Move to the UK Without a Job Offer?

Discover the Power of Self-Sponsorship

Are you an entrepreneur, business leader, or highly skilled professional who dreams of moving to the UK — but don’t have a job offer? At Five Star Immigration Specialists, based in Glasgow, we help ambitious individuals like you take control of their UK immigration journey through Self-Sponsorship.

Unlike traditional UK work visas, self-sponsorship lets you set up or take over a UK business and sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa. This route is becoming increasingly popular among international professionals who want flexibility, independence, and a clear path to settlement in the UK.

What Is UK Self-Sponsorship?

Self-sponsorship is a fully legal and recognised immigration pathway. Instead of relying on an employer, you establish your own UK company and use that business to sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa.

It’s an ideal route if you:

Want to start or expand a business in the UK.
Prefer independence over employer sponsorship.
Are seeking a business-focused visa with a pathway to permanent residency and British citizenship.

Key Benefits of Self-Sponsorship

No need for a third-party UK employer.
Full control of your business and career.
Clear route to settlement (ILR) and citizenship.
Bring your spouse/partner and children as dependents.
Flexibility to operate in your chosen sector — tech, consulting, finance, hospitality, and more.

five-star-international-electronic-travel-authorisation-guide

Who Can Apply?

This route works best for:

Entrepreneurs and company founders.
Overseas business directors opening a UK branch.
Consultants and freelancers wanting a formal UK presence.
Senior professionals aiming for independence and long-term settlement.

Step-by-Step: How Self-Sponsorship Works

1. Set Up a UK Company

Register with Companies House.
Open a UK business bank account.
Prepare a realistic business plan.
Your company must be genuinely trading or ready to trade.

2. Apply for a Sponsor Licence

Apply to the UK Home Office for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
Show evidence of trading or pre-trading activity.
Put HR and compliance systems in place.
Appoint a UK-based Authorising Officer.

3. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once your licence is approved, your company issues you a CoS for your Skilled Worker role.

4. Apply for Your Skilled Worker Visa

Submit your visa application with your CoS.
Meet the job eligibility and salary requirements (£41,700 or the “going rate”).
Prove your English language ability.

Common Questions About Self-Sponsorship

Eligible roles include IT professionals, business consultants, engineers, financial analysts, senior managers, directors, and other high-skilled roles listed by the UK government.

Yes. Self-sponsorship is 100% legitimate if your business is genuine and your role is real. This is why expert legal guidance is recommended.

Yes. After 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). A year later, you can apply for British citizenship.

There’s no fixed investment amount, but you’ll need enough for:

Business setup and operating costs.
Sponsor licence fee (£536 or £1,476 depending on company size).
CoS fee (£239–£525).
Visa application fees and NHS surcharge.
Sufficient working capital for your business.

Innovator Founder Visa requires endorsement and proof of innovation — very restrictive.
Self-Sponsorship offers more flexibility as long as your business and role are genuine.

Take Control of Your UK Immigration Future

With self-sponsorship, you don’t need to rely on a job offer. You can:

Start and run your own UK company.
Sponsor yourself and your family.
Work towards permanent residency and British citizenship.

five-star-international-right-to-work-checks

Get in touch

At Five Star we specialise in helping entrepreneurs, consultants, and professionals establish UK businesses, secure sponsor licences, and obtain Skilled Worker visas through self-sponsorship.

Book a consultation today and let us help you turn your UK plans into reality