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.

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.

Check Your Eligibility Now

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

Check Your Eligibility Now

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 £38,700 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

check your eligibility

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

check your eligibility

Explore Self-Sponsorship Requirements

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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
Check Your Eligibility for Self-Sponsorship

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

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.

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.