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Step into the realm of possibilities with a zero-charge strategic session that maps out your immigration pathway. No hidden fees, no obligations – just pure, tailored guidance for your journey to open a company in UK for non resident with UK self-sponsorship
Unlock Your Dream Outcome: The UK Self-Sponsorship Visa serves as a bridge to a future where your entrepreneurial spirit thrives in one of the world's most dynamic business environments.
For dedicated entrepreneurs/business owners, stability is essential. The Self-Sponsorship UK Visa Route provides a secure foundation for your UK business ventures, eliminating visa termination concerns and opening doors to growth and success. Navigate the UK business landscape with confidence; this visa route is your guide to a stable and prosperous future, designed for those who prioritize certainty and achievement.
With this visa, you gain:
The applicant should possess some knowledge, skill, or qualification in the industry where they want to launch their firm.
The applicant must possess the financial resources to set up UK company or run their desired company in the UK
Please note that there is no minimum or maximum investment amount that must be made in your business endeavour. Depending on your company’s demands.

Bad advice can lead to delays and refusals you can’t afford to risk. That’s why we assign a subject matter expert - a UK immigration associate - to manage your case throughout.

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Self-sponsorship in the UK is not a specific type of visa, but rather a way for business owners to stay/live in the UK to run their active trading business. This involves using a Skilled Worker visa, combined with having a sponsor licence for your own UK-based business. Essentially, it’s like sponsoring yourself through your business to work in the UK. However, it’s important to seek expert advice, as this isn’t a straightforward visa category. Self-sponsorship is mainly a strategy for business owners to start, grow, or manage their business in the UK. This can be an effective way to open a company in the UK for non-residents.
Self-sponsorship UK is open to anyone who satisfies all of the following:
Has experience OR skills OR qualification(s) within the area of the business they want to establish
Has a business idea or has identified a pre-existing UK business to takeover
Has adequate resources to support their proposed business in the UK
Ideally, has a person who is settled in the UK or a British citizen to take on the responsibilities of the Authorising Officer
Has the ability to sit and pass an approved English language test at Level B1 (if required)
Please note that B1 CEFR in reading, writing, speaking AND listening is the minimum level of English language required for the visa.
This approach is particularly beneficial for those looking to set up a UK company as a non-resident, as it allows for a streamlined process to start and manage a business in the UK.
If you wish to register a company in the UK Companies House, it is crucial to meet all the specified requirements to ensure a smooth application process.
Stage 1 – Establish a UK company, and apply for a Sponsor Licence With the help of a registered UK accountant, your UK company can be registered. Note: If you are a NON-UK resident, you will be required to appoint a UK-based director initially. Timeline: Approximately 6 to 8 weeks.
Stage 2 – Create and provide your UK company with a human resources pack As part of the process of applying for a sponsor licence, you must ensure that your company has the necessary policy and procedures in place to sponsor you as a skilled worker. Timeline: Approximately two days.
Stage 3 – Be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship, and we will assist you with the Skilled Worker Visa Upon the approval of your UK company Sponsor licence, you will require a Defined Certificate of Sponsorship. Timeline: Approximately 4 to 12 weeks.
If you are considering to register your company in the UK, ensure you follow these stages carefully to meet all legal and operational requirements.
The self-sponsorship method may be the best approach to work and live in the UK if you want to start a business there or extend your present foreign operation to the UK. It is crucial to remember that there isn’t a real “Self Sponsorship Visa” — the term “Self Sponsorship” refers to a strategy to enter the UK under the Skilled Worker Visa category through sponsorship by your own business. The Self-Sponsorship Visa UK will enable you to establish a UK company that will sponsor your entry and employment in The UK (with the assistance of a UK Resident Director). You can own shares in the business, and there is no minimum investment requirement.
One of the most significant benefits of self-sponsorship in the UK is that it enables business owners to run and manage their own companies in the UK without worrying about their sponsorship being cancelled by an external employer who no longer requires their services as an employee.
This visa option is best for seasoned business people or someone who has researched the UK market and might have seen a chance to launch a new company here. In order for your Company to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, you must first get a Sponsor Licence.
Anyone who satisfies the qualifications below is eligible for self-sponsorship:
The applicant should possess some knowledge, skill, or qualification in the industry where they want to launch their firm.
The candidate must have a business concept or have found an existing company in the UK that they want to grow.
The applicant must possess the financial resources to run their desired company in the UK
Please note that there is no minimum or maximum investment amount that must be made in your business endeavour. Depending on your company’s demands, it might go as high as £25,000.
The applicant can appoint someone who is both settled in the UK (for example, a British Citilien or someone with ILR) and who is also a resident of the UK, who can fulfil the duties of the Authorising Officer.
The applicant must take and pass an approved Level B1 certified English language test (if required)
For those looking to set up a limited company in the UK, self-sponsorship offers a robust framework to ensure compliance and operational success.
There is no minimum or maximum investment; it can range from £25,000 or more.
Can I be a 100% shareholder in the UK business and Director?
Yes, you can have 100% of the shares, and you could be the Director
You may be one of the majority shareholders in the UK business, and the job title may range from Managing Director, Director of Operations, and any other relevant role you may take to run your business.
You may be able to to take on a second job but this must fall within the strict conditions of your visa (supplementary employment).
We can:
Introduce you to strategic partners to help you achieve your objective, such as, but not limited to, an accountant, a web designer, and a sales/marketing consultant
Whether you are looking to open a UK company as a non-resident or simply need guidance on the legalities involved, A Y & J Solicitors can assist you every step of the way.
Our team can help you set up a limited company in the UK and navigate through the complexities of the self-sponsorship process.
Between £464 to £1,408. Additional fees are applicable, including the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is currently £624 per year for adults and £470 per year for child dependents.
The Sponsor Licence is valid for 4 years. At the end of the 4 years, a renewal application will need to be made to the Home Office. As long as you have an active/trading business, you can retain the sponsor licence. If the business were to stop trading altogether, then you would be required to surrender the sponsor licence. If you lose or surrender your licence you would need to switch your immigration category to continue to live and work in the UK.
Yes, you can bring your partner/spouse and/or children (under 18 years old) to the UK.
Yes, your company will need to pay you a guaranteed salary in line with the minimum pay requirements for your sponsored role.
The company must always have an active Authorising Officer as a sponsor duty. If the current Authorising Officer leaves, you will be required to replace the Authorising Officer (AO) with another eligible employee or post-holder, or face revocation of the licence by UKVI.
To open a company in the UK for a non-resident, you must first appoint a UK-based director, register the company with the UK Companies House, and ensure compliance with UK business regulations.
To achieve a company opening in the UK, register with Companies House, appoint directors and shareholders (including a UK-based director if non-resident), create a business plan, and open a UK business bank account. Ensure compliance with UK business regulations for a smooth process.
To register a private limited company in the UK, choose a unique company name, appoint directors and shareholders, prepare required documents, and register with Companies House. Completing these steps will successfully establish your private limited company.
To open a limited company in the UK, choose a unique company name, appoint at least one director (UK-based if non-resident), register with Companies House, and set up a UK business bank account. After establishment, maintain compliance with business laws and tax obligations.