UK Self-Sponsored Expansion
Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa: Establishing Your UK Business
If you’re considering launching a new venture or already own a business in the UK, you may qualify for a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship, meaning you’re sponsored by your own UK company. However, before proceeding, your UK business must obtain a Skilled Worker sponsor license.
Stage 1: Establish a UK Company
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa via self-sponsorship, you must first register a new company in the UK or have an existing UK company. It’s noteworthy that directors of UK companies aren’t required to be UK residents or British citizens. However, certain obligations must be met by all directors, including non-UK residents. If fulfilling duties becomes challenging for non-resident directors, they may appoint a UK-based representative.
If you’re unfamiliar with the UK company registration process or its legal framework, engaging a professional company formation agent is advisable. These experts can guide you through the process and ensure compliance with all requirements. Additionally, adherence to laws and regulations regarding overseas company registration in your home country is essential.
Stage 2: Apply for a Skilled Worker Sponsor license
Once your UK company is registered, the next step is for it to apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor license. The Home Office scrutinizes several factors to ensure eligibility:
The genuineness and lawful operation of your UK business.
The capability of your UK business to fulfill sponsor duties effectively.
Offering genuine employment meeting salary and skill level requirements of the Skilled Worker route.
For start-up businesses, the application typically involves providing specific documents, including evidence of a current corporate bank account, registration with HMRC for PAYE and National Insurance, VAT registration, employer’s liability insurance, and proof of business premises ownership or lease, among others.
Bank Account Opening for Non-UK Residents
While non-UK residents can open business bank accounts in the UK, requirements and procedures vary. Identification documents like passports, proof of address, and income source validation are typically necessary. Some banks may demand a UK address or tax residency, and certain accounts may be restricted to non-residents. Researching different bank requirements and consulting professionals can streamline the account opening process, ensuring compliance and accessibility to banking services.
Start your journey to self-sponsorship with confidence. Contact us to explore how our services can facilitate your visa acquisition and business establishment in the UK.
Is Active Trading Necessary for a UK Business?
Your UK business must be registered with Companies House and possess a UK business bank account, and in most cases, be registered for PAYE/NI and VAT. However, active trading or revenue generation in the UK is not obligatory.
Nevertheless, demonstrating that your UK business is a genuine entity operating lawfully in the UK can be facilitated by certain actions:
- If you have an established overseas business actively trading, establishing a UK branch with a legitimate business case can strengthen your application.
- Presenting a detailed business plan for your UK business showcases your strategic intent and operational vision.
- Sufficient investment funds, particularly for staffing costs, bolster the viability of your UK business.
- Undertaking preliminary business activities in the UK, such as setting up a functional website, telephone number, and email address, illustrates your commitment to establishing a presence.
Ensuring Capability to fulfill Sponsor Duties
Licensed sponsors are mandated to fulfill specific duties, including recording and compliance obligations under UK immigration laws. The Home Office assesses your business’s capability to carry out these duties by scrutinizing your human resources and recruitment systems.
For instance, the Home Office evaluates whether your systems enable you to monitor sponsored workers’ attendance and track the expiration of their permissions. They may conduct compliance audits before or after granting your license.
As part of our sponsor license application service, we equip our clients with a comprehensive Human Resources policy and procedure package. This includes a job description analysis, Sponsor license Policy guide, Right to Work Checks guidance, record-keeping checklists and templates, and ongoing advice on HR systems and procedures.
Ensure your business is well-prepared to meet sponsor duties and compliance requirements. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can support your immigration objectives.
FAQs: Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa
Absolutely. As a self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa applicant, you’re entitled to serve as a Director and possess up to 100% of the shares in your company.
No, there’s no specified investment funds requirement for self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa applicants. However, showcasing sufficient investment funds can facilitate demonstrating your UK business’s legitimacy and capability to meet salary thresholds.
Unlike the Innovator Founder route, the Skilled Worker route doesn’t necessitate the UK business to be innovative, viable, or scalable. Any business type can qualify, and there’s no requirement for endorsement by a Home Office approved body.
While not mandatory, presenting a detailed business plan for your UK business can strengthen your application’s credibility. Our expert consultants can guide you through the process and assist in preparing a compelling business plan.
Yes, self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa holders must receive a salary from their company meeting or exceeding set thresholds. Our consultants can provide tailored advice on salary requirements based on your occupation and qualifications.
Yes, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at least at an intermediate level across all components. Various qualifications and tests can fulfill this requirement.
If approved, the visa is granted for a period typically ending 14 days after the Certificate of Sponsorship’s end date, which can extend up to five years.
You can engage in supplementary employment alongside your sponsored job, provided it meets specific criteria.
Yes, after five years of continuous residence in the UK, self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa holders can apply for ILR, subject to meeting residence and salary threshold requirements.
