Can I Start A Business On A UK Skilled Worker Visa?
If you are in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, you can start your own UK business, provided you follow the immigration rules for the visa.
You can not leave your current job to start a business, and there are limits on the work you can do alongside your sponsored position. Contact London Immigrations Lawyers to find out more at 0204 502 8582 or use our online live chat.
Can A Skilled Worker Visa Holder Be Self-Employed In The UK?
The short answer is no if you plan to leave your employer to work full time on a start-up business because your visa is tied to the current employer that sponsors you and a specific occupation code outlined in your application.
However, if you plan to start a side business while continuing to work at your sponsored place of employment, you can do so even if you hold a Skilled Worker visa as long as you follow the conditions.
Skilled workers may work up to 20 additional hours per week in a second job or self-employed provided:
- the work is in an eligible occupation code
- they fulfil their primary work obligations from their certificate of sponsorship
Types Of Second Jobs And Self-Employment Allowed
Overview
The type of second job or self-employment allowed is determined by an eligible occupation code and does not need to be the same as the sponsored role.
The list of codes covers a wide range of occupations and can be found in the government’s appendix for skilled occupations. In addition, the role does not have to be paid; it can be voluntary, freelance, or in a consultant role.
Under the permitted guidelines, Skilled Worker visa holders can also set up a business to generate additional income as long as they remain committed to their central sponsored role and fulfil the minimum working hours for Skilled Worker visa.
What If You Do More Than 20 Hours Of Additional Work?
If you exceed the 20 hours per week allotted in the second job, you must update your Skilled Worker visa application, even if these hours are done under self-employment.
Before you start, consider whether you can manage the commitments to your licensed sponsor and your new business. Otherwise, you could risk your skilled role.
Second jobs are conditional on you continuing your existing sponsored job. If you want to resign, leave or are dismissed or made redundant, you will lose any previous right to work in the UK, including the supplementary self-employment eligibility.
If your visa is withdrawn or at risk of being withdrawn, you must not take on further employment unless you can arrange sponsorship with a new employer or switch to a new visa that allows you to continue working in the UK.
Taxes On Additional Self-Employment
You will need to pay tax on all work undertaken in the UK, whether under the primary employer that sponsors you for your visa or an additional job under your permitted 20 extra work hours per week.
If your secondary work is under the same occupation code as your visa and is PAYE, you will not need to complete a self-assessment tax return. However, you must submit a self-assessment tax return if you undertake self-employed work and your gross profit exceeds £1,000.
Setting Up A Business As A Skilled Worker
Running a business on a Skilled Worker visa is possible, but you must follow specific legal and administrative steps to ensure compliance with UK business law.
To legally operate a business in the UK, you may need to ensure your company is registered under the company’s house, depending on whether you’re operating as a sole trader or forming a limited company.
Your company may also need a UK business bank account to comply with all UK tax obligations and register for VAT if its turnover exceeds the threshold.
The work carried about by your company does not need to be actively traded or generate revenue in the UK. However, you should still be able to show it is a lawful UK business if requested to do so by the Home Office.
My Own Business Is Going Well, Should I Quit My Main Job?
If business is going well and you would like to quit your job to support your company and its expansion, you will have to consider a number of different visas to continue your business legally and with proper rights to keep working in the UK.
There is no straightforward option to self-sponsoring yourself via your business. Under UK immigration rules, there are strict guidelines regarding who can sponsor you via a business. Family members and close friends cannot issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship, which is needed for a Skilled Worker visa.
The Home Office is likely to scrutinise any so-called self-sponsorship in-depth, and you will need to submit extensive proof that the role is genuine and that you are the most suitable person to ensure your business is complying with the Sponsor Licence and Certificate of Sponsorship rules.
Instead, it may be easier to consider alternative UK visa options that may be better, such as the Global Talent visa and the Innovator Founder visa.
Under the Global Talent Visa, you must prove that you are a leader or potential leader, along with an endorsement from a designated competent body in the UK or abroad. The type of business you provide must also fall under specific research fields such as science, engineering or medicine.
The Innovator Founder visa requires less burden of proof on funds for your initial venture. However, it is targeted at entrepreneurs who have an innovative, viable and scalable business idea. You must also submit a detailed business plan endorsed by a relevant business body in the UK.
If you are considering switching from a Skilled Worker visa to another visa to continue working in the UK, you should seek advice from an immigration professional, as it can have a significant impact on your right to work in the UK.
How Can London Immigration Lawyers Help You?
If you want to start a business or take on additional work under a Skilled Worker visa, London Immigration Lawyers can provide expert guidance to ensure you do not violate the terms of your existing visa.
This includes determining the correct business and secondary employment you can conduct on your visa and helping you with another visa application to switch to a more applicable visa if you’d like to commit to your business full-time.
Our experienced team are on hand to provide tailored advice for your circumstances to ensure you continue to work in the UK without breaking immigration rules.
To find out more about the legal way to start a business in the UK, contact us today at 0204 502 8582 or online via our live chat.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at London Immigration Lawyers before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Last modified on December 10th, 2025 at 3:16 pm
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
FAQs
Yes, it is possible to be a YouTuber and run a YouTube channel under this particular visa. However, you can not spend more than 20 hours per week doing it as supplementary employment while continuing your primary work for your visa sponsor.
Yes, under very particular circumstances. If you would like to become a director of a charitable organisation, this is permitted; however, if you would like to be a director of another business, specific circumstances apply from person to person, as well as the original conditions of their Certificate of Sponsorship.
Yes, this is possible. On a skilled worker visa, you can own up to 100% of the shares of a UK company.
