Problems for Croatian physiotherapists in UKPR

Hello everybody!
I am experienced physiotherapist from Croatia (6+years of working experience, from private institutions to ICU in general hospital)
Recently i moved to London (staying with my relatives) and trying to start fresh, from the beginning.
Fully HCPC registered.
As far as I can see, there are numerous job possibilites regarding my area of expertise.

My biggest stepping stone so far is obtaining infamous sponsorship or tier 2 certificate. Croatia is a part of EU but we have that transition period, so working permit is required for every single health professional from Croatia.

Catch 22 is that NHS offer that kind of sponsorship but they also regularly require previous NHS experience (but unfortunately even for volunteering, there are lists of waiting period) which I don`t have, for now.
Private institutions usually don`have desire to even try to offer this sponsorship, so far (as it is easier for them to just employ someone who doesnt need working permit)

So my plan is to go with selfemployed option.
- Can I look for work as selfemployed physiotherapist over agencies?
- Can I start with obtaining selfemployed status before I start looking for a job?
- Am I forced to only work with temporary or fixed term contracts? What`s with the permanent contracts?
- Does anybody have some experience with becoming selfemployed physio / apart from UK residents?

If anybody have some feedback regarding this issue, thanks in advance!
Really great forum btw