A Practical Immigration Route for Entrepreneurs and Independent Professionals: The United Kingdom continues to attract entrepreneurs, consultants, business owners, and highly skilled professionals from around the world. With strong legal systems, global market access, and a stable business environment, the UK remains a top destination for those seeking long-term business growth and residence.

One immigration route that has gained increasing attention in recent years is the UK Self-Sponsorship Visa. This pathway allows individuals to legally relocate to the UK by establishing their own company and sponsoring themselves under the Skilled Worker route.

Unlike traditional work visas that rely on third-party employers, self-sponsorship gives individuals greater control over their career and business future.

What Is the UK Self-Sponsorship Visa?

The Self-Sponsorship route is not a separate visa category by name, but rather a legal structure using the existing Skilled Worker visa framework.

In simple terms, the process works as follows:

  1. The individual registers a UK company
  2. The company applies for a UK Sponsor Licence
  3. The company issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the applicant
  4. The applicant applies for a Skilled Worker visa
  5. The individual relocates to the UK as a sponsored worker of their own company

This route allows entrepreneurs, consultants, IT professionals, digital marketers, healthcare professionals, traders, and investors to legally live and work in the UK through their own business.

Who Is This Route Suitable For?

The UK Self-Sponsorship Visa is particularly suitable for: