The UK’s new immigration rules have changed the game for Nigerians looking to settle or bring family over. Before you dive in, here are 3 key factors to think about:
1️⃣ Understand the Market & Demand
Don’t sell what you want to sell — sell what people actually want to buy.
Before starting a business, ask yourself:
- What am I passionate about?
- Is there real demand for this product or service in the UK?
💡 Pro tip: Never start a business just because an influencer says you can do it in £5000. Do your own research first — check competitors, target customers, and pricing.
2️⃣ Choose the Right Job Role to Sponsor Yourself
Example: You want to start a graphic design business.
- First, check if your intended job role is on the Skilled Occupation List and classed as high-skilled.
- If yes, you can self-sponsor and bring dependants.
- If medium-skilled, check the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage Occupation List. If it’s there, you can self-sponsor but can’t bring dependants.
3️⃣ Define Your Goal: Financial Stability or Bringing Dependants
Some medium-skilled roles are now in high demand and prioritised in the UK.
- If your aim is just to settle, you can consider these roles.
- If your aim is to settle AND bring family, you must pick a business where you can self-sponsor under RQF Level 6 or higher (graduate-level jobs).
📌 Whether it’s a job or a business — research first and make decisions based on the new immigration rules.
Can Nigerians in the UK Start an E-Commerce Business and Get Self-Sponsored?
Short answer: Yes — but only if your business creates a high-skilled job role.
Many Nigerians in the UK dream of being their own boss while also securing their immigration status. The good news is that you can sponsor yourself through your own business — but the catch is, it must involve a role that requires graduate-level skills.
Why the “high-skilled” part matters
The UK has removed most low-skilled jobs from the sponsorship list. So, if you’re starting an e-commerce business, you need to think beyond just “buying and selling” and focus on roles that require expertise — for example:
- Business Development Manager
- Marketing Specialist / Social Media Manager
- E-Commerce Operations Manager
These are the types of positions the Home Office sees as eligible for sponsorship.
Example: E-Commerce for Nigerians in the UK
Let’s say you want to sell African fashion, Nigerian food items, or hair and beauty products online. You’ll need to:
- Build a professional website (Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix)
- Create a strong social media presence (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)
- Plan a solid marketing strategy to grow your brand
These activities involve high-skilled work — and that’s where you can position yourself as the skilled worker your company “employs.”
Steps to Set Up Your Self-Sponsored Business in the UK
- Register your company (e.g., with Companies House)
- Open a business bank account
- Register for PAYE (Pay As You Earn)
- Get employer’s liability insurance
- Appoint an Authorising Officer (the person who deals with the Home Office)
- Apply for a sponsor licence
Proofs You’ll Need for the Sponsor Licence
Before you apply, you must show your business is real and active:
- Launch your e-commerce website
- Register your domain and create branded emails
- Set up social media and business pages
- Have your logo, branding, and product images ready
- Get public liability insurance
💡 Tip for Nigerians in the UK:
Choose products or services that connect with both the African community and the wider UK market. This gives your business a unique edge and boosts your growth potential.
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