Self-Sponsorship Visa

The self-sponsorship route is ideal for those who are looking to set up a new business in the UK, or currently own an existing UK business. Your UK business will need to obtain a Skilled Worker sponsor licence before you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa via self-sponsorship.  

One of the most attractive features of this route, is that it enables you as a business owner to run and manage your business in the UK without the fear of your visa being revoked. This is an ideal option that will not only enable you to establish a UK company but also to sponsor your entry and employment. Not to mention, there is no minimum investment requirement, nor do you require your business idea to be endorsed by an approved endorsing body in the UK.  

As you may be aware, self-sponsorship is not a mainstream immigration route in the UK, so we would highly recommend reaching out to our legal team for expert advice and guidance through this complex process. Additionally, this route can also lead to settlement in the UK and applicants have the possibility of being joined by dependents partners and children, so it’s worth having these discussions with a member of a team, if this is something of interest. 

If you are a successful businessperson or have identified a business opportunity in the UK and wish to explore this further. Additionally, if you are an individual that wishes to own a UK business, wants to lead, manage, and maintain your UK business or wants to achieve settlement in the UK.  

Furthermore, this route is open to those who satisfy the following requirements: 

• Has proven experience or skills/ qualifications within the area of the business that they wish to establish in the UK. 

• Has a business idea or has identified a pre-existing UK business to takeover. 

• Has adequate resources to support their proposed business in the UK. 

• Ideally, has a person who is settled in the UK or a British citizen to take on the responsibilities of the Authorising Officer. 

• Has the ability to pass an approved English Language test at Level B1. 

There are several requirements that must be met to be eligible for self-sponsorship, which include: 

• You must possess some expertise, skill, or qualification in the industry where you plan to launch your business. 

• You should have a clear and legitimate business concept or have found an existing company in the UK that you wish to expand. 

• The applicant must possess the financial resources to run their desired business in the UK. 

• Please note that there is no minimum or maximum investment amount that must be made in your business endeavour.  

• The applicant is familiar with a British national who is a resident of the UK and can fulfil the duties of the Authorising Officer. 

• The applicant must take and pass the Level B1 certified English language test. 

• Basic knowledge of the English language is required.