In the UK you can start as a sole trader or a limited company, and Universal Credit has a start-up period for new self-employed people. Every source below was re-checked on the official page on 4 November 2026. Rules change, so check again before you act.
Structure and free advice#
- Set up a business and Get business support on GOV.UK.
Benefits while starting#
- Moving from benefits to work: on Universal Credit you may get a 12-month start-up period.
- Start Up Loans offer up to £25,000 alongside mentoring.
Mortgage and income proof#
- You can get SA302 evidence of earnings for the last 4 years, from 72 hours after filing your tax return.
- Experian's guide says lenders usually want two or more years of certified accounts, and SA302s for the last two to three years.
Pension#
- If you're self-employed you can set up your own defined-contribution pension, and you usually get tax relief on what you pay in. For the full State Pension you usually need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance (at least 10 to get anything) (MoneyHelper).
- Self-employed National Insurance rates.
Health#
NHS care is not tied to your job, so it doesn't change when you become self-employed.