Be Your Own
Sponsor
Set up your own UK limited company and sponsor yourself as a Skilled Worker. A fully legal, innovative route to live and work in the UK — from anywhere in the world, no endorsement required.
5yr
Path to ILR
No endorse.
Required
6 steps
Clear Process
QUICK OVERVIEW
Overview
What is the Self-Sponsorship Route?
The Self-Sponsorship Route is an innovative, fully legal immigration strategy. You incorporate a UK limited company, apply for a Sponsor Licence on behalf of that company, and then issue yourself a Certificate of Sponsorship as a director — which allows you to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa sponsored by your own business.
Unlike the Innovator Founder Visa, there is no requirement for an endorsing body or for your business idea to be assessed as “innovative.” What is required is a genuine, operating UK business with real commercial activity. This makes it a practical and flexible route for a wide range of professionals and business owners.
After 5 years on a Skilled Worker Visa (self-sponsored), you become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain — and after a further 12 months, you may apply for British Citizenship. We guide you through every stage of this process with complete compliance support.
Eligibility
Do You Qualify?
The Self-Sponsorship Route is available to a wide range of professionals. Below are the key requirements — we will confirm your eligibility in full during your free consultation.
Genuine UK Business
You must incorporate a genuine UK limited company with real commercial activity. The business must have an authentic purpose — not created solely for immigration purposes.
Sponsorship Licence
Your UK company must successfully obtain a Sponsor Licence from the Home Office before a Certificate of Sponsorship can be issued to you.
Eligible Occupation Code
The role you sponsor yourself into must fall under an eligible Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code on the Skilled Worker eligible occupations list.
Minimum Salary Threshold
You must pay yourself at least £38,700 per year (or the going rate for your occupation code — whichever is higher) through your company.
English Language
You must demonstrate English language ability at B1 CEFR level through an approved test or qualifying route.
Maintenance Funds
You must hold at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying, unless your sponsor certifies your maintenance.
Step-by-Step Process
How It Works
We manage the entire process from company incorporation through to your visa approval. Every step is handled with precision and full compliance — ensuring your Sponsor Licence and visa application are legally watertight.
Free Consultation & Eligibility Assessment
We assess your business background, current immigration status, and goals to confirm the Self-Sponsorship Route is right for you — and map out the full process before any fees are discussed.
UK Limited Company Incorporation
We guide you through incorporating your UK limited company — including choosing the right business structure, registered address, SIC codes, and director setup to meet Home Office requirements.
Sponsorship Licence Application
We prepare and submit the Sponsor Licence application on behalf of your company — including all required documentation, HR policy templates, and compliance evidence required by the Home Office.
Certificate of Sponsorship Issued
Once your Sponsor Licence is granted, your company issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to you as the sponsored employee. This CoS reference number is required for your visa application.
Skilled Worker Visa Application
We prepare and submit your Skilled Worker Visa application — including all supporting documentation, fee payment, and biometric appointment booking through the official Home Office portal.
Visa Approval — Live & Work in the UK
Once approved, you live and work in the UK through your own company. After 5 years of compliant employment, apply for ILR — and after a further 12 months, British Citizenship becomes available.
Documents Required
What You'll Need
The Self-Sponsorship Route involves two stages — the Sponsor Licence application and the Skilled Worker Visa application. Below is a combined overview of key documents required across both stages.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — absolutely. The Self-Sponsorship Route is fully legal under UK immigration law. There is no rule that prevents a company director from being sponsored by their own company. What is required is that the business is genuine and operating, the Sponsor Licence is properly maintained, and all Skilled Worker Visa conditions are met. We ensure full compliance throughout.
You need to set up a genuine UK limited company with real commercial activity. It does not need to be a large business or have existing clients at the point of application — but it must have a credible business plan, trading activity, and a legitimate purpose. We advise on the right structure during your consultation.
Yes. You can incorporate a UK company and apply for a Sponsor Licence from outside the UK. Once the Sponsor Licence is granted and your CoS is issued, you apply for the Skilled Worker Visa from your home country and enter the UK on that visa. We manage the full process remotely.
As of April 2024, the general minimum salary threshold is £38,700 per year, or the going rate for your specific occupation code — whichever is higher. This salary must be paid through your company’s payroll. We advise on the correct occupation code and salary requirements for your specific role and sector.
Yes. Since you will be on a Skilled Worker Visa, your partner and children under 18 can join you as dependants. They have the right to live, work, and study in the UK for the same duration as your visa. We can assist with their dependent visa applications simultaneously.
Free Consultation
Speak with our immigration lawyer today
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VISA DETAILS
IAA Accredited Firm
Accredited Reg: F202200016
Ready to Sponsor
Yourself to the UK?
Book a free consultation — we assess your business and guide you through every step, from company setup to visa approval.