UK Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa – Sponsor Yourself
The UK Self-Sponsorship route allows experienced professionals and entrepreneurs to establish a UK-based company and sponsor themselves for a Skilled Worker visa – without needing a traditional UK employer.
This route is ideal for those who want to control their business journey and relocate with their families under a legal, long-term immigration route.
✅ Key Benefits of Self-Sponsorship
- Be your own sponsor – no UK employer required
- Establish or expand your business in the UK
- Bring your spouse and children as dependents
- Access NHS healthcare and UK education
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years
- Pathway to British Citizenship
🧾 Step-by-Step Process
1. Register Your UK Company
Register a new UK business or acquire an existing one. Your business must be genuine and capable of offering employment at the required salary level.
2. Apply for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence
Apply to the UK Home Office for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence. You will appoint:
- Authorising Officer
- Key Contact
- Level 1 User
You must also show a genuine vacancy exists and meet all Home Office compliance duties.
*Genuine vacancy means a real, full-time skilled position defined under Home Office guidelines — not a sham or flexible self-assigned role.*
We follow the latest Home Office Sponsor Licence guidance to ensure full compliance.
3. Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once licensed, your company will assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your Skilled Worker visa application.
4. Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
You must meet the following criteria:
- Your role must match SOC 2020 occupation codes
- Salary threshold: minimum £26,200/year or £10.75/hour (or as per going rate)
- English language requirement: IELTS 4.0 or CEFR Level B1
📊 Self-Sponsorship vs Other UK Visa Routes
| Feature | Self-Sponsorship | Startup/Innovator | Skilled Worker (Employer) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control over company | ✅ Full | ❌ Limited | ❌ None |
| Bring dependents | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| ILR Path | ✅ After 5 Years | ✅ | ✅ |
| Investment requirement | Low to Medium | High (£50k+) | N/A |
🧠 Case Study: IT Consultant from Dubai
Client: Ahmed, 32, IT Consultant from UAE
Goal: Set up IT services company in UK, move with wife and child
Outcome: Sponsor Licence obtained in 6 weeks, visa approved in 4 weeks. Ahmed now operates in London with Tier-2 Skilled Worker visa.
📌 Immigration Skills Charge
- £1,000 per year (large companies)
- £364 per year (small companies or charities)
⚖ Home Office Compliance Duties
- Maintain accurate records of sponsored workers
- Report changes in employment or contact details
- Renew sponsor licence every 4 years
🛂 Path to ILR and British Citizenship
After 5 years on the Skilled Worker Visa, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British Citizenship.
💬 What Our Clients Say
“Thanks to ZANS Group, I moved to the UK through the Self-Sponsorship route and now run my own IT consultancy. The team helped with everything from day one.”
– Ahmed R., Founder, NexTech UK
“I had no idea I could sponsor myself until ZANS guided me step-by-step. I’m now living in London with my family.”
– Farah M., Education Entrepreneur
🏆 Why Trust ZANS Group?
- 10+ years of UK immigration expertise
- 95%+ success rate for business visa approvals
- Up-to-date with Home Office compliance
- End-to-end support from legal, business, and visa professionals
- Dedicated case manager for every client
📄 Download Our Free Self-Sponsorship Guide (PDF)
Get a detailed checklist and guidance on self-sponsorship, sponsor licence requirements, and visa eligibility.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sponsor myself for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, through the Self-Sponsorship route, where you establish a UK company, obtain a sponsor licence, and issue yourself a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Is the salary threshold same for all occupations?
No. While the baseline is £26,200/year or £10.75/hour, some SOC codes have higher “going rates.”
Can I work for other employers on this visa?
No. Your Skilled Worker visa is tied to your sponsoring company. For multiple roles, you need to update your sponsorship and visa accordingly.
What industries work best for self-sponsorship?
Popular sectors include IT, consulting, education, design, healthcare management, and digital marketing.
How long does it take to get the sponsor licence?
Typically, 6–8 weeks depending on documentation and Home Office queue.
📞 Book a Free Consultation
Talk to our expert advisors and discover how you can sponsor yourself and start your UK journey legally.
📅 Schedule Your Free Consultation