Ready to launch a UK business and live in vibrant cities like London or Manchester? The Skilled Worker Visa self-sponsorship route lets you set up a UK company to sponsor yourself, tapping into the UK’s £2.3 trillion economy. At FormationsHunt, we make company formation fast and easy, incorporating thousands of companies in 3–7 hours. This guide starts with eligibility, walks you through setting up your company, and guides you on self-sponsorship steps—no jargon, just clear actions. Let’s get your UK empire started!
Who Can Apply for Self-Sponsorship?
To pursue the Skilled Worker Visa via self-sponsorship, you must meet business and personal eligibility criteria set by the UK Home Office in 2025.
Business Requirements
● Company: Set up a new UK company or own/control an existing one that is genuine, operational, or ready to trade.
● Role: Offer yourself a job from the Home Office’s eligible occupations list (e.g., SOC 2020 code 1135 for business managers, RQF Level 3+).
● Genuine Vacancy: Prove the job is real and necessary (e.g., via a business plan showing market demand).
● Infrastructure: Have a UK bank account and basic HR systems (e.g., for record-keeping).
Personal Requirements
● Age: 18 or over.
● Salary: At least £38,700/year or the role’s going rate (e.g., £45,000 for managers), whichever is higher.
● English Proficiency: CEFR Level B1 (e.g., IELTS 4.0, degree taught in English).
● Financial Maintenance: You must have £1,270 in savings for 28 consecutive days, unless your employer certifies that they will cover your maintenance.
● Additional: Criminal record certificate (for education/health roles) and TB certificate (for listed countries like India, Nigeria).
Why It Matters: Meeting these criteria ensures your company and role pass UKVI scrutiny. Consult the Skilled Occupations Appendix to find the relevant role codes and salary thresholds.
Pro Tip: Create a detailed business plan to justify the importance of your position.
Why Start a UK Company for Self-Sponsorship?
Self-sponsorship involves setting up a UK company that obtains a sponsor licence, allowing it to issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for a Skilled Worker visa. Benefits include:
● Entrepreneurial Freedom: Run your business (e.g., tech, consulting) without an external employer.
● Long-Term Stay: Visa up to 5 years, extendable, with a path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
● Family Inclusion: You can bring dependents, including your spouse and children under 18.
● Market Access: Tap into the UK’s dynamic markets.
FormationsHunt simplifies the first step: Company formation—with our Non-Resident Package (£169.99), perfect for global founders, including a UK address and mail forwarding (free for 12 months). Ready to begin?
Your Self-Sponsorship Roadmap
Here’s the self-sponsorship process at a glance:
We support company formation and banking guidance. For visa steps, consult immigration experts. Let’s dive into the process!
Step-by-Step Guide to Start Your UK Company
Follow these steps to set up your UK company with us and prepare for self-sponsorship.
On our platform, setting up your Ltd. company is intuitive and guided step-by-step. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Select Company Structure and Jurisdiction
● Choose Limited by Shares (the most suitable for self-sponsorship).
● Select England and Wales as your jurisdiction (global appeal)—England & Wales is the most commonly chosen by global entrepreneurs.
Step 2: Add SIC Code and Office Address
● Choose a relevant SIC Code (e.g., 70229 for consultancy or 62020 for IT services).
● Use our Registered Office Address (included in your package).
● Optionally, add a mail forwarding address (for receiving posts outside the UK).
Step 3: Appoint Directors and Shareholders
● Appoint yourself as Director and Shareholder (you can hold 100% shares with £1 nominal value). A director service address is also included in the package for the first year.
● Declare yourself as Person with Significant Control (PSC) with nature of control like:
○ “Holds more than 75% of shares”
○ “Possesses the authority to appoint or remove directors”
● If applicable, you may add more directors, shareholders, or a corporate shareholder.
Step 4: Provide Share Details
● Specify the number of shares, class of shares, and the currency.
● Confirm your ownership percentage and rights—this is crucial for establishing control for sponsorship purposes.
Step 5: Choose Legal Documents
● You will now be prompted to choose your company constitution documents:
○ Model articles of association (default) or upload customised ones.
● Share certificates, memorandum of association, and incorporation resolutions will be auto-generated for you.
Step 6: Optional Add-ons
● You’ll be offered to select:
○ Business Bank Account Partners – such as WorldFirst or Wise, offering online onboarding with no setup fees.
○ Accounting or Payroll Software – streamline your HR requirements for the sponsor licence.
Why UK Business Bank Account is important for your Self-Sponsor VISA?
A UK business bank account isn’t optional—it’s a cornerstone of your self-sponsorship strategy. It proves your company’s legitimacy and operational readiness to UKVI.
To open a business account as a non-resident, ensure you have all the required documents in order:
Essential Requirements:
● Identification:
○ Valid passport
○ Proof of address (e.g., overseas utility bill or bank statement)
● Company Documents:
○ Certificate of Incorporation
○ Share Certificates
○ Detailed Business Plan (highlighting your role and market scope)
● UK Address:
○ Use our Registered Office Address—included free for 12 months with the Non-Resident Package
Banking Options:
FormationsHunt doesn’t open the bank account for you, but we recommend digital banking partners such as:
● Revolut Business – fast and user-friendly online setup, ideal for international customers
● WorldFirst – especially ideal for cross-border transactions
● Wise Business – for receiving and sending payments globally
You’ll receive account setup guidance and referral links from us after formation—no UK visit required.
Pro Tips:
● Start early: Begin bank account setup as soon as you get your incorporation documents.
● Double-check name matches: Ensure your passport name and director name on company docs match exactly.
● Prepare digital scans: Some banks offer video verification, so have PDFs ready.
Why It Matters: The UKVI requires the business to be fully operational before it will issue a sponsor licence.
Your bank account proves:
● You’re ready to trade
● You are able to pay yourself the required salary.
● You are committed to establishing and running a long-term business in the UK.
Step 7: Add Partner Details
In this step, simply provide your contact information so that our trusted partners—like banks, delivery services, or software providers—can reach you if needed for verification or coordination.
Step 8: Submit for Formation
● Review all the information thoroughly and then submit your application.
● You’ll receive:
○ Certificate of Incorporation
○ Memorandum and Articles
○ Share Certificates
○ And activation of mail forwarding and address services.
Pro Tip: Make sure each step is completed without skipping—this ensures Companies House accepts your application without delays.
Why It Matters: A thoroughly configured company strengthens your self-sponsorship case, making your sponsor licence application smoother and UKVI-compliant.
Step 9: Prepare for a Sponsor Licence
Your company needs a sponsor licence to issue a CoS. We don’t offer this service, but here’s what’s required:
● Documents: Four from Appendix A (e.g., bank statement, HMRC registration for PAYE/NI or VAT, employer’s liability insurance £5m+, premises proof).
● HR Systems: Maintain records (e.g., attendance, visas, contracts).
● Role: Meets RQF 3+ and £38,700+ salary.
● Key Personnel:
○ Authorising Officer: UK-based, paid director/employee.
○ Key Contact: Home Office liaison.
○ Level 1 User: UK-based, British/settled, manages SMS.
● Additional Documents: Hierarchy chart, job description, employee list (if ≤50 employees).
● Fees: £536 (small sponsor: turnover <£10.2m, assets <£5.1m, or ≤50 employees) or £1,476 (large).
● Processing: 8 weeks (10 days with £500 priority).
Next Steps: Consult an immigration lawyer to apply via the Home Office. Submit documents within 5 days of application.
Pro Tip: Verify small sponsor eligibility to save on fees.
Why It Matters: The licence enables sponsorship.
Step 10: Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
With a sponsor licence, issue a Defined CoS via the Sponsorship Management System (SMS):
● Include job details (e.g., manager, £40,000/year), SOC code (e.g., 1135), and business plan.
● Pay £239 CoS fee and Immigration Skills Charge (£364 small, £1,000 large for 12 months; £182/£500 per 6 months).
Next Steps: Work with an immigration expert to assign the CoS.
Pro Tip: Align the CoS with your visa role.
Why It Matters: The CoS is required for your visa.
Step 11: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
Apply via the Home Office within 3 months of CoS assignment, but not more than 3 months before your start date:
● Form: Online, with CoS number and job details (in English).
● Fees: £769 (3 years, outside UK) or £1,519 (>3 years); £885/£1,751 inside UK; £1,035/year Health Surcharge.
● Documents:
○ Passport.
○ Bank statements (£1,270 savings).
○ English test (e.g., IELTS).
○ TB certificate (if required).
○ Criminal record certificate (if applicable).
○ Certified translations for non-English documents.
● Biometrics: Book fingerprints/photo, or use ID Check app (EU/EEA/Swiss passports).
Next Steps: Engage an immigration lawyer for support. Processing takes 3–8 weeks (£500–£1,000 priority).
Pro Tip: Work backwards from your start date.
Why It Matters: The visa allows you to work in the UK.
Step 12: Verify ID and Launch Your Business
At your biometric appointment (or via ID Check app), verify:
● Identity: Passport or national ID.
● Address: Utility bill/statement (<3 months).
Once approved, receive your visa (digital/vignette) and start your business. FormationsHunt delivers:
● Certificate of Incorporation.
● Registered office and mail forwarding activated.
Your visa lasts up to 5 years, extendable. Dependants (£769–£1,519 each, £285–£315 maintenance) can join.
Pro Tip: Keep records to stay compliant with UKVI.
Why It Matters: Your company and visa unlock your UK dreams.
2025 Costs Snapshot
| Item |
Cost (2025) |
FormationsHunt Support |
| Company Formation |
£169.99 (Non-Resident) |
Setup + addresses |
| Bank Account |
Varies (bank fees) |
Guidance only |
| Sponsor Licence |
£536 (small) / £1,476 (large) |
Guidance only |
| CoS Fee |
£239 |
Guidance only |
| Immigration Skills Charge |
£364 (small) / £1,000 (large, 12 months) |
Guidance only |
| Visa Fee (Outside UK) |
£769 (3 yrs) / £1,519 (>3 yrs) |
Guidance only |
| Visa Fee (Inside UK) |
£885 (3 yrs) / £1,751 (>3 yrs) |
Guidance only |
| Health Surcharge |
£1,035/year |
Guidance only |
| Priority Service |
£500–£1,000 (optional) |
Guidance only |
Note: Health/Care or Immigration Salary List roles may have lower fees (£304–£1,160). Consult an immigration lawyer for visa steps.
Why Choose Us?
We’re your go-to for UK company formation, unlike legal firms charging £3,000–£6,000:
● Speed: Company live in 3–7 hours.
● Global Reach: Non-Resident Package for international founders.
● Affordable: Formation at £169.99, with free 12-month address services.
● Trusted: Zero negative reviews on Trustpilot.
Note: We guide on self-sponsorship but do not offer visa services. Consult immigration experts for sponsor licence and visa steps.
Pitfalls to Avoid
1. Sham Vacancies: Use a business plan to prove job necessity.
2. Missing Deadlines: Submit sponsor licence documents within 5 days.
3. No UK Personnel: Find a UK-based Authorising Officer.
4. Incomplete Documents: Double-check before submission.
Pro Tips for 2025
● Prepare a comprehensive business plan to meet UKVI requirements.
● Budget £3,000–£5,000 for total costs.
● Monitor priority service at 9 AM weekdays.
● Consult an immigration lawyer for visa steps.
Innovator Founder Visa: An Alternative
If you’re starting an innovative business, the Innovator Founder Visa could be a suitable option:
● No £50,000 Investment: Instead, you must present a viable and scalable business idea.
● Endorsement: Your concept must be endorsed by a UK-approved innovation body.
● Duration: 3 years, extendable, with ILR potential.
We can assist with setting up your company to meet the requirements for this visa route.
Start Your UK Journey Today!
Launch your UK company with FormationsHunt in 3–7 hours and take the first step toward self-sponsorship. Click below for a free name check and make 2025 your year!
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