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Can I Sponsor Myself in the UK?
The short answer is, yes you can but not in the way most people expect. Whilst there isn’t a visa category that allows you to sponsor yourself directly, certain UK immigration pathways allow you to achieve a similar outcome.
Many entrepreneurs and skilled professionals aim to stay in the UK through their own business or exceptional skills. This can be done through visas like the Innovator Founder Visa, Global Talent Visa, or Skilled Worker Visa via your own company.
The UK follows a points-based immigration system. You’ll need to meet certain criteria, like proving your business idea is viable or that your skills are in demand.
For more information on the point-based system, read our guide on UK work visa types.
The REAL UK Visa Routes for Aspiring Self-Sponsors
If you’re looking to move to the UK without an employer sponsoring you, you’re probably wondering: What are my actual options?
Let us break down the real visa options available in 2025.
A Quick Comparison Table
Here’s a quick comparison of the Innovator Founder, Global Talent, and Skilled Worker visa routes.
|
Route Name
|
Innovator Founder
|
Global Talent
|
Skilled Worker
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Primary Target
|
Innovative Entrepreneurs with viable, scalable business ideas
|
Proven Talent in science, humanities, engineering, arts and digital technology
|
Business Owner needing to fill a specific role within their own UK company
|
|
Key Requirement
|
Endorsement from an approved Endorsement Body
|
Endorsement from an approved Endorsement Body
|
Sponsor Licence for your company + Assigning a CoS to yourself for an eligible vacancy
|
|
ILR Path
|
3 years
|
3 years (exceptional talent) or 5 years (exceptional promise)
|
5 years
|
The Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for entrepreneurs with truly innovative, viable, and scalable business ideas. It’s not for just any small business, it is for those bringing something new to the UK market. If you’re looking for how to get self-sponsored visa UK, this is a viable option.
The Endorsement Body
Before applying, you must get approval from a Home Office-approved Endorsement Body. They assess whether your business idea is:
- Innovative – A fresh concept, not just another version of an existing business.
- Viable – A solid business plan proving it can succeed.
- Scalable – Growth potential, job creation, and impact on the UK economy.
Key Requirements
To qualify for the Innovator Founder Visa, you must meet these key self-sponsorship visa UK requirements:
- Endorsement – Approval from an official Endorsement Body.
- Funds – No specific investment requirement, but enough to support yourself.
- English Language – Proficiency at B2 level (CEFR) or higher.
Path to Permanent Residency
This visa leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in just three years, provided you meet growth and job creation milestones. From there, British citizenship is within reach.
The Global Talent Visa: For Exceptional Individuals
The Global Talent Visa is for those who are recognised as leaders or potential leaders in their field. It’s ideal for top professionals in technology, science, arts, humanities, and academia who want to live and work in the UK without employer sponsorship.
Endorsement
To qualify, you must be endorsed by an approved body, such as Tech Nation (tech), Arts Council England (arts), or UK Research and Innovation (science and academia). They assess whether you:
- Are a recognised leader (established expert) or emerging leader (high potential).
- Have substantial achievements, awards, or contributions in your field.
- Meet specific criteria set by the relevant endorsing body.
Why Choose This Visa?
Unlike work visas, the Global Talent Visa offers:
- No employer sponsorship – Full freedom to work, switch jobs, or start a business.
- More flexibility – No salary or job role restrictions.
- Faster settlement – A quicker route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Path to Permanent Residency
- Exceptional Talent (Leader) – ILR in 3 years.
- Exceptional Promise (Potential Leader) – ILR in 5 years.
For high-achievers looking for maximum freedom and a fast-track to UK residency, this visa is one of the best options.
The Skilled Worker Visa (via Your Own UK Company – The Complex Route)
For business owners who want to self-sponsor, the Skilled Worker Visa offers another pathway. This route requires establishing a legitimate UK business and meeting strict Home Office compliance standards.
How It Works
- Set Up a Genuine UK Business – Your company must be legally registered, financially stable, and actively trading.
- Obtain a Sponsor Licence – The business must apply for a Sponsor Licence from the Home Office, proving it can legally sponsor workers.
- Prove a Genuine Vacancy – The company must show a real need for a skilled worker role that meets Home Office job eligibility criteria.
- Sponsor Yourself – Once licenced, your company issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your Skilled Worker Visa application.
Requirements
This route demands careful planning and compliance, with key hurdles including:
- Strict Compliance Duties – Businesses must follow rigorous sponsor responsibilities, including tracking employee work status, reporting changes, and passing audits.
- Meeting Visa Criteria – The role must meet salary thresholds (generally £26,200/year or £10.75/hour, with exceptions) and English language proficiency (CEFR B1 level).
Path to Permanent Residency
Despite its challenges, this route offers a clear path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years, leading to potential British citizenship.
How to Get Self-Sponsored Visa UK
If you want to self-sponsor for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must follow a structured process. Here’s how to get self-sponsored visa UK step by step:
1. UK Company Formation
You must first establish a genuine, operational UK business. This means:
- Registering your company with Companies House.
- Setting up a UK-based office and bank account.
- Ensuring the business is actively trading and financially viable.
2. Applying for a Sponsor Licence
Your company needs a Sponsor Licence from the Home Office to legally sponsor employees. To qualify, you must:
- Prove the business is legitimate and capable of meeting licence compliance duties.
- Provide evidence of a structured recruitment and HR process.
- Pay the appropriate licence fees. Please note that the fee structure depends on the size of your business and the date of application.
For applications made before April 9, 2025:
- £536 for small businesses and charitable sponsors.
- £1,476 for medium or large businesses.
For applications made on or after April 9, 2025:
- £574 for small businesses and charitable sponsors.
- £1,579 for medium or large businesses.
Note: A small sponsor is an organisation that meets at least two of the following criteria: an annual turnover of £10.2 million or less, total assets worth £5.1 million or less, or 50 employees or fewer. Organisations that do not meet at least two of these criteria are considered medium or large sponsors. Registered charities typically pay the small business fee.
3. Defining a Genuine Vacancy
One of the hardest steps is proving the business has a real need for a Skilled Worker. To meet Home Office criteria, you must:
- Clearly define a skilled worker role within your business.
- Ensure the role meets the required skill level and salary threshold (usually £26,200/year or £10.75/hour, depending on the job).
- Show that the vacancy is not just created for visa purposes.
4. Meeting Skilled Worker Requirements
As the employee, you must meet all Skilled Worker Visa eligibility criteria, including:
- The role must match an approved Skilled Worker occupation.
- You must meet the minimum salary threshold for your job category.
- English language proficiency – CEFR B1 level or higher.
- Maintenance funds – Enough savings to support yourself in the UK.
5. Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once your company has the Sponsor Licence, it can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your Skilled Worker Visa application. This document proves that:
- The business has a genuine need for your employment.
- The role meets visa eligibility requirements.
- Your employment contract adheres to UK compliance laws.
6. Visa Application
Finally, you submit your Skilled Worker Visa application through the UK Home Office portal. This includes:
- Paying the visa fee (typically £610–£1,408 depending on duration and job shortage status).
- Providing biometric data.
- Waiting for approval (usually 3-8 weeks).
Path to Permanent Residency (ILR)
If successful, you can live and work in the UK. After 5 years, you become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), leading to British citizenship.
This is a complex but achievable route for business owners looking to self-sponsor under UK work visa rules.
Self-Sponsorship Visa UK Cost: Updated 2025 Budget Breakdown
Understanding the self-sponsorship visa UK cost is crucial for planning your UK immigration journey. Below is a breakdown of key expenses, including the latest fee updates effective April 9, 2025.
Skilled Worker Visa
|
Expense
|
Amount
|
|---|---|
|
Sponsor Licence (small business)
|
£536
|
|
Certificate of Sponsorship (after April 9, 2025)
|
£525
|
|
Visa Fee (3+ years, after April 9, 2025)
|
£1,519
|
|
Immigration Health Surcharge (5 years)
|
£5,175
|
|
Immigration Skills Charge (small business, 5 years)
|
£1,820
|
|
Company Formation & Business Costs
|
£500 - £2,000
|
Innovator Founder Visa
|
Expense
|
Amount
|
|---|---|
|
Applying from outside the UK
|
£1,191 per person.
|
|
Applying to extend or switch your visa from within the UK
|
£1,486 per person
|
|
Endorsement Fee
|
£1,000
|
|
Visa Fee
|
£1,036
|
|
Immigration Health Surcharge (per person per year)
|
£1,035
|
|
Company Formation & Business Costs
|
£500 - £2,000
|
Global Talent Visa
|
Expense
|
Amount
|
|---|---|
|
Endorsement Fee
|
£524
|
|
Visa Fee
|
£192
|
|
Total Visa Fees
|
£524 + £192= £716
|
|
Immigration Health Surcharge (per year)
|
£1,035
|
Extending Your Stay in the UK as a Graduate Visa Holder
Graduate Visa holders can also extend their stay by switching to the above mentioned visa options. The Skilled Worker Visa allows you to stay if you secure a job offer from a licensed employer. Alternatively, the Global Talent Visa is for those with exceptional skills, requiring an endorsement from a recognised body.
If you’re an entrepreneur, the Innovator Founder Visa offers a route to establish a business with an innovative idea. Other options like the Health and Care Worker Visa or various Temporary Worker Visas may also be suitable depending on your job or industry
Common Pitfalls When Pursuing "Self-Sponsorship" Routes
Getting a self-sponsorship visa in the UK can be tricky. Many people make mistakes that delay or even ruin their chances. Here are the most common pitfalls observed in UK visa applications:
- Choosing the wrong visa route.
- Not meeting Innovator Founder Visa standards.
- Failing the “Genuine Vacancy” test (Skilled Worker Route).
- Ignoring Sponsor Licence compliance rules.
- Not having enough money or the right financial proof.
- English language test issues.
- Incomplete or poorly prepared applications.
Avoid costly mistakes by getting expert guidance. At Legend Consults, we provide professional business immigration services, handling everything from company formation to visa applications.
FAQs About the Self Sponsorship Route
Yes, depending on your current visa. If you’re in the UK on a visa that allows switching (e.g., a Skilled Worker or Student Visa), you can transition to an eligible self-sponsorship route. However, visas like Visit or Graduate do not permit switching.
The Home Office typically processes Sponsor Licence applications within 8 weeks, but expedited processing is available for an additional fee. The process can take longer if the Home Office requires further checks or a compliance visit.
Not necessarily, but you must have a legally registered UK business address and demonstrate genuine business operations. A virtual office may not be sufficient unless you provide strong evidence of business activity.
Yes, most UK work visas allow dependents (spouse, partner, and children under 18) to apply with you. They will receive visas linked to your status and may work or study in the UK.
You must pay yourself a salary that meets the Home Office’s minimum requirements for your specific job role, experience, and location. Check the official GOV.UK website for these requirements.
Your Next Steps Towards UK Self-Sponsored Immigration
Self-sponsorship in the UK is now possible with the right visa. Whether you choose the Innovator Founder Visa, Global Talent Visa, or the Skilled Worker Visa through your own business, the immigration doors have been opened. However, you must meet strict requirements, understand the costs, and stay compliant with UK immigration laws. This process can be challenging without expert guidance.
Legend Consults is here to turn your challenges into victories. Our experienced consultants will help you with visa applications, sponsor licence requirements, and compliance rules, creating a smooth path to UK immigration.
The idea of forging your own path in the UK is certainly appealing. The desire to move on one’s own terms, without relying on an employer’s sponsorship, is a common ambition. However, the term “Self-Sponsorship Visa UK” can be confusing. You might have also heard the term and wondered whether it is an actual visa category or just a buzzword.
Let’s clear things up right away: “Self-Sponsorship Visa” is not an official category in the UK Home Office’s visa system. It is a concept often used to describe specific visa routes that allow individuals to sponsor themselves for UK immigration.
This guide will take you through the real visa options that embody the idea of self-sponsorship in 2025, which include the Innovator Founder Visa, the Global Talent Visa, and the Skilled Worker Visa.
Let’s begin exploring how you might turn those UK ambitions into a concrete plan.
