Self Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa 2025

If you’re a business-minded professional dreaming of working and living in the UK, but don’t have a company willing to sponsor you, there’s another way. The Self Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa route lets you take control. By setting up your own UK based business and applying for a sponsor licence, you can sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa and move forward with your plans on your own terms.

It’s not a separate visa in the eyes of the Home Office, but it is a legitimate and well used route. With the right planning, documents and support, this pathway can help you build a life and business in one of the world’s most exciting markets. Let’s walk through how it works, who it suits best, and what steps you need to take to apply.

What is a Self Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa?

A Self Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa allows overseas professionals to live and work in the UK by setting up their own UK business and sponsoring themselves for a Skilled Worker visa.

While it isn’t a named visa category, it makes legal use of the Skilled Worker route. Instead of depending on an existing UK employer, you become your own sponsor by creating a company here, applying for a sponsor licence, and offering yourself a genuine job that fits the Skilled Worker criteria.

This approach puts you in charge. You decide how your business operates, how you grow it, and how you build your career.

It’s ideal for those who want more than a job, it suits people with ideas, ambition, and the desire to run something of their own.

Who is Eligible for Self Sponsorship?

Self sponsorship works best for skilled professionals who either have a business idea they want to launch in the UK, or who already run a business abroad and want to expand here.

To qualify, you’ll need:

• Relevant experience in your industry

• A genuine business plan

• A job role that fits the Skilled Worker visa requirements

• English language skills at B1 level or higher

• The ability to meet salary and financial maintenance rules

You don’t need to be a tech founder or serial entrepreneur. Whether you’re a marketing consultant, IT professional, engineer, or financial adviser — if your skills and business idea meet the criteria, you can be eligible.

How Does Self-Sponsorship Work in the UK?

Step 1 – Set Up a UK Business

To begin, you’ll need to register a UK company. This usually involves creating a limited company with Companies House, naming directors, and ensuring your business is structured correctly.

Your company must be real and active. That means having a business bank account, a website and ideally, a UK business address. You also need to comply with UK rules on corporation tax and PAYE.

Step 2 – Apply for a Sponsor Licence

Next, your company applies for a sponsor licence from the Home Office. This allows your business to sponsor overseas workers, including yourself  for the Skilled Worker visa.

To get this licence, your company must show that:

• It is genuine and legally trading

• It understands its responsibilities as a sponsor

• It has systems in place to monitor sponsored workers

You’ll need to submit key documents, pay the application fee, and nominate someone as the Authorising Officer. Once granted, your licence is valid for four years.

Step 3 – Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship

Once your sponsor licence is approved, your company can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to you. This certificate confirms that the job you’re offering yourself is genuine, meets the Skilled Worker salary thresholds, and falls under an eligible occupation.

Examples include roles in IT, marketing, engineering, business development, and more.

Step 4 – Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

With your certificate of sponsorship in hand, you can apply for your Skilled Worker visa. This is done online, and you’ll need to attend a biometrics appointment, submit your passport, and upload your documents.

The visa typically takes a few weeks to process, though times may vary depending on your location.

What Are the Requirements for Self-Sponsorship?

Here’s a quick look at the main things you’ll need:

• A credible business plan showing how your company will work in the UK

• A suitable job role that matches the Skilled Worker occupation list

• English language skills, typically B1 level on the CEFR scale

• A job that pays the minimum salary based on its occupation code

• Proof of funds to support yourself

The Home Office wants to see that your role is genuine, your business is viable, and that you’re not using this as a shortcut.

How Much Does Self-Sponsorship Cost?

Here’s a breakdown of typical costs involved:

• Sponsor licence fee: £574 (small business) or £1,579 (large business)

• Skilled Worker visa fee: From £769 to £1,751 depending on length of stay

• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year

• Legal or professional support: Costs vary based on what help you need

Setting aside a realistic budget is essential. It’s worth getting your documents right the first time to avoid delays or rejections that could cost more in the long run.

What Are the Benefits of Self-Sponsoring?

Self-sponsorship is more than just a way into the UK it gives you freedom. You’re not tied to an employer or at risk of losing your visa if you change jobs.

Here are some of the key benefits:

• You control your own job and company

• You don’t need a UK employer to hire you

• You can bring your business to one of the world’s top economies

• You can apply for settlement (ILR)

• You gain flexibility to grow and employ others

This route suits those with vision and drive. If you’re looking to build something meaningful in the UK, self-sponsorship gives you the chance.

Can You Bring Your Family on a Self-Sponsorship Visa?

Yes, you can bring your partner and children with you as dependants.

Each family member will need to apply separately and meet financial requirements. As the main applicant, you must show that you can support them though in many cases, this can be certified by your sponsor (your own company).

Once in the UK, your partner can work without restrictions, and your children can attend school or college.

Is Self-Sponsorship Right for You?

This path is a strong option for skilled individuals with ambition and a clear business idea. It’s especially helpful if:

• You’re a professional who wants to launch or grow a company in the UK

• You want more control than traditional employment allows

• You’re prepared to take on the responsibilities of running a business

Compared to other visas, such as the Innovator Founder or Start-Up visas self-sponsorship may offer more control and fewer restrictions. There’s no need for an official endorsement, and the route to settlement is clear and achievable.

FAQs: Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa

Can I sponsor myself for a UK Skilled Worker visa?

Yes, if you set up a UK company and that company holds a valid sponsor licence, you can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to yourself.

What business can I use for self-sponsorship?

Any business that fits within UK regulations and offers a genuine role on the Skilled Worker list. Popular choices include consulting, IT, design, marketing, finance, and specialist services.

Is self-sponsorship legal in the UK?

Yes. While it’s not an official visa category, using the Skilled Worker route in this way is fully within UK immigration rules.

How long does the process take?

The full journey from setting up your business to visa approval can take around 2 to 4 months, though it varies depending on how quickly you gather documents and submit your applications.

The Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa is a real opportunity for skilled professionals with the drive to work for themselves in the UK. It opens the door to long-term residence, business success, and personal growth without needing to rely on a UK employer. While it takes planning and effort, the rewards are worth it. If you’re ready to move your career and business to the UK, self-sponsorship might just be your perfect route.

Call 01614644140 or book an appointment to get started your UK visa process today.