Self-Sponsorship Visa
Self-Sponsorship for UK Work Visas – Build Your Own Path to the UK
Thinking about relocating to the UK to run your own business or work for yourself? While there’s no official “self-sponsorship visa,” there are recognised legal routes that allow non-UK nationals to sponsor themselves through their own UK company.
At Lexify Solicitors, we specialise in helping entrepreneurs and professionals navigate the complex self-sponsorship process, from setting up a UK company to securing a sponsor licence and applying for a Skilled Worker visa.
What Is a UK Self-Sponsorship Route?
Self-sponsorship is a strategic immigration solution that allows overseas individuals to establish or acquire a UK-based company, and then sponsor themselves to live and work in the UK under the Skilled Worker route.
It’s not a separate visa category, but a lawful, structured way to use the existing immigration system to your advantage.
The process involves three main steps:
1.Set up a legitimate UK business
2.Apply for a Home Office Sponsor Licence
3.Use the licence to sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa
Step 1: Setting Up a UK Company
To get started, you’ll need to establish a properly structured business that meets Home Office requirements.
Choose a Suitable Business Type
- Most applicants set up a Private Limited Company (Ltd)
- You’ll need at least one director and one shareholder
Register with Companies House
- Provide a UK office address, company name, and business activities (SIC codes)
- Appoint UK-based directors (if required for sponsorship purposes)
Legal & Financial Setup
- Draft Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Open a UK business bank account
- Register for:
- Corporation Tax
- VAT (if expected turnover exceeds £90,000)
- PAYE (for employee payroll)
Business Plan
Include:
- Clear business goals
- Market analysis
- Projected revenue and staffing needs
- Evidence of genuine trading activity
Step 2: Apply for a Sponsor Licence
Once your business is set up, the next step is applying to the Home Office for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence.
Sponsor Licence Essentials:
- Must prove the business is legitimate and active
- Show the job role you’re sponsoring is genuine
- Put HR systems in place to manage sponsor duties
- Pay the correct licence fees and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Step 3: Sponsor Yourself as a Skilled Worker
After your business becomes a licensed sponsor, it can issue a CoS to you, enabling you to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
Visa Requirements:
- A genuine job offer from your company
- The job must be on the list of eligible occupations
- You must meet the salary threshold (typically £38,700 or the role’s going rate)
- English language skills (B1 level)
- £1,270 in personal savings (unless your company certifies maintenance)
Your role must be real, the Home Office will verify that it wasn’t created just to secure your visa.
Application Process and Supporting Documents
- Submit your visa application online through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
- Provide personal details, CoS info, financial evidence, and proof of English
- Attend a biometric appointment or complete identity checks using the UKVI app
- Pay required fees and Immigration Health Surcharge
Estimated Costs:
| Item | Fee Range |
| Visa Application | £719 – £1,636 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035 per year |
| CoS Fee (by employer) | £239 |
Processing times:
- Outside the UK: 3 weeks
- Inside the UK: 8 weeks (priority services may be available)
Can My Family Join Me?
Yes, your spouse/partner and dependent children can apply to join or accompany you to the UK.
They must:
- Submit their own visa applications
- Pay application fees and health surcharge
- Meet financial requirements
- £285 for partner
- £315 for first child
- £200 for each additional child
Settlement and Long-Term Stay
- Skilled Worker visas are typically granted for up to 5 years
- You can extend as needed and apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years
- You’ll also need to pass the Life in the UK Test and meet salary thresholds at settlement stage
Is Self-Sponsorship Right for You?
This route is ideal for:
- Entrepreneurs launching a UK startup
- Business owners expanding to the UK
- Skilled professionals with industry experience
- Freelancers or consultants seeking work flexibility
- Individuals looking for a visa route with direct control
Why Choose Lexify Solicitors?
- Experts in Skilled Worker and self-sponsorship strategies
- Proven success securing sponsor licences and business visas
- Our experienced immigration team have served clients in the UK and in over 110+ countries worldwide
- Free initial assessment and fixed-fee options
Ready to Sponsor Yourself and Work in the UK?
Self-sponsorship can be your gateway to a successful career and life in the UK, with full control of your own business journey.
Contact Lexify Solicitors today for personalised legal advice on the best immigration route for your circumstances.
How Lexify Solicitors Can Help You
At Lexify Solicitors, our expert immigration solicitors offer clear, practical legal support for all types of UK Student Visa applications and post-graduation immigration options. Whether you’re applying for a Student Visa for the first time, switching from another visa category, or looking to remain in the UK after completing your studies, we provide strategic, end-to-end guidance tailored to your situation.
We begin by carefully assessing your eligibility and advising you on the most appropriate visa route. Our team can assist you in preparing a fully compliant application and will draft a detailed legal representation to demonstrate how you meet the requirements set by the Home Office. We also support clients wishing to switch into the Student Visa category from another UK immigration route or extend their stay through post-study options such as the Graduate Route, the Skilled Worker visa, or the Innovator Founder visa.
Our goal is to ensure that your application is strong, accurate, and professionally presented to give you the best chance of approval. From initial consultation to submission, we are here to make your immigration journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.