How self-sponsorship works
If you are planning to start a business in the UK or already operate one, your company may be able to obtain a Skilled Worker sponsor licence and sponsor you for an eligible role.
Entrepreneur Route
Self Sponsor route planning
Self-sponsorship is not a standalone visa type, but a business-led route where a UK company can sponsor its founder for a Skilled Worker Visa.
Requirements
An active UK company
A sponsor licence for the business
A Certificate of Sponsorship showing a genuine job offer
A role that is genuine and suitable for your skill level
Salary meeting the going rate for the occupation code
Payment of the Immigration Skills Charge where applicable
English at CEFR B1 level or above
Enough funds to support yourself without public funds
Requirements can vary by individual situation, business structure and role. Professional planning helps reduce risk before the sponsor licence and visa stages begin.
Four-step route
Set up a UK company
Apply for a sponsor licence
Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship
Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
Eligibility criteria
Experience in the sector you want to operate or expand in
Sufficient financial resources
A strong business plan with growth and sustainability potential
Advantages of the Self Sponsor route
Independence to build your own business
Control over business processes and strategy
Flexibility to operate around your goals
Access to the UK market
Opportunity to realise innovative business ideas
Potential to attract partners or investment
A possible long-term route toward settlement
MetropolVisa helps entrepreneurs assess the strategy, prepare the sponsor licence route and move through the Skilled Worker application process.
Will your visa be approved?
Get a free 0–100 readiness score in 5 minutes — plus the exact fixes before you apply.