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The UK Self-Sponsorship Visa
The UK Self-Sponsorship Visa
If you are an international business owner or a skilled professional planning to move to the UK, the standard visa routes can often seem like closed doors. The Innovator Founder visa needs endorsements that are tough to obtain. The standard Skilled Worker visa typically requires you to find an employer before you can even pack your bags.
But what if you could be your own boss?
There is a valid legal way for you to create your own UK company and effectively sponsor yourself to live and work here. This is often called the "Self-Sponsorship Visa."
You won't find a visa with this exact name on the government website. Instead, it is a smart use of the Skilled Worker route. It lets you establish a UK entity, obtain a government license to hire staff, and then issue a work visa to yourself.
At Bekenbey Solicitors, we assist clients with this process every day. This guide explains how it works in 2025, including the strict new salary rules and the vital "settled worker" requirement that many applicants overlook until it is too late.
What Exactly is "Self-Sponsorship"?
Self-sponsorship is based on a simple principle of British corporate law: a limited company exists as a separate legal entity from its owner. This separation allows your company to act as the employer while you act as the employee.
The process takes place in two main stages:
1. First, you incorporate a UK limited company. You can serve as the sole shareholder and the director.
2. Second, your new company applies to the Home Office for a Sponsor Licence. Once the government grants this licence, your company can give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You will then use this certificate to apply for your Skilled Worker visa.
This route is powerful because it gives you control. You do not need to convince an external boss to hire you. You also do not need an endorsing body to approve your business idea. You simply need a genuine business plan and the right corporate structure.
Who is This Route For?
This pathway is ideal for:
● Business owners who want to expand their existing overseas operations to the UK.
● Entrepreneurs with capital who want to launch a new startup in Britain.
● Sole directors who want full ownership of their UK business without sharing shares with a third party.
The "Settled Worker" Challenge: A Critical 2025 Rule
Critical Challenge: The "Settled Worker" Requirement
Before you start, it's important to understand the biggest challenge in this process. To get a Sponsor Licence, your company must nominate key people to manage the Home Office system. One of these roles is the Authorising Officer. The rules require that the Authorising Officer be based in the UK. Since you are currently abroad, you cannot fill this role yourself at the beginning.
There is also a stricter rule that came into effect recently. Your company must have at least one Level 1 User (the person who accesses the online portal) who is a "settled worker." This means they must be a British citizen or hold Indefinite Leave to Remain.
How we solve this: You cannot do this entirely on your own from abroad. You will likely need to appoint a UK-resident director or a senior employee who is settled in the UK to take on these positions initially. This could be a trusted business partner or a senior hire. Once you have your visa and arrive in the UK, you can take over these roles, provided you meet the status requirements.
At Bekenbey Solicitors, we help clients set up their companies properly to ensure these roles are filled legally before submitting the application.
The Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Incorporate Your UK Company
You will register a UK private limited company. You can be the sole shareholder and director. You need a UK corporate bank account and must register for PAYE (payroll) and VAT. It can be hard for non-residents to access high street banks, so many of our clients choose FCA-regulated fintech banks to begin.
Step 2: Apply for the Sponsor Licence
Your company applies to the Home Office for permission to hire foreign workers. This is the hardest part of the process. The Home Office will verify that your business is legitimate. We must provide documents like bank statements, proof of business premises, and employers' liability insurance. Virtual offices are usually not accepted, so you will likely need a lease for a dedicated desk or office space.
You must pass the "Genuine Vacancy" test. The Home Office needs to be convinced that your company really needs a Director or CEO and that the position is not just a way to get you a visa. A strong business plan is crucial in this case.
Step 3: Assign the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once the licence is approved, your company issues a CoS to you. This is an electronic document that details your role, salary, and start date.
Step 4: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
With your CoS number, you apply for the visa as an individual. You will need to prove your English language ability and show you have no serious criminal record.
Financial Requirements: The 2025 Salary Thresholds
Critical Financial Requirement: £41,700 Salary Threshold
The cost of the self-sponsorship route has increased. As of July 2025, the general salary threshold for a Skilled Worker visa is £41,700 per year.
To sponsor yourself, your company must pay you the higher of the following two figures:
1. £41,700 per year.
2. The "going rate" for your specific job code.
Important: For example, if you appoint yourself as a "Chief Executive," the going rate is often much higher than £41,700. Your business plan must show that the company can afford to pay this salary, plus the associated Employer National Insurance and pension contributions, from day one.
Estimated Costs (Breakdown)
You should budget carefully for this route. Here are the government fees you will likely face. These estimates are based on a small company sponsoring a person for 3 years:
● Sponsor Licence Fee: £574 (Small company).
● Certificate of Sponsorship: £525.
● Immigration Skills Charge: This is a tax on hiring foreign workers. From 16 December 2025, this fee rises to £480 per year for small companies. For a 3-year visa, that is £1,440.
● Visa Application Fee: Approximately £769 (for a 3-year visa applied for outside the UK).
● Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year. This fee allows you to use the NHS. For 3 years, this is £3,105.
Total Government Fees: Approximately £6,500 to £7,000 (excluding legal fees and business setup costs).
The Path to Permanent Residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
One of the biggest advantages of the self-sponsorship route is stability.
● 5-Year Route: After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
● Citizenship: 12 months after receiving ILR, you can apply for British citizenship.
● Family: You can bring your spouse and children (under 18) with you. They can also settle in the UK after 5 years.
Why Choose Bekenbey Solicitors for the UK Self-Sponsorship Visa?
The "Self-Sponsorship" route is not a simple box-ticking exercise. One mistake in the corporate structure, the bank account setup, or the Authorising Officer nomination can lead to a refusal and the loss of your application fees.
At Bekenbey Solicitors, led by Dr. Ergul Celiksoy, combine academic legal expertise with practical immigration strategy. We do not just fill in forms. We advise you on the corporate structure, help you prepare a robust business case to satisfy the Home Office, and guide you through the evolving rules of 2025.
If you are ready to start your business journey in the UK, Contact Dr. Ergul Celiksoy at Bekenbey Solicitors today to book your consultation and secure your place.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently. Please contact Bekenbey Solicitors for advice specific to your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Self-Sponsorship Visa, and who is eligible to apply?
The Self-Sponsorship route allows business owners and entrepreneurs to work in the UK without requiring a traditional employer. You can establish or take over a UK business, obtain a sponsor licence for that business, and then sponsor yourself as a Skilled Worker. This route is ideal for experienced professionals wishing to relocate to the UK and manage their own company.
How can Bekenbey Solicitors assist with a Self-Sponsorship Visa application?
We provide comprehensive legal guidance throughout the entire process — from setting up your UK company and applying for a sponsor licence to preparing your Skilled Worker Visa application. Our solicitors ensure full compliance with Home Office regulations and create a strong legal foundation for your business and visa success.
What are the key requirements for the Self-Sponsorship route?
You must establish or acquire a genuine UK company, obtain a sponsor licence, and demonstrate that the company can offer you a legitimate Skilled Worker role that meets the salary and skill requirements. You'll also need to prove your experience, business plan, and English language ability. We help you meet all criteria efficiently.
Do I need to invest a specific amount of money to qualify for self-sponsorship?
There is no fixed investment amount required by the Home Office. However, you must show that your business is genuine and has sufficient financial resources to operate and pay your salary. We work with accountants and business advisors to ensure your financial documentation meets immigration standards.
Can my family members join me in the UK under the Self-Sponsorship Visa?
Yes, your spouse or partner and children under 18 can apply to join you as dependants. They will have the right to live, study, and work in the UK. Our solicitors assist with all dependant visa applications to ensure a smooth family relocation process.
What happens after I obtain the Self-Sponsorship Visa? Can I apply for settlement?
Once granted, your visa will typically be valid for up to 5 years, during which you can live and work in the UK through your company. After 5 years of continuous residence, you may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you meet the residence and compliance requirements.
How We Work on Your Case
Step 1 Free Consultation (within 24 hours)
We review your goals and eligibility, explain your best routes, outline risks, and give you a clear roadmap, fees, and timeline.
Step 2 Onboarding & Checklist (same day)
Engagement confirmed, ID/KYC completed, and you receive a tailored document checklist and templates.
Step 3 Evidence & Application Preparation (1-8 weeks)
We gather evidence, complete forms, and draft detailed legal representations aligned to the Immigration Rules.
Step 4 Quality Review & Sign-off (2-5 days)
Our solicitors conduct a line-by-line check for accuracy, completeness, and rule compliance. You approve the final pack.
Step 5 Decision & Next Steps (Home Office times vary)
We monitor your case, respond to any further information requests, and update you promptly.
