How to Self-Sponsor Your UK Visa in 2025: The Complete Guide

In 2025, more skilled professionals and entrepreneurs are exploring the self-sponsorship route to legally live and work in the UK—without needing a traditional job offer. If you’re ready to take control of your future, here’s your step-by-step guide to self-sponsoring a UK visa under the Skilled Worker route.

What is Self-Sponsorship?

Self-sponsorship allows you to open a UK company and use that business to sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa. It’s 100% legal and especially beneficial for experienced professionals, business owners, and freelancers.

Unlike other routes, you don’t need:

A UK employer
A job offer
A business partner

Who is Eligible?

Have a genuine business idea or existing overseas business
Be qualified and experienced in your proposed business area
Have English language proficiency (IELTS or degree taught in English)
Meet financial maintenance requirements
Pass the genuine vacancy and business viability test

Step-by-Step Self-Sponsorship Process

1. Register a UK Company

Choose a business name
Assign a UK business address (physical or virtual)
Appoint yourself as a director

2. Apply for a Sponsor Licence

Your company must obtain a Sponsor Licence from the UK Home Office.

Before applying, make sure your company has:

A UK PAYE (Pay As You Earn) reference number
A business bank account
An Employer’s Liability Insurance certificate
A business address (physical or virtual)

You must appoint an Authorising Officer who is a British citizen or someone holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. This person will be responsible for immigration compliance and communication with the Home Office.

Show genuine business plan and proof of operation
Assign a Key Contact and Authorising Officer
Submit the online application and supporting documents

3. Apply for a Defined Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Request a defined CoS to sponsor yourself
Include job role, salary (minimum £26,200 or going rate), and duties

4. Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Pay the application fee (~£610–£1,408)
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (~£1,035/year)
Submit biometric and identity documents

Required Documents

A. For Sponsor Licence Application:

Certificate of Incorporation
PAYE (Pay As You Earn) reference number
Employer’s Liability Insurance certificate
Business bank account statement
VAT registration (if applicable)
Lease or utility bill for business address
Detailed business plan
Evidence of genuine business activity (e.g. website, contracts, invoices)
Job description for the sponsored role
ID and contact details for Authorising Officer and Key Contact

B. For Skilled Worker Visa Application:

CoS and Sponsor Licence approval
Proof of English language (IELTS or degree taught in English)
Financial maintenance documents
Passport and biometric information

Common Questions

Q: Can I do this without being in the UK?
Yes. You can register a company and apply remotely from your home country.

Q: Do I need employees?
Not initially. But for long-term visa extensions, hiring UK residents helps.

Q: Is this route safe and legal?
Absolutely. It’s based on the UK’s existing immigration law, with thousands successfully using it.

Pros of Self-Sponsorship

Full control over your work and income
Path to permanent residency (ILR) in 5 years
Sponsor family members (spouse and children)
Expand into new business areas over time

Cons

Initial setup can be complex without guidance
Financial commitment required (licence, CoS, visa fees)
Requires real business activity and planning

Expert Tip

Work with professionals who understand both UK business setup and immigration compliance to increase your chances of success.

Total Estimated Cost of the Self-Sponsorship Route

UK Company Registration: £50
Virtual Office (1 year): £120–£300
Sponsor Licence Fee: £536
Employer’s Liability Insurance: ~£100/year
Certificate of Sponsorship: £239
Visa Fee: £719–£1,420
Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035/year
Biometrics: £19.20
Optional Professional Help: £500–£2,000+

Total estimated cost: £2,800 – £5,500+
(Accurate as of May 2025. See gov.uk for updates.)

Related Resource

If you’re planning to open a company as part of your self-sponsorship journey, make sure to read our guide: How to Start a Business in the UK – Step-by-Step Guide for 2025