Guide

Do I need a sponsor licence?

You typically need a UK sponsor licence if you want to employ a worker in the UK on a route that requires sponsorship (commonly Skilled Worker).

You may not need one if the person will work entirely overseas via your entity or an EOR, or if they already hold an immigration status that allows the work without sponsorship.

This is general information for employers, not legal or immigration advice. Rules, fees, and thresholds change — confirm the current position on official government sites before you act.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-28

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01

Guide section

You likely need a licence if…

The worker will be employed in the UK and needs sponsorship for the role.
You will assign Certificates of Sponsorship yourself as the employer.
You plan repeated UK-based international hires over the next 1–3 years.

Quick decision grid

Situation	Likely need a UK licence?	Alternative
Onshore UK hire needing sponsorship	Yes	—
Fully remote abroad via EOR	Usually no	EOR / local entity
Candidate already has right to work	Usually no for that hire	Right-to-work check still required
Exploring talent only	Not yet	Hiring Hub + research

02

Guide section

You may not need a licence if…

The role is fully remote abroad and you use an EOR or local entity.
The candidate already has UK status that permits the work without sponsorship.
You are only exploring talent and not yet employing in the UK.

Still unsure?

Run the International Hiring Hub and compare EOR vs sponsorship. For case-specific advice, speak to a regulated adviser.

Next step

Put this into action on Global Sponsor Hub

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What's next

Common questions

Can we hire first and apply for the licence later?+

You generally need the licence in place before you can sponsor the worker on a sponsored route. Build licence timing into the recruitment plan.