2026 UK Self Sponsorship Programme

An entrepreneur with a majority shareholding in an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) start-up approached Cranbrook Legal for assistance in helping him to live and work in the UK before officially launching their business.

Our team guided the client through the application process, demonstrating the entrepreneur’s genuine intention to start the business and the need for skilled international employees. We also helped establish compliant HR systems. As part of the Licence Application, the Client had appointed a UK based Director who would manage the Licence.

The sponsor licence was granted before the company began trading. After successfully setting up the business, the entrepreneur applied for a Skilled Worker visa and was sponsored by their own company, allowing them to work and grow the startup in the UK.

A passionate entrepreneur with a majority shareholding in a green energy start-up sought Cranbrook Legal’s help in obtaining a sponsor licence prior to starting their operations in order to Sponsor himself under the Skilled Worker Visa.

The start-up focused on developing sustainable energy solutions. Our team worked closely with the client to provide evidence of their business plan, financial backing, and the need for international expertise. We also advised them on implementing the necessary HR systems to ensure compliance. The Applicant had a co-founder, a British Citizen who would act as the Authorising Officer on behalf of the Company.

The sponsor licence was granted before the company started trading. We then advised him fully on the requirements for the Skilled Worker visa, which required Sponsorship by the company, and successfully obtained the visa to work and develop the start-up in the UK.

A healthtech start-up founder with a majority shareholding contacted Cranbrook Legal for assistance in securing a sponsor licence in order to Sponsor him to come to the UK for work purposes. The company aimed to revolutionize healthcare services by using innovative technology.

We guided the client through the application process, showcasing their innovative business plan and the need for global talent. We assisted the Client and his UK Business Partner with the Company registration process after which helped them establish compliant HR systems. This was used as part of a successful Sponsor Licence application.

The sponsor licence was granted before the company began trading. The founder subsequently applied for a Skilled Worker visa, was sponsored by the company, and successfully obtained the visa to work on and grow the start-up in the UK.

An enterprising fintech start-up founder with a minority shareholding approached Cranbrook Legal for assistance in obtaining a sponsor licence before commencing operations. The company aimed to disrupt the UK’s financial sector by leveraging innovative technology.

Our team advised the client on how we could project manage the whole process from Company Registration, the Sponsor Licence and the Skilled Worker Visa. We helped the Client with the Business Plan which was essential for the Licence Application as it demonstrates the feasibility of the Business.

The sponsor licence was granted before the Company started trading. The founder then applied for a Skilled Worker visa, was sponsored by the company, and successfully obtained the visa to work and develop the start-up in the UK.

An Edtech start-up founder with a majority shareholding sought Cranbrook Legal’s help in obtaining a sponsor licence prior to starting their operations. The company’s goal was to transform the education sector through a unique online learning platform. Our Client was leading the tech aspect of the Business whilst his co-founders from the UK were focusing on business development.

Our team guided the client through the application process, demonstrating their innovative business plan and the need for the Applicant to be in the UK in order to develop and launch the product. We also helped them establish compliant HR systems. The sponsor licence was granted before the company started trading. The founder subsequently applied for a Skilled Worker visa, was sponsored by the company, and successfully obtained the visa to work on and grow the start-up in the UK.

A biotech start-up founder with a majority shareholding contacted Cranbrook Legal for assistance in securing a sponsor licence before launching their business. The company focused on developing cutting-edge medical treatments using innovative biotechnology.

We advised that whilst some of the other visa routes may not be appropriate for him and therefore the Skilled Worker Visa through our Self Sponsorship programme would be the best option for him.  We advised him that his UK based co-founders could manage the Sponsor Licence for him after which, his Company could directly sponsor him under the Skilled Worker Visa.

We assisted them by registering their Company in the UK with Companies House and with HMRC.  We then collated the Documents to support the Sponsor Licence application.  The Licence Application was successful and was then used to Sponsor the Applicant under the Skilled Worker Visa, which we successfully obtained on his