UK Self Sponsorship Visa Cost (2026): A Detailed Breakdown

Understanding the Full UK Self-Sponsorship Visa Cost in 2026

The self-sponsorship route offers a powerful and flexible pathway for entrepreneurs and professionals to establish themselves in the UK. By setting up your own UK company to act as your sponsor, you can gain a Skilled Worker visa with greater control over your career. However, embarking on this journey requires a significant financial investment, and a clear understanding of all self sponsorship visa costs is crucial for successful planning.

This comprehensive guide provides a detailed breakdown of every fee and charge involved in the UK self-sponsorship process for 2026. We will cover mandatory government fees, optional priority services, and the professional costs you should anticipate, ensuring you have a realistic budget for your application.

Summary of Estimated Self-Sponsorship Costs

While the final cost will vary based on your company size, visa duration, and chosen services, the table below provides a typical range of expenses you can expect.

Cost Component	Estimated Range (Small Business)	Estimated Range (Medium/Large Business)
Government & Official Fees	£4,000 – £8,000	£6,000 – £10,000
Professional Legal Fees	£5,000 – £15,000+	£8,000 – £18,000+
Total Estimated Cost	£9,000 – £23,000+	£14,000 – £28,000+

Detailed Breakdown of Self-Sponsorship Fees

The total cost is comprised of several distinct components, which we will explore in detail below.

1. Sponsor Licence Application Fee

This is the first major cost and is mandatory for your UK company to become a licensed sponsor. The fee depends on the size of your organisation.

Company Size	Sponsor Licence Fee
Small or Charitable Sponsor	£574
Medium or Large Sponsor	£1,579

To qualify as a small sponsor, your company must meet at least two of the following criteria: an annual turnover of no more than £10.2 million, total assets of no more than £5.1 million, or 50 or fewer employees .

2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee

Once your company has its sponsor licence, it must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to you. This is an electronic document that confirms the details of your role.

CoS Assignment Fee: £525 per certificate

3. Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)

The ISC is a mandatory charge that the sponsoring company must pay for each sponsored worker. The amount depends on the size of the company and the length of the visa.

Company Size	First 12 Months	Each Additional 6 Months
Small or Charitable Sponsor	£364	£182
Medium or Large Sponsor	£1,000	£500

For a 3-year visa, a small business would pay £1,092 (£364 + 4 x £182), while a medium/large business would pay £3,000 (£1,000 + 4 x £500).

4. Skilled Worker Visa Application Fee

This is the fee for your personal visa application. It varies depending on whether you apply from inside or outside the UK and the duration of your visa.

Application Type & Duration	Standard Fee
Outside UK (up to 3 years)	£769
Outside UK (over 3 years)	£1,519
Inside UK (up to 3 years)	£885
Inside UK (over 3 years)	£1,751

Note: Fees are subject to change and were last updated based on January 2026 information from GOV.UK .

5. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

The IHS is a mandatory payment that grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). It must be paid in full upfront for the entire duration of your visa.

IHS Fee: £1,035 per person, per year

For a 3-year visa, the total IHS cost would be £3,105. This fee also applies to any dependents included in your application.

6. Optional Priority Service Fees

If you need a faster decision, you can pay for optional priority services, subject to availability.

Service	Fee	Decision Time
Sponsor Licence Priority	£500	Within 10 working days
Visa Super Priority	£1,000	End of next working day
Visa Priority	£500	Within 5 working days

7. Professional Legal Fees

Navigating the complexities of a self-sponsorship application requires expert legal guidance to ensure compliance and maximise your chances of success. Professional fees cover the strategic advice, document preparation, application management, and correspondence with the Home Office.

While these fees vary, investing in expert legal support is critical to avoid costly mistakes, such as a sponsor licence refusal, which would result in the loss of your application fee and a significant delay.

Our services include:

• A comprehensive eligibility assessment.
• Guidance on setting up a compliant UK company.
• Full management of the sponsor licence application.
• Preparation and submission of your Skilled Worker visa application.
• Ongoing compliance support for your business.

Get a Fixed-Fee Quote to understand the full professional costs for your specific case.

In Conclusion

Budgeting accurately for a self-sponsorship application is essential. The total cost in 2026 can range from £9,000 to over £28,000, depending on your circumstances. By understanding each component—from the initial sponsor licence fee to the ongoing Immigration Health Surcharge—you can approach your application with financial clarity and confidence.

Related Articles

• Complete Guide to UK Self-Sponsorship Visa
• Self Sponsorship Visa Processing Time 2026 | Full Timeline
• Is Self Sponsorship Still Possible in the UK? (2026 Update)