Self Sponsorship Visa Uk: A Simple Guide For Entrepreneurs

By Author: The SmartMove2UK
Total Articles: 102
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Introduction
The term "self sponsorship visa UK" is popular with entrepreneurs and skilled workers who want to set up a business and live in the UK.
It's not an official visa type. Instead, it's a way to get a Skilled Worker visa by having your own UK company sponsor you.
It's a mix of business and immigration, offering a flexible route to living in the UK.
What is Self Sponsorship?
Self-sponsorship lets foreign business owners come to the UK. You own a business, and that business sponsors your work visa. It’s good for those who want to live and work in the UK without relying on a traditional employer.

There's no specific "self-sponsorship visa".
You use your own company to get a Skilled Worker visa.

Key ...
... Benefits

Permanent Residency: After 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and then British citizenship.
Family: Your spouse/partner and children under 18 can join you.
Business Freedom: You can have any type of business.
No Set Investment: There's no minimum investment, but you need enough money to run your business. Investments typically start from £25,000.
Stability: You control your visa sponsorship.
No Job Creation Requirement: This makes it easier to access this route.
Good Location: The UK is in a central location.
Access to Services: Free education for children and NHS healthcare.
Good Quality of Life: The UK has good infrastructure, a fair legal system, and it’s safe.

Watch this video on - Why Choose Self Sponsorship Visa? | Key Benefits of a Self-Sponsorship Visa
How Self-Sponsorship Works
Here are the steps:

Set Up Your Company: Register your UK company.
Make a Business Plan: Create a solid business plan.
Open a Bank Account: Open a UK business bank account.
Get Documents Ready: Gather all the necessary papers to prove your company is real.
Apply for a Sponsor Licence: Your company needs to apply for a sponsor licence.
Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Once approved, your company gives you a CoS.
Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa: Use your CoS to apply for your visa.

The process usually takes 3-6 months, but it might take 6-8 months.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for self-sponsorship, you need to meet these requirements:

Age: You must be 18 or over.
Real Business: You need a genuine business idea. The business must be real and active.
Sponsor Licence: Your UK company must have a valid sponsor licence.
CoS: Your company must assign you a valid CoS.
Real Job: The job offer must be a real job, at the right skill level.
Salary: You must earn the minimum salary for the job.
English Language: You must prove you can speak English at level B1 or higher.
Money: You need enough money to start and run your business. Start-up costs can be around £25,000, and total estimated funds for the first year can be around £150,000, depending on the type of business.
Skills: You must have the right skills and experience for your business.
Authorising Officer: You must have a trusted person in the UK, who is a British citizen or settled person, to act as your company’s Authorising Officer.

What Your Business Needs to be a Sponsor
To get a sponsor licence, your UK business must:

Be a real business, operating legally in the UK.
Have good processes and be able to do its sponsor duties.
Offer a real job that meets the salary and skill level requirements.
Be financially stable.
The job should be genuine, not just to get a visa.

Skilled Worker Visa Requirements
For the Skilled Worker visa, you need to provide:

Your CoS reference number.
Proof of your English language skills.
A valid passport.
Your job title, salary, and job code.

A complete guide to understand the : UK Skilled Worker visa Requirements
Common Issues

Real Job: The Home Office will check if the job is real. You must show that the job is needed, and you have the right skills.
Compliance Visits: The Home Office might visit your business without notice. Be prepared for these visits.
Interviews: You and your Authorising Officer might be interviewed. Be ready to discuss your business and plan.

How The SmartMove2UK Immigration Lawyers Can Help
Immigration lawyers can help you with:

Incorporating a company in the UK.
Opening a UK business bank account.
Apply for dependents to travel or join the main applicant in UK.
Advice on your case.
Sponsor licence and visa applications.
Legal help.
Preparing for visits and interviews.
Challenging refusals.

FAQs

Minimum Investment? No set amount but need enough funds (from £25,000).
Innovative Business Idea? No, not needed for this visa.
Family? Yes, spouse/partner and children under 18 can join.
Director and Shareholder? Yes, you can be both.
Other Employment? Yes, sometimes you can take on a second job.
Business Plan? Not required, but helpful.

Conclusion
Self-sponsorship is a good way for entrepreneurs to start a business and live in the UK. Understand the rules and get legal help.
This will help you reach your business and residency goals. Always seek expert advice to ensure your application is successful.

The SmartMove2UK (a unit of SmartMove Immigration) is a specialist immigration law firm in India with branches in India (Mumbai | Delhi | Gurgaon | Chandigarh | Bangalore) & UK (London) led by a specialist Solicitor. Evolving from practicing exclusively in the areas of UK nationality and immigration law. Our expertise now encompasses a wider global mix including immigration laws of Australia, New Zealand, USA, Malta, Portugal (Golden Visa), Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, India and Canada. With more than a decade of Experience providing immigration and nationality services, we offer clients a personal and friendly, yet comprehensive solution to their immigration, travel and business needs. With the benefit of our extensive experience, we understand your needs and advise on the prospects of success and potential pitfalls in pursuing an application. Working together, we will use our experience to find a solution that matches your needs wherever possible. Our clientele includes Individuals, Corporates Corporations, Investors , Entrepreneurs and Innovators.