Skilled Worker Route Sponsorship Costs for Swiss Employers and Businesses

In today's globalised economy, Swiss businesses and employers in the UK are increasingly looking to attract international talent to stay competitive. As the UK has an open economy and offers attractive working conditions, it’s not surprising that UK-based Swiss businesses may consider sponsoring foreign nationals for work in the UK. With recent changes in UK immigration law, understanding the costs of sponsoring skilled workers is crucial for Swiss companies aiming to hire from abroad.

This guide breaks down the key costs associated with sponsoring skilled workers to work in the UK, from licence fees to visa applications, helping Swiss businesses in the UK plan their recruitment strategy and ensure compliance.

1. Skilled Workers in the UK: Understanding the Sponsorship Costs

As Swiss companies expand internationally, hiring skilled talent is often a priority. For Swiss employers in the UK wishing to hire skilled workers from outside the UK, it is essential to understand the financial implications of sponsoring these workers under the UK’s Skilled Worker Visa route.

The need for skilled workers from abroad has increased since the UK’s departure from the European Union, and as a result, Swiss employers may face the need to navigate the process of obtaining a sponsor licence. This process involves several costs, both at the initial application stage and throughout the sponsorship period.

In this guide, we’ll detail the costs involved in sponsoring skilled workers to the UK as of 2025, helping Swiss businesses plan and budget for the process effectively.

2. Sponsor Licence Fees

The first step in sponsoring skilled workers is to apply for a Sponsor Licence from the UK Home Office. This licence is necessary for any business wishing to employ foreign nationals under the Skilled Worker Visa route. It is valid for four years and comes with a range of fees depending on the size of the business.

Fees as of January 2025:

• Small businesses and charities: £536

• Medium or large businesses: £1,476

Small businesses are typically those with fewer than 50 employees and an annual turnover of less than £10.2 million, or total assets under £5.1 million. Charities and not-for-profit organisations also qualify for the reduced fee.

3. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fees

Once a company has obtained a Sponsor Licence, it must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for each foreign worker. The CoS fee is currently £239 per certificate for skilled workers.

This fee remains the same whether the CoS is issued for entry clearance (for those applying from abroad) or for leave to remain (for those already in the UK). It's important to ensure that the correct type of CoS is assigned to avoid delays or complications in the visa application process.

4. Immigration Skills Charge

The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) is another mandatory cost for UK employers. The charge helps to offset the costs of recruiting foreign talent.

ISC Fees:

• Small or charitable organisations: £364 per year per migrant

• Medium or large businesses: £1,000 per year per migrant

For Swiss employers hiring skilled workers, it is important to factor in these costs for each sponsored migrant. In some cases, certain job roles may be exempt from the ISC, but this will depend on the job code and the employee’s specific circumstances.

5. Priority Fees

Swiss employers looking for faster processing times for their Sponsor Licence application or CoS requests can opt to pay for priority services.

• Priority Sponsor Licence Service: £500 for faster processing, reducing wait times from approximately 8 weeks to 10 working days.

This can be beneficial for businesses that need to act quickly to meet talent acquisition deadlines.

6. Visa Application Fees

The cost of Skilled Worker visa applications varies depending on the length of stay and the type of job.

Visa Application Fees (from outside the UK):

• Skilled Worker visa (up to 3 years): £719

• Skilled Worker visa (3+ years): £1,420

• Skilled Worker visa with Shortage Occupation job: £551 (up to 3 years), £1,084 (3+ years)

Visa Application Fees (from within the UK):

• Skilled Worker visa (up to 3 years): £827

• Skilled Worker visa (3+ years): £1,636

• Skilled Worker visa with Shortage Occupation job: £551 (up to 3 years), £1,084 (3+ years)

Additional fees may apply for dependents or if the application is processed via priority services.

7. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Sponsored workers will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access healthcare services during their stay in the UK.

IHS Fees:

• £1,035 per year for most adult workers

• £776 per year for students and Youth Mobility Scheme participants

• £776 per year for children under 18

These fees are paid as part of the visa application process and contribute to the migrant's access to the National Health Service (NHS).

8. The End of the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) for Skilled Worker Sponsorship

One positive change that Swiss employers should be aware of is that the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT), which previously required employers to advertise roles to UK residents before sponsoring a migrant, has been abolished. This removes unnecessary recruitment costs and makes it easier to recruit skilled workers from abroad without facing additional hurdles.

9. Legal and Compliance Costs

Navigating UK immigration law can be complex, especially for businesses unfamiliar with the requirements. Many Swiss businesses choose to engage immigration law experts to guide them through the sponsorship process, ensuring compliance with UK immigration rules.

Legal and compliance fees can vary depending on the complexity of the case, but seeking professional advice can help mitigate risks and ensure the process runs smoothly.

10. Contact Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland

If you're a Swiss business considering sponsoring skilled workers to the UK, our team of immigration barristers is here to assist you. For expert guidance on sponsor licence applications, immigration compliance, and visa processing, get in touch with us today.

You can reach us at +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form to discuss your specific needs.