DAVENPORT

Self-Sponsorship Route UK or Self-Sponsorship Visa UK

Ideal route for entrepreneurs who want to move to the UK and operate their own company while sponsoring themselves for a Skilled Worker visa.

How Davenport Solicitors Can Assist

Company Formation & Business Plan – Support with registration, structuring, and a strong business plan.
Sponsor Licence & Compliance – Application, UKVI compliance, mock audits, and training.
Visa & Ongoing Support – CoS allocation, Skilled Worker Visa guidance, and long-term legal support.
Book a free consultation

Book an appointment

What is the Self-Sponsorship Route?

The Self-Sponsorship route allows non-UK nationals to establish and run a business in the UK. By obtaining a Sponsor Licence, you can employ skilled workers, including yourself, and apply for a Skilled Worker Visa to work and live in the UK.

Establish, manage, and grow your UK business

Secure a Skilled Worker Visa

Bring your dependants (spouse & children under 18) to the UK

Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and UK settlement

Start Your UK Business Journey Today!

Book your free consultation with our expert team

Book a free consultation

Eligibility for Self-Sponsorship UK in 2025

  • Have a viable business aligned with the UK’s economic priorities.
  • Possess relevant skills in a government-listed skilled occupation.
  • Show financial stability to run your business and meet salary thresholds (£26,200/year or £23,040/year, depending on the job).
  • Prove genuine intent to operate a legitimate business and meet sponsorship duties.
  • Comply with UK immigration and employment laws.

Why Customers Love Us ?

How Does the Self-Sponsorship Process Work?

At Davenport Solicitors, we simplify the Self-Sponsorship process into four key steps:

Step 1

Business Registration & Viability Assessment

  • We help you register a UK-based limited company
  • Assess your business plan and ensure compliance with UK regulations
Step 2

Sponsor Licence Application

  • Apply for a Sponsor Licence to employ skilled workers, including yourself
  • Ensure your company meets the Home Office compliance requirements
Step 3

Skilled Worker Visa Application

  • Once your Sponsor Licence is approved, we apply for your Skilled Worker Visa
  • Provide legal support to ensure a successful visa application
Step 4

Ongoing Compliance & UK Residency

  • Continuous legal support to maintain compliance with UK immigration laws
  • Plan for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventual UK settlement
Book a free consultation

We help you in the following

Initial Consultation

Comprehensive assessment of your
business proposition

Bespoke Documentation Guide

Tailored checklist of required documents

Thorough Document Review

Detailed analysis with expert
recommendations

Required Documents for UK Self-Sponsorship

Complete documentation checklist for your licence application

Company Documentation

  • Certificate of Incorporation from Companies House
  • Share certificates and statutory registers
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association
  • Business plan with detailed 3-year financial projections
  • Company organisation chart showing all posts
  • VAT registration (if applicable)
  • Evidence of business premises (lease/purchase agreement)
  • Employer's liability insurance certificate

Personal Documentation

  • Valid passport and current visa (if applicable)
  • Proof of English language ability (CEFR level B1)
  • Educational certificates and qualifications
  • CV/detailed work history
  • Professional certifications relevant to your role
  • Police clearance certificate (if required)

Finanical Documentation

  • Bank statements (last 3 months)
  • Proof of investment funds
  • Business bank account statements
  • Initial investment evidence
  • Detailed cash flow forecast

Employment Documentation

  • Detailed job description matching SOC code
  • Contract of employment
  • Evidence of market rate salary
  • Skill level evidence for the role
  • Recruitment records/evidence
  • Key personnel appointment letters

Important Notes:

  • All documents must be originals or certified copies
  • Non-English documents require certified translations
  • Additional documents may be required based on your specific circumstances

Why Choose Davenport Solicitors?

At Davenport Solicitors, we specialise in UK immigration law, offering tailored solutions for business professionals and entrepreneurs.

1. SRA-Accredited UK Immigration Experts

2. High Success Rate in Sponsor Licence & Visa Applications

3. Helping Global Entrepreneurs Establish in the UK

Our dedicated team ensures your Self-Sponsorship application is error-free and compliant, giving you the best chance of success.

Book a free consultation

Start Your Self Sponsorship UK Journey Today

Book your free consultation with our expert solictors team

+44 020 7903 6888 contact@davenportsolicitors.com Response within 24 hours

Book a free consultation

Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Sponsorship

A Self-Sponsorship Licence is an immigration arrangement that allows entrepreneurs to establish a UK company and sponsor themselves under the Skilled Worker route. It combines business ownership with immigration permission, enabling you to work in your business.

The complete process typically requires 3-4 months:
  • Company setup: 1-2 weeks
  • Sponsorship licence: 8-10 weeks
  • CoS and visa application: 3-4 weeks

Prior business experience significantly strengthens your application. You must demonstrate:
  • Relevant industry knowledge
  • Business management capabilities
  • Financial understanding
  • Market awareness
  • What eligible occupation you can take on

Suitable businesses include:
  • Technology companies
  • Professional services
  • Healthcare practices
  • Educational institutions
  • Retail operations
  • Manufacturing enterprises

Key compliance obligations include:
  • Maintaining accurate personnel records
  • Reporting changes to the Home Office
  • Meeting salary thresholds
  • Conducting right-to-work checks
  • Keeping the sponsorship management system updated

If your business encounters financial challenges:
  • Inform the Home Office immediately
  • Maintain minimum salary payments
  • Seek professional advice
  • Consider restructuring options
  • Ensure continued compliance with sponsor duties