How Swiss Start-up Businesses Can Secure a UK Sponsor Licence

For Swiss nationals, citizens, and residents of Switzerland considering expanding their business operations to the UK, obtaining a Sponsor Licence is a crucial step if you plan to employ skilled workers from outside the UK. Whether you are a start-up, a growing business, or an established entity, the process involves demonstrating to the UK Home Office that your organisation is genuine, capable of fulfilling its duties as a sponsor, and compliant with UK regulations.

If you are a Swiss entrepreneur or business owner, there are specific considerations to bear in mind when applying for a Sponsor Licence:

1. Is Your Business a Genuine Operation?

The UK Home Office requires evidence that your business is a genuine, lawful operation. This does not necessarily mean that your business must already be trading. Many start-ups, including those with Swiss-based founders, may not begin trading until key personnel or skilled workers arrive in the UK.

In such cases, you will need to demonstrate genuineness through documentation, including but not limited to:

• A robust business plan.

• Evidence of financial capability to pay skilled workers’ salaries.

• Additional documents beyond the basic requirements in Appendix A of the Sponsor Licence guidance.

Swiss businesses often face unique challenges when proving operational genuineness, particularly if they have yet to establish UK operations. Working with immigration experts can ensure your application is thorough and persuasive.

2. Can Your Business Fulfil Sponsor Licence Duties?

The Home Office will assess your ability to comply with sponsor duties, including maintaining robust HR and recruitment practices. Unlike large corporations with established HR systems, start-ups and smaller businesses – especially those transitioning operations from Switzerland to the UK – may need tailored support to demonstrate compliance.

Swiss businesses setting up in the UK can benefit from:

• Implementing clear HR policies and procedures tailored to UK requirements.

• Preparing for potential compliance checks before your licence is granted.

• Ensuring recruitment processes align with Home Office expectations.

At Richmond Chambers Switzerland, we provide tailored HR policy packages to help Swiss businesses meet these requirements.

3. Do You Have a Corporate Bank Account in the UK?

For Swiss businesses operating for less than 18 months, it is mandatory to provide evidence of a UK corporate bank account. Opening such an account can sometimes be challenging, particularly for businesses with directors based outside the UK.

To meet this requirement:

• Prioritise opening a UK business bank account early in your planning.

• Ensure the account is with a UK-regulated bank (e-money institutions such as Revolut may not qualify).

  
  

4. Have You Appointed Suitable Key Personnel?

Sponsor Licence applications require you to appoint “Key Personnel” to manage the licence. These roles include:

• Authorising Officer: Responsible for recruitment and compliance.

• Key Contact: Liaison with the Home Office.

• Level 1 User: Responsible for day-to-day management of the licence.

For Swiss start-ups or businesses transitioning to the UK, this may require hiring or appointing additional personnel, as these roles must be filled by individuals based in the UK (unless you qualify under the UK Expansion Worker route).

Expert Support for Swiss Businesses Seeking a UK Sponsor Licence

Obtaining a Sponsor Licence as a Swiss business expanding to the UK is achievable, even if your operations are still in the planning phase. However, the process demands careful preparation to meet UK Home Office standards.

At Richmond Chambers Switzerland, our team of UK business immigration lawyers has extensive experience assisting Swiss nationals and businesses with Sponsor Licence applications. We offer tailored advice to ensure your application is robust and meets all requirements.

Contact us at +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form for expert assistance with your Sponsor Licence application.