Can you sponsor yourself for a UK Work Visa? Everything you need to know

What Is “Self-Sponsorship”?

There is no “Self-sponsorship” route. The term is used for when you set up a UK company that then sponsors you for a work visa. Essentially, you become both the employer (through your company) and the employee. While this might sound straightforward, it involves complex legal requirements that must be met precisely.

The process requires your company to obtain a sponsor licence from the Home Office, then use that licence to sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa or other appropriate work visa category.

Who can use “Self-Sponsorship”?

“Self-sponsorship” isn’t suitable for everyone, but it can work well for:

• Established Entrepreneurs: Those with proven business experience and sufficient funds to establish and run a UK company.
• Skilled Professionals: Individuals with qualifications and experience in roles that meet Skilled Worker visa requirements.
• Investors: People with capital to invest in a UK business who also want to work in that business.
• Existing Business Owners: Those who already run successful businesses overseas and want to expand to the UK.

Legal requirements for Self-Sponsorship

From our experience, several key requirements must be met for successful self-sponsorship:

Company structure and control

Your company must be a genuine trading business, not just a vehicle for obtaining a visa. The Home Office examines whether the business is real and sustainable. We have seen applications refused where companies appeared to exist solely for immigration purposes.

The ownership structure matters significantly. While you can own shares in the company, you cannot have complete control if you are also being sponsored as an employee. Family members or business partners often hold shares to demonstrate genuine employment relationships.

Sponsor Licence requirements

Your company must first obtain a sponsor licence, which involves:

• Demonstrating genuine business activities
• Showing appropriate systems for monitoring sponsored employees
• Having suitable premises and staff
• Maintaining detailed records

The Home Office conducts thorough checks on sponsor licence applications, examining financial records, and operational details.

Job role and salary requirements

The role you are sponsored for must:

• Meet skill level requirements for the visa category
• Be genuine and necessary for the business
• Pay the required minimum salary thresholds
• Match your qualifications and experience

We often help clients structure roles that meet these requirements whilst reflecting their actual responsibilities as business owners.

Setting up 

Initial company formation

The process typically starts with incorporating a UK company. This requires:

• Choosing appropriate company officers (directors and shareholders)
• Registering with Companies House
• Setting up a business bank account
• Establishing proper business premises

Financial planning

SSignificant financial resources are required:

• Initial capital for company setup and early operations
• Maintenance funds for visa applications
• Ongoing salary payments to yourself
• Business running costs and potential losses

Common Challenges and Solutions

Through our practice, we have identified several frequent obstacles and how to address them:

The Genuine Employment Test

The Home Office scrutinises whether the employment relationship is real. They look for:

• Clear job descriptions and responsibilities
• Proper employment contracts
• Regular salary payments through payroll
• Evidence of genuine work being performed

Solution: Create detailed documentation showing your role’s necessary and maintain proper employment records from day one.

Control and ownership issues

Balancing business control with employment relationships creates tension. The Home Office wants to see genuine employment whilst entrepreneurs need sufficient control to run their businesses effectively.

Solution: Carefully structure ownership and management arrangements, often involving trusted family members or business partners as co-owners or directors.

Financial sustainability

Many “self-sponsorship” arrangements fail because the business cannot sustain the required salary payments alongside business development costs.

Solution: Develop realistic financial projections and ensure adequate funding before starting the process.

Compliance obligations

Sponsor licence holders face ongoing compliance requirements that can be challenging for small businesses to manage.

Solution: Implement proper systems from the start and consider professional compliance support.

The general application process

Step 1: Company formation and business setup

Establish your UK company with appropriate structure and begin genuine trading activities. This isn’t just paperwork, the business must be real and operating.

Step 2: Sponsor Licence application

Apply for a sponsor licence once the business is established and can demonstrate genuine activities.

Step 3: Visa application

Once the sponsor licence is granted, the company can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship and the individual can apply for a skilled worker visa.

Step 4: Ongoing compliance

The sponsor must maintain sponsor licence compliance through proper record-keeping, reporting changes, and meeting all Home Office requirements.

When “Self-Sponsorship” is not  appropriate

“Self-sponsorship” doesn’t work for everyone. It’s unsuitable if you:

• Lack sufficient funds for setup and ongoing costs
• Don’t have genuine business plans or experience
• Cannot meet skill or salary requirements
• Need immediate income rather than long-term business development
• Don’t understand ongoing compliance obligations

Alternative routes to consider

If “self-sponsorship” isn’t suitable, you may wish to consider alternative routes such as:

• Innovator Founder visas for entrepreneurs
• Employment with existing sponsor licence holders
• Family or partner visa routes if eligible
• Global Talent visa

Legal risks and compliance

“Self-sponsorship” arrangements must comply with both immigration and company law. Common legal risks include:

• Immigration law breaches: Failing to meet sponsor obligations can result in licence revocation and visa refusal.
• Company law issues: Improper company structures or governance can create legal problems.
• Tax implications: “Self-sponsorship” affects tax planning and requires proper advice.
• Employment law: The employment relationship must comply with UK employment legislation.

Getting professional help

The “Self-sponsorship” route is complex, requiring expertise in immigration law, company law, and business planning. DIY approaches often fail due to technical errors or misunderstanding requirements.

Professional advice is essential for:

• Structuring the arrangement properly
• Preparing strong applications
• Avoiding common pitfalls
• Maintaining ongoing compliance

At Davenport Solicitors, we provide comprehensive support, from initial structuring through ongoing compliance support. Our approach combines legal expertise with practical business understanding.

Making the decision

“Self-sponsorship” can be an attractive  route to UK entrepreneurship for those who meet the requirements and understand the obligations. However, it requires significant commitment, proper planning, and adequate resources.

Key questions to consider:

• Do you have a genuine, viable business plan?
• Can you meet the financial requirements sustainably?
• Do you understand the ongoing compliance obligations?
• Are you prepared for the time and complexity involved?
• Do you have the supporting documents?

Our view

“Self-sponsorship” offers genuine opportunities for entrepreneurs to establish UK businesses whilst obtaining necessary visa sponsorship. However, success requires careful planning, proper legal structures, and ongoing compliance with complex requirements.

The process isn’t suitable for everyone, but for those who meet the requirements and approach it properly, self-sponsorship can provide a pathway to achieving business goals in the UK.

If you’re considering self-sponsorship, seek professional advice early in the process. Proper planning and expert guidance significantly increase your chances of success whilst avoiding costly mistakes.

At Davenport Solicitors, we’re experienced in helping entrepreneurs achieve their UK business ambitions through properly structured self-sponsorship arrangements.