How much does a UK sponsor licence cost?

611 pounds for small or charitable sponsors and 1,682 pounds for medium or large sponsors (Worker licence). Priority processing costs an extra 750 pounds.

How long does a sponsor licence take?

Usually up to 8 weeks; the 750 pounds priority service targets a decision within 10 working days.

What counts as a small sponsor?

Meeting two of: turnover 10.2 million pounds or less, balance sheet 5.1 million pounds or less, 50 employees or fewer. Charities and schools also pay the small fee.

UK Sponsor Licence 2026: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply

UK sponsor licence - cost requirements and how to apply

If a UK employer wants to hire someone from overseas on a Skilled Worker visa (or most other work routes), it first needs a sponsor licence. This 2026 guide covers what the licence is, what it costs, the requirements, and how to apply — useful whether you’re an employer or a candidate trying to find a sponsoring company.

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A sponsor licence is Home Office permission for a UK organisation to sponsor migrant workers. Once licensed, the employer can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to each worker, who then uses it to apply for their visa. Licensed employers appear on the public register of licensed sponsors.

£611 — small or charitable sponsors
£1,682 — medium or large sponsors (Worker licence)
+£750 — optional priority service (decision targeted in 10 working days)

You count as a small sponsor if you meet two of: annual turnover £10.2m or less; balance sheet £5.1m or less; 50 employees or fewer. Charities and schools pay the small fee regardless of size. (Employers also pay the Immigration Skills Charge and CoS fees when they actually sponsor someone.)

Requirements

To be granted a licence you must show you’re a genuine, lawfully trading UK organisation with the systems to meet sponsor duties. You’ll typically provide proof of trading, Companies House registration, employer’s liability insurance, evidence of your premises, and the job details. You must also appoint key personnel — an Authorising Officer, a Key Contact and at least one Level 1 User — who have no relevant unspent convictions.

How to apply

Check eligibility and the routes you want to sponsor.
Create an account and apply online via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).

Pay the fee and submit your supporting documents within 5 working days.
Await the decision — usually up to 8 weeks (or ~10 working days with priority).

Successful applicants get an A-rating and can start assigning CoS. The Home Office may carry out a compliance visit, and you must keep records and report relevant changes throughout.

If you need sponsorship, search the register of licensed sponsors for employers who can hire you, then check the role meets the salary thresholds.

Frequently asked questions

£611 for small or charitable sponsors and £1,682 for medium or large sponsors (Worker licence). Priority processing costs an extra £750.

Any UK employer that wants to sponsor overseas workers on routes such as the Skilled Worker visa.

Usually up to 8 weeks; the £750 priority service targets a decision within 10 working days.

Meeting two of: turnover £10.2m or less, balance sheet £5.1m or less, 50 employees or fewer. Charities and schools also pay the small fee.

A genuine, lawfully trading UK organisation with suitable HR systems, key personnel, and documents such as Companies House registration, employer’s liability insurance, premises evidence and job details.

You can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to each worker and must meet ongoing sponsor duties, including record-keeping and reporting.