Self-Sponsorship Route

Looking to set up your own business in the UK and sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa? The Self-Sponsorship Route allows entrepreneurs and business owners to move to the UK without relying on an external sponsor. By establishing a UK-based company and becoming its sponsored employee, eligible individuals can gain the right to live and work in the UK legally — while retaining full control over their business operations. At Stretton Solicitors, we specialise in helping overseas professionals navigate this complex but powerful immigration pathway.

The Self-Sponsorship Route is ideal for entrepreneurs, consultants, freelancers, and business owners who want to relocate to the UK while actively running a company. You don’t need a traditional UK employer — instead, you establish your own company, secure a sponsor licence for it, and apply for a Skilled Worker visa as an employee of your own business. This route offers flexibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to grow a genuine UK enterprise.

The process begins with setting up a UK-registered company and applying for a sponsor licence through the Home Office. Once your company is granted a licence, it can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to you as its employee — allowing you to then apply for a Skilled Worker visa. Your business must demonstrate that it is legitimate, has a clear business plan, and meets the salary and skill thresholds required for the role you’ll be taking within the company.

At Stretton Solicitors, we provide end-to-end legal support for clients pursuing the Self-Sponsorship Route. From setting up the company and preparing the sponsor licence application, to drafting legal representations and advising on Skilled Worker compliance, we manage the entire process with precision. Our team ensures that your case is not only compliant but also strategically positioned for long-term success in the UK.

This route offers a number of advantages over traditional business or investor visas. You maintain control over your company, are not subject to minimum investment thresholds like the old Tier 1 Entrepreneur route, and can bring dependants with you to the UK. After five years, you may also be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), paving the way to permanent residency and even British citizenship.

If you’re ready to build your business and future in the UK, the Self-Sponsorship Route could be your ideal pathway. At Stretton Solicitors, we simplify the process, handle the legal complexities, and support you from start to finish. Contact us today to book a consultation and begin your journey with confidence and expert guidance.