A UK visa designed for entrepreneurs launching a business based on an innovative idea.
A visa for overseas employees transferring to a UK branch within the same organisation.
A route that allows individuals to start and sponsor their own UK-based business.
A visa for skilled professionals with a job offer from a UK-licensed employer.
A legal requirement for UK companies to hire and sponsor international workers.
Self-Sponsorship Visa Services
Setting up a business in the UK is a powerful route to obtaining a Skilled Worker visa without the need for a traditional UK sponsor. At Highfin Solicitors, we assist entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals who wish to relocate to the UK through the Self-Sponsorship route, offering strategic legal guidance tailored to your circumstances.
The Self-Sponsorship route is not a formal immigration category but rather a lawful pathway that enables individuals to obtain a UK Skilled Worker visa by establishing and sponsoring their own UK-based business. This option is ideal for non-UK nationals who want to live and work in the UK by building or expanding a business without relying on an external employer.
You may be eligible for the Self-Sponsorship route if you:
- Have a viable business idea or an existing business you wish to expand into the UK
- Have sufficient funds to support the business and cover the visa process
- Possess relevant experience or qualifications related to the business
- Are able to take on a genuine skilled role within the business
- Can demonstrate the ability to meet the sponsorship and visa requirements
- Business Setup: Register a UK company with a genuine trading purpose.
- Sponsor Licence Application: Apply for a sponsor licence with the Home Office so the company can sponsor your Skilled Worker visa.
- Skilled Worker Visa Application: Once the licence is granted, apply for the Skilled Worker visa with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by your own company.
- Business Operation: Start operating the business, fulfilling the genuine role you’ve sponsored yourself for.
- The business must be legitimate and capable of offering a genuine skilled role
- The Skilled Worker role must meet the relevant salary threshold (typically £38,700 per year, unless exempt or on the shortage occupation list)
- You must meet the English language and financial requirements
- You must hold a key decision-making role in the business
- Live and work in the UK without relying on a third-party employer
- Retain control over your business and professional career
- Bring family members under the Skilled Worker dependent route
- Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship
Highfin Solicitors provides comprehensive support throughout the Self-Sponsorship journey:
- Business Structuring & Compliance: Guidance on setting up your business in accordance with UK legal and immigration standards
- Sponsor Licence Application: Detailed assistance with preparing and submitting the sponsor licence application
- Skilled Worker Visa Application: End-to-end support, including issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship and preparing the visa submission
- Ongoing Immigration Support: Continued advice to maintain compliance with Home Office regulations
How Highfin Solicitors Can Help
Highfin Solicitors has extensive experience advising individuals on innovative immigration pathways such as self-sponsorship. Our in-depth knowledge of UK business immigration law ensures you receive practical, compliant advice at every stage of the process. We tailor our service to your goals—whether you’re launching a startup or expanding an existing business into the UK.
Contact Us
If you are considering the Self-Sponsorship visa route and want trusted legal advice, contact Highfin Solicitors today. Call 0207 113 5728 or use our online enquiry form to book a consultation.
