No sponsor licence, no overseas hire.
It really is that simple, and that important.
If your business wants to employ workers from outside the UK, you need a sponsor licence first. The application is detailed, the compliance duties are ongoing, and mistakes can cost you months and the hire itself. ZH Law helps you get approved and stay protected.
What is a sponsor licence, and why does it matter to your business?
A sponsor licence is Home Office permission for your business to employ overseas workers under sponsored routes such as Skilled Worker. To grant it, the Home Office needs to be satisfied that your business is genuine, operating lawfully, and able to meet strict sponsorship duties. Getting the licence is only the start. Holding it means ongoing record-keeping, reporting obligations and cooperation with Home Office inspections, and falling short can lead to enforcement action that puts your whole workforce at risk.
Expert Advice for Sponsor Licence Holders
- The business can't clearly evidence that it is genuine and trading
- Systems and HR records aren't ready for the compliance duties that follow
- Reporting duties are missed once the licence is live
- A compliance visit uncovers gaps the business didn't know it had
The cost of a refusal isn’t just the fee. It’s the delay before you can reapply, and the hire you lose in the meantime.
How We Help
Consultation
- Choose this service
- Fill out a quick questionnaire
- Accept terms and conditions
- Pay fees
- Send us your business details and any Home Office correspondence
- We review everything
- Book your consultation (included in the fee)
- We advise you on your readiness and the likely cost
- Best for: businesses planning to hire from overseas, or worried their current licence isn't compliant
New Sponsor Licence Application
- Send us your business details and supporting documents
- We assess your position and give you a fixed quote before any fee is paid
- We prepare your application and supporting evidence, built to withstand Home Office scrutiny, and submit it
- We keep you updated through to the decision
- From £5,000 onwards + VAT
- Best for: Businesses applying for a sponsor licence for the first time
Certificate of Sponsorship Allocation
- Tell us your allocation need
- We assess and give you a fixed quote
- We prepare and manage your allocation request
- From £500 onwards
- Best for: licensed sponsors who need to request or increase their Certificate of Sponsorship allocation
We also handle renewals and adding a route to an existing licence, pre-licence and compliance visit preparation, mock compliance audits, and ongoing SMS management and reporting duties. These are quoted after a short review.
Why ZH Law
- Direct access to a barrister, regulated by the Bar Standards Board
- 27+ years of experience, 5,000+ clients supported, £1M+ in damages won
- We don't just win you the licence; we help you keep it compliant
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does a sponsor licence application take?
The standard processing time is approximately 8 weeks from submission. A priority service of 10 working days is available for an additional fee. A complete and well-prepared application reduces the risk of delays or further information requests.
2. What are my ongoing duties as a sponsor licence holder?
Sponsors must keep accurate records of sponsored workers, report specific changes to the Home Office within required timeframes, cooperate with compliance visits, and renew the licence before it expires. Failure to meet these duties can lead to suspension or revocation.
Client testimonials
We are committed to delivering clear, practical advice and robust representation, with a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.
This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact ZH Law.
Ready to Talk?
Your situation matters.
Planning to hire from overseas, or worried your current licence isn’t compliant? Book a consultation and we’ll map out what your business needs.