Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa Guidance In 2026

If you want to live and work in the UK by running your own business, the Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker visa allows you to sponsor yourself through your own UK company.

If you want to live and work in the UK by running your own business, the Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker visa allows you to sponsor yourself through your own UK company.

Under this route, your UK business applies for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and sponsors you as a Skilled Worker. This pathway can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and allows you to bring dependants to the UK.

This guide explains how self-sponsorship works, the eligibility requirements, the step-by-step process, and common pitfalls.

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What Is a Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa?

Self-sponsorship is not a separate visa category. It is a lawful structure under the Skilled Worker route where:

• You own or control a UK company
• The company obtains a Skilled Worker sponsor licence
• The company sponsors you for an eligible role
• You are paid a genuine salary that meets Home Office thresholds

This route is suitable for:

Consultants and professionals establishing UK operations

• Entrepreneurs
• Business owners
• Overseas company directors expanding to the UK

Key Benefits of Self-Sponsorship

• No endorsement body required (unlike Innovator Founder)
• No minimum investment threshold
• Any genuine business sector permitted
• Leads to UK settlement after 5 years
• Dependants can work and study
• You may own up to 100% of the company shares

Eligibility Requirements

To sponsor yourself as a Skilled Worker, UK Visas & Immigration must be satisfied that:

Personal Requirements

• You are 18 or over
• You meet the English language requirement (CEFR B2)
• You can maintain yourself financially
• You provide TB and criminal record certificates (if applicable)

Business Requirements

• A UK-registered company exists and is genuine
• The business holds a Skilled Worker sponsor licence
• The company is capable of meeting sponsor compliance duties
• The role is genuine, skilled, and necessary
• There is a clear employer-employee relationship

Job & Salary Requirements

• The role meets RQF Level 6 or above
• The job matches an eligible SOC 2020 occupation code
• Salary meets:
  • The general salary threshold, and
  • The going rate for the role (or permitted tradable points)

Step-by-Step: How to Sponsor Yourself?

Lear step-by-step guide to sponsor yourself.

Step 1: Set Up a UK Company

You can register a UK company from overseas. Directors do not need UK residency or citizenship.

Your company must:

• Be registered with Companies House
• Have a UK business bank account
• Normally be registered for PAYE / National Insurance
• Comply with UK corporate regulations

A UK address and professional support can significantly strengthen credibility.

Step 2: Apply for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence

Your company must prove it is:

• Genuine and operating lawfully
• Capable of fulfilling sponsor duties
• Offering genuine skilled employment

Documents for Start-Up Companies

Typically includes:

• UK business bank account evidence (mandatory)
• HMRC PAYE registration
• VAT registration (if applicable)
• Employer’s liability insurance (£5m+)
• Business premises lease or ownership
• Accounts or financial projections

The Home Office may conduct a compliance visit.

Step 3: Appoint Key Personnel

Every sponsor must appoint:

• Authorising Officer
• Key Contact
• Level 1 User

Important rules for self-sponsorship:

• Key personnel must be based in the UK
• Level 1 User must be British or settled
• Authorising Officer must have real oversight of the business

This usually requires a trusted UK-based person.

Step 4: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once licensed, your company:

• Applies for a Defined CoS
• Assigns the CoS to you
• Ensures salary, job description, and start date are compliant

The CoS must be issued within 3 months of your visa application.

Step 5: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Your application must confirm:

• A valid CoS
• A genuine skilled role
• Correct salary level
• English language ability
• Maintenance funds

Processing times

• Overseas applications: ~3 weeks
• In-country applications: ~8 weeks
• Priority services may be available

Can I Self Sponsor Myself To Work In The UK?

Yes, it is possible to start a business and then have your own business to sponsor you to work for your business. If you intend to start a business or work in the UK without a sponsor, you must go through the self-sponsorship route to enter the country.

Who is suitable for the Self-Sponsorship route?  

• You have an active company in the UK; or
• You purchased a business in the UK, and you have sufficient resources (skills and finances) to support your business in the UK; or
• You are planning to set up a business in the UK and have the financial ability to do so.

Can Self-Sponsored Skilled Workers Get ILR?

Yes. After 5 continuous years, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain, provided:

• Absences are within limits
• Your company remains licensed
• You meet salary thresholds
• You pass the Life in the UK Test

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Creating an artificial or unnecessary role
• Underpaying salary
• Weak HR systems
• Inadequate business credibility
• Using nominee directors with no real control
• Poorly drafted job descriptions

These are frequent reasons for refusal or licence revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I own 100% of the company?

Yes. Full ownership is permitted.

Is a business plan required?

Not mandatory, but strongly recommended.

Do I need investment funds?

No fixed amount, but sufficient funds improve credibility.

Can I take additional work?

Yes, supplementary employment is allowed under specific conditions.

Does my business need to be innovative?

No. Any lawful business sector is acceptable.

1. Read our skilled worker sponsor licence success stories