visa quota
1
Bank account readiness
Yes (after incorporation)

Program overview

Overview

The UK Self-Sponsorship Visa lets entrepreneurs start and manage their own UK business while sponsoring themselves under the Skilled Worker route. With 100% foreign ownership, this program offers a direct path to UK residency and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) without needing a UK partner or investor. It’s the ideal option for professionals seeking long-term settlement through genuine business activity.

Sponsorship and Employment Framework

Salary/role guidance used by authorities when issuing employment visas/sponsorship.

LevelMinimum salaryNotes
Skilled Worker Role (Owner/Director)GBP 38,700Minimum annual salary as per UK Skilled Worker standards; varies by occupation code.
  • Applicant must establish or control a UK company with a valid Sponsor Licence.
  • You can sponsor yourself under your own company as a Skilled Worker.
  • Proof of genuine business operations and financial capacity required.

Government fees

Official

Government fees

Total (GBP): £3,029
  • Sponsor Licence Application Fee

    Fee for small or charitable sponsors.

    £536
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

    Issued per Skilled Worker role.

    £239
  • Visa Application Fee

    For main Skilled Worker application.

    £719
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

    Per year per applicant.

    £1,035
  • Priority Processing (optional)

    Expedited 5-day decision service.

    £500

Eligibility

  • Genuine business plan or viable UK business model.
  • Valid UK company registration or incorporation documents.
  • Sponsor Licence and Certificate of Sponsorship issued to applicant.
  • Meet Skilled Worker salary and English proficiency requirements.
  • Proof of funds for maintenance and operations.

Key benefits

  • Full control of your UK company with 100% ownership.
  • Sponsor yourself under the Skilled Worker category.
  • Dependants can live, work, and study in the UK.
  • Eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
  • No requirement for a UK partner or investor.

After Visa Approval and Business Setup

Typical actions after license & visas are issued.

  1. Register company with Companies House and open UK bank account.
  2. Apply for Sponsor Licence and assign Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
  3. Set up payroll, HMRC registration, and business insurance.
  4. Hire local employees as per expansion plans.
  5. Maintain annual compliance and report changes to the Home Office.

Application process

Process

How it works

  1. Step 1: Business Incorporation

    Register your UK company and open a business bank account.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  2. Step 2: Apply for Sponsor Licence

    Submit application to the Home Office for licence approval.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  3. Step 3: Assign Certificate of Sponsorship

    Issue CoS to yourself under your company’s licence.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  4. Step 4: File Skilled Worker Visa Application

    Submit visa application with all supporting documents.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  5. Step 5: Receive Visa Decision

    Processing within 4–12 weeks (priority option available).

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  6. Step 6: Start Operations in the UK

    Relocate to the UK, begin business activities, and hire staff.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
UK Home Office

Authority-specific notes

  • Approves Sponsor Licence and Skilled Worker visa applications.
  • Ensures compliance with sponsorship and employment conditions.
Companies House

Authority-specific notes

  • Registers and maintains your UK company record.
  • Requires annual accounts and confirmation statements.
HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs)

Authority-specific notes

  • Handles corporate tax, VAT, and PAYE obligations.

Who this program is NOT for

  • No genuine business plan or funding.
  • Failure to obtain Sponsor Licence.
  • Incomplete or incorrect documentation.
  • Company not registered or inactive in the UK.

Not a match? Explore other programs in United Kingdom.

Frequently asked questions

It allows entrepreneurs to set up a UK company and sponsor themselves under the Skilled Worker visa route.

Yes, 100% foreign ownership is permitted under this route.

Yes, after 5 years of continuous residence you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Yes, dependants (spouse and children under 18) can live, work, and study in the UK.

No, you can own and manage your business independently.
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