Form a Company in the United Kingdom
Set up a UK private limited company as a resident or non-resident. We explain the process and connect you with a UK provider for Companies House registration, a registered office and ongoing compliance. Remote formation is often possible, subject to acceptance.
Global Business Hub
The United Kingdom is a major international business and financial centre with strong global trade and investment links.
Trusted Legal System
A mature common-law framework and the well-established Companies House registry, widely recognised by banks and counterparties.
Company Formation Support
Get guidance on the company formation process, required documents and next steps for setting up your business in this jurisdiction.
Fast, Low-Cost Setup
UK companies are normally processed within approximately 24 hours, although delays can occur, with modest government filing fees.
Why Form a Company in the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom is a long-established base for international business. The points below are general commercial considerations, not guarantees, and your own circumstances should be reviewed with a qualified adviser.
International Reputation
A UK limited company is a globally recognised and respected structure, which can support credibility with clients, suppliers and banks.
Fast & Efficient Formation
Incorporation at Companies House is typically low-cost and normally processed within approximately 24 hours, although delays can occur.
English Common Law
A mature, well-documented legal framework with strong contract and property law that many international businesses value.
Access to Talent & Finance
Deep professional-services, technology and finance ecosystems, with access to skilled labour and capital markets.
Extensive Treaty Network
The UK has one of the world's broadest double-tax treaty networks, which may reduce withholding taxes in cross-border situations. Eligibility should be confirmed case by case.
Flexible Ownership
Non-residents can generally own and direct a UK company, and there is no general requirement for a UK-resident director.
Formation Packages
Choose the structure that fits your business. Every engagement is quoted individually, so you only pay for what you need.
- UK company formation & name check
- Memorandum & articles of association
- Companies House registration
- Assistance with tax and VAT registration, where applicable.
- Corporate document set
- Registered office & service address (first year available, subject to final provider quote)
- Bookkeeping & annual accounts support
- Confirmation Statement support
- Bank / EMI account introduction
- Ongoing compliance reminders
- Holding company + operating company
- Review of potential group relief and structuring options
- Registered office for both entities
- Accounting for the structure
- Coordination with your adviser
Statutory costs such as registry and government fees are set by third parties and quoted separately. Figures are confirmed in writing before you commit.
United Kingdom Formation Services
Everything you need to form, register and run a UK company, handled with an in-country service provider.
Company Formation
Full UK Ltd registration: name check, memorandum and articles of association and incorporation at Companies House, with the corporate document set.
Registered Office & Address
A UK company must maintain an appropriate registered office in the UK, which cannot be solely a PO Box, and must provide an appropriate registered email address. Directors need a service address. We can arrange these, subject to the provider's acceptance and identity requirements.
Directors & Shareholders
Foreign individuals and corporate shareholders can generally own and direct a UK company. There is no general requirement for a UK-resident director, though identity verification applies.
Banking & EMI
Introductions to UK banks and EMI/fintech alternatives. Account approval always rests with the institution after its own KYC, and non-resident applications can take longer.
Accounting & Compliance
Bookkeeping, annual accounts, the Confirmation Statement, corporation tax and VAT returns, kept on schedule against Companies House and HMRC deadlines.
Tax & Treaty Guidance
A general overview of UK corporation tax, VAT and the treaty network, so the structure fits your plans.
How to Form a UK Company
- 1
Tell Us Your Plans
Send your details through the quote form. We explain the options and, where appropriate, connect you with a UK service provider.
- 2
KYC & Identity
The provider verifies identity in line with Companies House identity-verification requirements, which apply to directors and people with significant control, and collects the usual documents for individuals and any corporate shareholders.
- 3
Companies House Filing
The company is incorporated at Companies House with its memorandum and articles, directors, shareholders and people with significant control (PSC) recorded, together with an appropriate registered office (not solely a PO Box) and a registered email address.
- 4
Registration, Banking & Compliance
Corporation tax registration is completed and VAT registration is arranged where required or elected, and assistance may be provided with opening a corporate account.
What You Receive
- Certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum & articles of association
- Companies House registration number
- PSC & director records (identity verified)
- Registered office & registered email
- Corporate document set
Timelines depend on identity verification and bank onboarding. Companies House filing is normally processed within approximately 24 hours, although delays can occur. We confirm expected turnaround with your quote.
UK Tax & Annual Compliance: General Overview
A plain-language summary of the main UK tax and filing points for a company in 2026. This is general information to help you plan, not tax or legal advice. Your UK provider or adviser confirms what applies to your situation.
Corporation Tax (2026)
The UK main rate of corporation tax is 25%, with a small-profits rate of 19% for profits up to £50,000 and marginal relief between £50,000 and £250,000. These thresholds are reduced where there are associated companies and for short accounting periods. Current figures should be confirmed.
VAT
The standard UK VAT rate is 20%, with reduced and zero rates for certain supplies. VAT registration is generally required once taxable turnover exceeds £90,000, and may be done voluntarily. Different rules may apply to businesses established outside the UK, which can have a nil registration threshold for certain supplies.
Dividends & Withholding
The UK generally does not levy withholding tax on dividends. Interest and royalties may be subject to withholding, though treaty relief may apply. Eligibility should be checked case by case.
Annual Accounts & Confirmation Statement
A UK company files annual accounts with Companies House and a Confirmation Statement at least once a year confirming company information. Filing deadlines apply after the accounting reference date.
Corporation Tax Returns
A company files a Company Tax Return (CT600) with HMRC and pays corporation tax by the due date. Bookkeeping should be kept up to date so returns and accounts are accurate and on time.
Payroll (PAYE)
Where a company employs staff or pays director salaries, PAYE and National Insurance obligations generally apply, with real-time payroll reporting. This only applies where there is actual employment or remuneration.
United Kingdom Company Formation FAQ
Common questions about forming a company in United Kingdom. General information only, not legal or tax advice.
Yes. Shareholders do not need to be UK residents, and non-residents can generally own a private limited company, subject to the provider's identity checks.
There is no general requirement for a UK-resident director. Companies House identity verification applies to directors and people with significant control, a UK registered office is required, and the registered office cannot be solely a PO Box.
Often, yes. Companies House filings are normally processed within approximately 24 hours once identity verification and documents are in order, although delays can occur. We confirm what is possible in your case.
There is no substantial statutory minimum: a company is commonly formed with nominal issued share capital, frequently £1 or another modest amount, subject to the articles.
Companies House incorporation is normally processed within approximately 24 hours, although delays can occur. Overall timing also depends on identity verification and, separately, bank onboarding, which can take longer for non-residents.
A corporate account is normal in practice but not a strict incorporation requirement. Account opening is a separate process with its own checks, and non-resident applications may take longer.
Yes. A corporate shareholder, including a foreign company, can own a UK company. Its constitutional documents and people with significant control will be needed for verification.
Mainly corporation tax (main rate 25%, small-profits rate 19% for 2026, with the £50,000 and £250,000 thresholds reduced for associated companies and short periods), VAT (standard 20%, registration generally from £90,000 turnover) where registered, and PAYE where there are employees. This is general information, not tax advice.
Typically annual accounts filed with Companies House, a Confirmation Statement, a Company Tax Return to HMRC, VAT returns where registered, and payroll filings where applicable.
Yes. UK companies are commonly used as holding structures, with reliefs such as the substantial shareholding exemption available for qualifying disposals, subject to conditions.
For individuals, generally a passport, proof of address and identity-verification details. For corporate shareholders, incorporation and constitutional documents, registers, an ownership chart and people-with-significant-control information.
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