What Does Self-Sponsorship Visa UK Cost in 2025?

Q: How much is a 2‑year Skilled Worker visa in the UK?

As of 1 July 2025, applying from outside the UK for a Skilled Worker visa valid up to three years costs £769 for each applicant. Then, you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge at £1,035 per year. Employers also budget separately for the cost of a skilled Sponsor Licence and the Immigration Skills Charge when they assign your Certificate of Sponsorship .

Q: What is the minimum salary to get sponsorship in the UK?

From 22 July 2025, most Skilled Worker roles require at least £41,700 per year or the occupation’s going rate—whichever is higher. Health and Care workers need £25,000. New entrants and PhD roles can use lower floors of £33,300 or £23,000. Missing any threshold may trigger a Sponsor Licence Rejected ? decision by the Home Office under the updated rules.

Q: How much is the UK work visa fee?

A Skilled Worker visa up to three years costs £769 per applicant when applied from abroad. Extensions inside the UK cost £885. You also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge at £1,035 per year. Fees for a Temporary Worker Licence vary by category. Always check the latest published fee schedule on the Home Office site before you apply.

Q: How much are sponsorship fees?

Your sponsorship costs include the Sponsor Licence fee (£536 for small sponsors, £1,476 for medium/large), plus the Immigration Skills Charge and Certificate of Sponsorship. Large sponsors pay £1,000 per year per worker; small charities pay £364. Temporary Worker Licence routes carry different fees. You may also face modest admin costs for compliance under Home Office Scrutiny.

Get Complete Clarity on Cost of Self-Sponsorship visa UK and discover real-world examples, a detailed fee breakdown, and smart budgeting tips for business owners. Through the A Y & J Self-Sponsorship Pathway, powered by A Y & J’s Visa Success Model and safeguarded by our very own Compliance Shield, you can acquire or use an existing UK business to legally sponsor your own Skilled Worker visa while planning for core costs like Home Office fees, IHS, legal, payroll, and HR setup so this opportunity does not turn into a costly liability.

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Understanding the UK Self-Sponsorship Visa Route Cost

Understanding the self sponsorship visa cost UK isn’t just about visa fees — it’s about planning for every step, from acquiring the business to staying compliant post-approval.

Government & Official Fees

(Required for all applicants — paid to the UK government or related agencies.)

Component	Fee
Sponsor Licence Application	£574 (SME) / £1,579 (Large)
Visa Application (≤3 years)	£769
Visa Application (>3 years)	£1,519
NHS Surcharge (IHS)	£1,035/year
Certificate of Sponsorship	£525 each
Biometric Appointment	£19.20
Priority Processing	£500–£1,000
Translation (if needed)	£10–£20/page
Total Estimate	£4,000–£10,000

The government fees shown above are just the starting point.

Acquiring a UK business and building a compliant self-sponsorship setup involves far more — from legal structuring to personnel, payroll, and compliance.

Business Setup Costs

(If you are acquiring or formalising an entity and operations.)

Company acquisition: £36,000 (Taken care of by StratExec Capital Ltd.)
Business bank account setup: usually £0 to £300
Registered office, virtual office, mail handling: £300 to £1,200 per year
Basic policies, contracts, handbooks: £500 to £2,000
Insurance starter pack: £600 to £2,500 per year

Ongoing Operational Self-Sponsorship Visa UK Costs

(Annual running costs once you are live. Visual scale is relative.)

Category	Typical Annual Range
Staff salaries (minimum core team)	£60,000 to £140,000
Office or coworking space	£6,000 to £24,000
Accountancy and payroll	£1,200 to £6,000
Insurance	£600 to £2,500
IT, software, and tools	£1,200 to £6,000
Marketing and sales	£6,000 to £30,000
Contingency reserve	£5,000 to £20,000

Expanded Total Estimated Self-Sponsorship Visa UK Cost Range

Government and official fees: £4,000 to £10,000
Legal and professional: £18,000
Ongoing operations for year one: £80,000 to £200,000+

Planning guidance: Most business owners should plan a first-year budget of £100,000 to £250,000+, depending on sector, headcount, and growth pace.

Acquiring a UK business and building a compliant self-sponsorship setup involves far more — from legal structuring to personnel, payroll, and compliance.

That’s why we’ve built an all-inclusive Executive Self-Sponsorship package that takes care of every operational detail.

Executive Self-Sponsorship Package: What’s Included

Milestone	Executive Self-Sponsorship
Stage 1: Engagement	£18K to reserve the company (SCL)
Stage 2: Licence Setupe	£18K on company activation (SCL)
Stage 3: Visa Application	£18K before Skilled Worker visa application (A Y & J)
Stage 4: Ongoing Compliance	From £600/month (incl. AO services, HMRC support, legal upkeep) (SCL)
Total Investment	£18,000 + VAT (A Y & J ) + £36,000 (SCL)

Please note: A Y J Solicitors is a UK immigration law firm authorised and regulated by the SRA. StratExec Capital Ltd (SCL), a separate company under the same ownership, supports business sourcing and transfers but is not SRA-regulated. You are under no obligation to use SCL, immigration legal services are provided independently by A Y J Solicitors through a separate engagement.

Speak to a Solicitor for Your Self-Sponsorship Process

Budget Hacks & Smart Planning Tips for the Self Sponsorship Route

(Keep your UK Self Sponsorship Cost under control with these expert-approved moves.)

Standardised Document Templates

Leverage pre-approved, lawyer-vetted templates for common filings to cut down on drafting time and legal fees.
Fixed-Fee Legal

Choose firms that offer flat-fee legal support — avoid surprise costs.
Early Translations

Translate key documents early to avoid premium last-minute fees.

Digital Compliance

Use digital HR & document tools to stay compliant without extra staff.
Renewal Discounts

Ask for multi-year discounts on visa or licence renewals.
Contingency Buffer

Always budget an extra 10% for unexpected business or legal needs.

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5 Key Steps for Sponsoring Yourself in the UK

Existing Business / Acquire a UK Business

Acquire or own a UK business which serves as the legal foundation for your visa and must fully comply with UK regulations.
HR Compliance

Implement HR systems, payroll, and employment compliance frameworks
Sponsor Licence

Apply for and obtain your Sponsor Licence from the Home Office
Skilled Worker Visa

Apply for your Skilled Worker visa through your own company
ILR & Permanent Residency

Progress to Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years

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Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must

Be 18+ and pass English at CEFR B1 level

Valid passport from eligible country required
Intend to run or acquire a genuine, trading UK business

Must demonstrate real business activity and intent
Pay yourself at least £41,700 annually

Or SOC-specific rate, whichever is higher

Cover rent, staff, and operating expenses

Approximately £150,000 per year total budget
Appoint a UK-settled Authorising Officer

Plus other key personnel for compliance

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Compare Your Options

UK Business Immigration Routes

Visa Route	Self-Sponsorship	Innovator Founder	GBM Visa	Start-up Visa (No more Valid)
Path to Settlement	Yes (5 years)	Yes (3 years) (Conditional)	No	No
Own Business?	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Endorsement Needed?	No	Yes	Yes (employer)	Yes
Visa Risk	Low risk	High risk	Medium risk	High risk

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Self-Sponsorship Visa UK Cost: Family and Dependants

Plan for government fees, IHS, and real-world living costs if your partner and children move with you.

Visa fees for dependants

Each dependent pays the same visa fee as the main applicant: £769 (up to 3 years) or £1,519 (over 3 years).
Priority (optional): £500 to £1,000 per application.
Biometrics: £19.20 per applicant.

No CoS fee for dependants.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for dependants

£1,035 per year per dependant.
Pay upfront for the full visa length.

Proof of funds for dependants

Either your sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS, or you show personal savings for 28 days:
- Partner: £285
- First child: £315
- Each additional child: £200

If all applicants have been in the UK lawfully for 12 months, maintenance is usually not required.

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Our Self-Sponsorship Cost

Self-Sponsorship

For entrepreneurs who already run a UK company and need legal help with licence & visa

£18,000 + VAT
- Sponsor Licence Application
- Skilled Worker visa Application
- HR compliance setup
- 12 months legal support
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Legal and Professional Fees

(Indicative ranges. Scope varies by case and complexity.)

A Y & J Self-Sponsorship Pathway fixed legal fee: £18,000 + VAT
Sponsor Licence Filing: Included
Certificate of Sponsorship allocation support: Included

Skilled Worker application preparation and filing: Included (1 applicant)

Choose Your Business Structure for Self-Sponsorship

Pick the setup that fits your budget, compliance needs, and growth plan.

(All figures exclude immigration lawyers’ legal fees.)

Quick comparison

Aspect	Sole trader	Limited company (Ltd)
Sponsor licence suitability	Possible but harder to evidence HR controls in a one-person setup	Standard pathway with clearer governance and PAYE
Setup costs (no legal fees)	£50 to £500 for registrations	£12 to £100 Companies House filings
HR and payroll tooling	£800 to £2,000	£1,200 to £3,000
Banking and insurance	£0 to £300 bank, £400 to £1,500 insurance	£0 to £300 bank, £600 to £2,500 insurance
Accountancy and filings	£800 to £2,000 per year	£1,200 to £3,000 per year
Ongoing compliance effort	Lower admin but tougher audit trail	Higher admin but stronger audit readiness
Best for	Very small, simple operations	Most self-sponsorship cases and growth plans

Add government costs separately, for example sponsor licence fee, visa fees, IHS, Certificate of Sponsorship, and any Immigration Skills Charge if applicable.

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Why Saving on UK Self Sponsorship Cost Can Lead to Costly Rejections

Using Our Self Sponsorship Route (Complete immigration & legal support)

Full legal guidance at every step of your process
Sponsor Licence application done professionally
All documents reviewed and submitted correctly
Ongoing compliance included
Skilled Worker visa application done professionally
Stress-free experience — you stay in control
High success rate — legally sound and structured for approval

Trying to Cut Costs & Do It Alone(No support)

Limited understanding of Home Office compliance
Lack of understanding of sponsor readiness
Frequent errors in sponsor licence application
Key documents may be missing or improperly formatted
Delays or outright rejection by the Home Office
A rejected application can flag your record for future attempts
Very Low success rate — unpredictable and risky

Frequently Asked Questions About UK Self Sponsorship Visa Cost

How Do You Find Out The SOC Of Your Job Profile?

You’ll need to review the official SOC occupation list here and find the one that best matches what you’ll actually be doing — down to the detailed level, not just the broad job title. It can be tricky, especially if your role overlaps categories. That’s why it’s much easier — and safer — to speak to a legal advisor who can help you get it right the first time.

What if fees rise after I’ve submitted my application?

If fees increase after you apply, the Home Office usually honours the rate in place on your submission date. However, under Home Office Scrutiny, you might need to cover any shortfall before receiving your visa. Therefore, set aside a modest contingency and monitor updates closely. In most cases, your decision letter will spell out any extra amount due; otherwise, you keep the original fee you paid.

What if I can’t prove my maintenance funds?

If you cannot prove maintenance funds, the Home Office may refuse your visa. During desktop audits, officers often request additional bank statements or sponsor undertakings. Therefore, line up alternative evidence—cash savings, accommodation guarantees or a formal support letter—and upload it promptly. Otherwise, you risk failing a Home Office Sponsor Licence Compliance Inspection when you cannot demonstrate financial backing as required by the rules.

How much is a 2‑year Skilled Worker visa in the UK?

What is the minimum salary to get sponsorship in the UK?

How long is a Self‑Sponsorship visa good for in the UK?

The Self‑Sponsorship route uses the Skilled Worker visa. Your leave matches the Certificate of Sponsorship, up to five years. You can extend indefinitely; after five years you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Unlike a Temporary Worker Licence, this route leads directly to permanent residency, provided you meet ongoing compliance and reporting duties, including the Immigration Health Surcharge each year.

How much is the CoS fee in the UK?

Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship carries no direct fee. However, employers pay the Immigration Skills Charge: large sponsors pay £1,000 per year per worker; small or charitable sponsors pay £364 per year. Also, factor in the cost of a skilled Sponsor Licence annual fee. Unexpected role changes flagged during a Home Office Sponsor Licence Compliance Inspection can affect your overall budget.

How much is the UK work visa fee?

What if my finance options fall through?

If your intended funding collapses before you apply, secure alternatives immediately. Moreover, the Home Office will flag any gaps during desktop audits or a Sponsor Licence Compliance Inspection. Therefore, arrange a bank guarantee, corporate underwriting or a formal support letter and upload evidence swiftly. Without clear maintenance funds, the Home Office may refuse your visa under the July 2025 guidance.

How much are sponsorship fees?

What if I get refused and want a refund?

If the Home Office refuses your application, you can request a refund of unused application fees through the administrative review process. However, the Immigration Health Surcharge remains non‑refundable unless the Home Office withdraws your decision. If your company’s licence later trails a Sponsor Licence Rejected? outcome, legal fees may apply. Therefore, review refusal reasons promptly to assess refund eligibility.

Will My Dependant Also Pay IHS?

Does Self Sponsorship Lead To ILR?

What Happens If My Company Grows Beyond SME?

Can I Reuse Documents For Future Renewals?

Are Any Home Office Fees Refundable On Refusal?

Will I have to pay if the Home Office visits my business?

How Do Priority And Super-Priority Services Differ?

Can I Pay Sponsor Licence Fees In Instalments?

What Contingency Should I Include For Unexpected Costs?

What’s the Difference Between Self-Sponsorship and the Skilled Worker Visa?

Can I Self-Sponsor if I Don’t Have a UK Business Yet?

How do I Prove I Have Enough Funds?

What Happens if My Visa Application is Rejected?

Can I Bring My Family?

How Long Will Approval Take?

What if I Want to Extend My Visa?

What Costs are Involved in Renewing the Sponsor Licence?

Is there a Minimum Salary Requirement for Self-Sponsorship?

Can I Apply for Permanent Residency?

Real Client Stories

Dream It. Do It. Stories of UK Business Success With Us: Real journeys of ambition, resilience, and success—powered by strategic immigration and legal support by A Y & J Solicitors.

A Y & J Solicitors has handled over hundreds of successful Self Sponsorship UK applications, making it a renowned leader in UK immigration law. Each case that we take is handled with meticulous professionalism by our experienced team, meeting every requirement and providing the highest possible likelihood of approval.