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.
Sponsor Licence
Employing overseas workers in the UK requires a valid Sponsor Licence. At Highfin Solicitors, we assist UK businesses in obtaining and maintaining their sponsor licence, ensuring full compliance with Home Office requirements.
Whether you’re applying for the first time or managing an existing licence, our expert legal advice helps reduce risks and streamline the sponsorship process.
A Sponsor Licence allows UK employers to sponsor non-UK nationals under work visa routes such as the Skilled Worker Visa or Senior or Specialist Worker Visa (formerly Intra-Company Transfer). This licence is issued by the Home Office and is essential for recruiting global talent legally.
Types of Sponsor Licences
- Worker Licence – For Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility routes
- Temporary Worker Licence – For seasonal or short-term roles (e.g., creative workers, charity workers)
To be eligible for a sponsor licence, a business must:
- Be a genuine and legally operating UK organisation
- Have appropriate HR and record-keeping systems
- Not have any unspent criminal convictions related to immigration offences or fraud
- Be able to meet sponsorship duties (including monitoring sponsored workers)
Business Size Licence Type Fee
Small or charitable sponsors Worker £576
Medium or large sponsors Worker £1,579
Any size Temporary Worker only £576
Businesses may be considered “small” if they meet at least two of the following: fewer than 50 employees, annual turnover under £10.2 million, or balance sheet total under £5.1 million.
- Standard Processing: Around 8 weeks
- Priority Processing (if available): Within 10 working days for an additional £500
How Highfin Solicitors Can Help
Highfin Solicitors provides clear, practical advice at every stage of the sponsor licence process, including:
- Preparing and submitting your sponsor licence application
- Advising on supporting documents and eligibility
- Setting up compliant HR systems
- Training staff on sponsor duties and compliance
- Dealing with sponsor licence renewals or suspensions
- Responding to Home Office audits or inspections
We work with businesses of all sizes—from startups to large enterprises—helping them recruit skilled international talent without delays or compliance issues.
Avoid Costly Mistakes
Incorrect applications, poor record-keeping, or non-compliance can lead to licence revocation, fines, or business disruption. Highfin Solicitors ensures your application is accurate and your systems are audit-ready.
Contact Us
If your business is looking to sponsor skilled overseas workers, speak to an immigration solicitor at Highfin Solicitors. Call 0207 113 5728 or submit your enquiry online to get started.
