UK SELF-SPONSORSHIP SKILLED WORKER VISA FOR SWISS RESIDENTS

If you're a Swiss citizen (or non-Swiss citizen) residing in Switzerland and you're interested in starting a new business in the UK or own an existing UK business, you may be eligible for a UK Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship. This involves your UK company sponsoring you. Before applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa via self-sponsorship, your UK business must first obtain a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.

The self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa can lead to UK settlement and allows Swiss nationals (and non-Swiss nationals) to bring their dependent partners and children.

Requirements for a Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa from Switzerland

To sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa from Switzerland, you must demonstrate to UK Visas and Immigration that:

• You are 18 or older.

• Your UK company is established, active, and genuine.

• Your UK company has successfully obtained a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.

• Your UK company has assigned you a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job you plan to do.

• Your job offer is a genuine vacancy at an appropriate skill level.

• You will be paid a salary that meets both the general salary threshold and the ‘going rate’ for the applicable SOC 2020 occupation code.

• Your sponsor has paid any required Immigration Skills Charge.

• You are competent in English to at least CEFR Level B1 (IELTS 4.0).

• You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds.

The exact requirements may vary depending on your personal circumstances. You may wish to consultant an immigration lawyer specialising in UK immigration law or a lawyer from a specialist UK immigration law firm for expert advice.

How to Apply for a UK Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa from Switzerland

The application process for a Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa from Switzerland involves four main steps:

1. Establish a UK Company

   • Swiss residents need to register a new company in the UK or use an existing one.

   
   

2. Apply for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence

   • Your UK business must apply for and be granted a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.

   • The Home Office must be satisfied that your business is genuine, capable of fulfilling sponsor duties, and offering genuine employment.

   
   

3. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

   • Once your sponsor licence is approved, your business can apply for and assign a Defined CoS to you.

   
   

4. Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa

   • Your visa application must demonstrate that all requirements are met.

   
   

Establishing a UK Company from Switzerland

Residents of Switzerland can register a UK company from Switzerland. Directors do not need to be UK residents but must meet certain requirements and obligations. Professional company formation agents can assist with the registration process to ensure compliance with UK laws and regulations.

Applying for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence

Your UK business must be genuine, capable of fulfilling sponsor duties, and offering genuine employment. Start-ups need specific documentation, such as proof of a corporate bank account, PAYE registration, VAT registration, employer's liability insurance, business premises, or annual accounts.

Genuine Business Operating Lawfully in the UK

• You will need to provide at least four specified documents as set out in Appendix A of the sponsor guidance.

• For businesses trading for less than 18 months, typical documents include a corporate bank account, PAYE registration, VAT registration, employer’s liability insurance, business premises ownership or lease, and recent annual accounts.

Opening a UK Business Bank Account

• Swiss residents can open a UK business bank account but must provide identification, proof of address, and proof of income or funding source.

• Some banks require a UK address or tax residency, and some may need an in-person visit.

Trading Status of the UK Business

• Your UK business must be registered with Companies House, have a UK business bank account, and usually be registered for PAYE/NI and VAT.

• It doesn’t need to be actively trading but showing early-stage business activities can help demonstrate genuineness.

Carrying Out Sponsor Duties

• Licensed sponsors must fulfil recording, record-keeping, and compliance duties.

• The Home Office will evaluate your HR systems and may conduct a compliance audit.

Offering Genuine Employment

• Employment must meet the skill level (RQF Level 3 or above) and salary level requirements (usually at least £38,700 per year).

• The Home Office will review the job’s genuine nature and the direct employer-employee relationship.

Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship

Once your sponsor licence is granted, you can assign a Defined CoS to yourself. The CoS must include:

• Details of your name, job, and salary.

• A start date within three months of the visa application.

• Confirmation that the CoS has not been previously used or withdrawn.

Applying for the Skilled Worker Visa in Switzerland

You can apply up to three months before starting work in the UK. If applying from Switzerland, decisions are typically made within three weeks. In the UK, the standard processing time is around eight weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be a director and shareholder if I sponsor myself? Yes, you can be a director and hold up to 100% of the shares.

Do I need to show investment funds? No specific investment funds are required, but demonstrating sufficient funds can help show your business is genuine.

Does the UK business need to be innovative? No, there are no requirements for innovation, viability, or scalability as in other visa routes.

Is a business plan required? A business plan is not mandatory but can help demonstrate your business's genuineness.

Will I need to receive a salary? Yes, you must receive a salary that meets or exceeds both the general salary threshold and the ‘going rate’ for your occupation.

Is there an English language requirement? Yes, you must demonstrate English language ability to at least CEFR Level B1.

How long is the visa valid for? The visa is valid for up to five years, ending 14 days after your CoS end date.

Can I take on additional work? Yes, you can undertake supplementary employment as long as it meets certain conditions.

Can I qualify for indefinite leave to remain? Yes, after five continuous years, provided you meet residence and salary requirements and pass the Life in the UK test.

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through the Swiss office of our UK immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration legal services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our UK visa and immigration services for Swiss nationals (and non-Swiss nationals) residing in Switzerland encompass expert guidance on all UK visa routes for Swiss residents, along with a fully-managed UK visa application preparation service tailored for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) in Switzerland.

Our business immigration lawyers can assist residents of Switzerland with all aspects of securing a Skilled Worker sponsor licence and sponsoring yourself for a Skilled Worker visa. We offer expert advice and a comprehensive service to meet your business immigration needs.

For more information or to discuss your application, contact our self-sponsorship work visa lawyers on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.