“Self-Sponsorship” is an increasingly popular route for entrepreneurs and skilled professionals who want to live and work in the UK.
The Skilled Worker visa route used to prohibit any visa applications from anyone who owned more than 10% of a sponsoring company. This limitation was removed, meaning that business owners can be sponsored by the companies that they own.
The sponsoring of business owners has been labelled “Self-Sponsorship”, whereas it is perhaps more appropriate to call it “Business Owner Sponsorship”. In this blog post, we look into how business owners can establish a UK company that offers the owner sponsorship.
What Is “Self-Sponsorship”?
Self-Sponsorship is not a separate visa category. Instead, it is a pathway under the Skilled Worker Visa, where:
- You create or acquire a UK company
- The company obtains a Sponsor Licence
- It issues you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- You apply for the Skilled Worker Visa based on your own company’s sponsorship
You must demonstrate a genuine job role at the appropriate skill level, appropriate salary, and a legitimate trading UK business which is compliant with all legal and tax requirements.
Who Qualifies for the “Self-Sponsorship” Route?
General Eligibility
To qualify under this route, you must meet the general eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa.
The requirements are as follows:
- Applicant is aged 18+
- Relevant skills and experience for your job role
- A genuine job offer from an A-rated sponsor on the Home Office’s register of sponsors
- Ability to meet salary requirements
- English language proficiency at B1 level (to be advanced to B2 in January 2026)
Business Eligibility
There are also requirements for businesses who wish become sponsors in the UK.
In addition to meeting all legal and tax requirements, businesses who wish to apply for a sponsor licence must meet the following criteria:
- Be a UK-registered company (new or existing)
- A UK-based Authorising Officer (usually a trusted UK resident who is responsible for overseeing the sponsored worker)
- HR systems in place for employee monitoring for the purpose of sponsor compliance
Updated 2025 Changes
In July 2025, the rules for the Skilled Worker visa changed bringing up the salary and skills threshold for skilled workers.
The new rules:
- Increased the salary threshold to £41,700
- Increased the skill level to RQF Level 6 (graduate level)
Step-by-Step Process for UK Self Sponsorship
Step 1 – Register Your UK Company
The first step is to acquire or register your new UK company.
To register your company, you will need to:
- Choose a company structure (usually a private limited company)
- Register with Companies House – this normally costs around £50
- Open a UK business bank account with a FCA and PRA accredited bank
Step 2 – Apply for a Sponsor Licence
Once you have acquired or incorporated your business, you must then make an application to become a sponsor.
- Submit the online application
- Upload mandatory company documents
- Prepare for potential compliance checks
The typical processing time is 12 weeks or 10 business days with optional Priority Service.
Step 3 – Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once the company becomes a licensed sponsor, you must obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship.
To assign a CoS, you will need to:
- Have a genuine vacancy
- Check the appropriate SOC code and salary for the role
- Assign a Defined CoS if applying outside the UK or an Undefined CoS if applying inside the UK.
Please note, you should not assign a Certificate of Sponsorship for yourself or a family member. This is expressly forbidden in the rules.
Step 4 – Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa via Self Sponsorship
Now that you have obtained a CoS, you can file your Skilled Worker application.
To do so you’ll need to complete an online application and submit your biometric information.
Requirements for a Skilled Worker visa include:
- Having a valid CoS reference number
- Meeting the salary threshold
- English language proof – B2 Level from January 2026
- Financial proof
- TB test proof (if applying from outside the UK)
Step 5 – After Visa Approval: Arriving & Compliance
Once your Skilled Worker visa is approved you can commence working in the UK.
However, you must be aware of your sponsor duties and remain compliant with them to ensure the safety of your licence.
You must:
- Report changes to employment to the Home Office within 10 working days
- Report changes to organisational details to the Home Office within 20 working days
- Remain compliant with employment and company law
FAQs
Can I self-sponsor a visa without a company?
No, you must have a UK company with a valid Sponsor Licence.
What salary do I need for self-sponsorship in 2025?
At least £41,700 or the occupation’s going rate—whichever is higher.
How long does the self-sponsorship process take?
Around 2-3 months depending on processing times.
Can my family join me under self-sponsorship?
Yes, dependants (partner + children) can apply under the Skilled Worker route if the role is considered RQF level 6+
Can I switch from another visa to self-sponsorship inside the UK?
Yes, most visas—except visitor visas—can switch from inside the UK.
Why Choose Migrate UK for Your Self Sponsorship Visa Application
Self-sponsorship can be a difficult route to grasp with many applicants unable to sufficiently satisfy the genuine vacancy requirements.
At Migrate UK, we are experts in Self Sponsorship routes and provide end-to-end guidance—from Sponsor Licence applications to Skilled Worker Visa support and long-term immigration strategy. Our team ensures your full compliance with the everchanging regulations, maximising your chances of approval.
To ensure the best possible chance at success with your application contact Migrate UK for assistance at info@migrate-uk.com.