Company incorporation in the United Kingdom

If you do business in the United Kingdom there may be a point that it makes sense to set up a local company. Then you need to know how to comply with local regulations and who can help you.

This article describes:

the most likely types of company to set up;
how you do this and who can help you;
a few important fiscal regulations.

Your legal entity in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom remains one of the most popular destinations for foreign businesses, thanks to its open economy, stable legal framework, and global connections.

Most Common Business Forms for Foreign Companies

The most widely used legal entity for foreign businesses in the UK is the Private Limited Company (Ltd).

Similar to a limited liability company (LLC) in other countries.
No minimum share capital requirement, making it highly accessible.
Shareholders’ liability is limited to their investment in the company.

Another option is setting up a branch or subsidiary of a foreign company. A branch has fewer formalities but is not a separate legal entity, meaning the parent company is liable for its debts.

Setting Up a Private Limited Company (Ltd)

Incorporating a private limited company in the UK involves the following steps:

Choosing a unique company name and checking its availability with Companies House.
Preparing the company’s Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association.
Registering the company with Companies House online or via post.
Providing details of directors, shareholders, and the company’s registered office address.

Foreign nationals can serve as directors of a UK company. There are no residency or nationality restrictions, though a UK-based registered office address is mandatory.

Taxation and Withholding Taxes

UK companies are subject to corporate tax on their profits. The corporate tax rate is currently set at 25% for most companies (2023 rates).

Regarding dividends:

Dividends distributed to foreign shareholders are not subject to withholding tax in the UK.
The UK has an extensive double taxation treaty network, ensuring tax efficiency for foreign investors.

Service Providers for Company Incorporation

These service providers help with incorporation, compliance, and legal matters to ensure a seamless process for foreign entrepreneurs.

Do you need a local company?

A local entity is not always the answer. A distributor, an agent or an employer of record gives you presence in the market without the administration of your own company.

You do need one when you hire local staff, hold stock or an office, bid for public tenders, or when your activity creates a permanent establishment for tax purposes. The alternative is usually a branch: cheaper to set up, but the parent company stays liable.

Do you need help in the United Kingdom?

Our service providers are local specialists. They know the market, the regulations and the parties that matter, and they can support you with the steps on this page.

Ask a professional

Setting up a company in the United Kingdom in three steps

Step 1

Choose the legal form

Compare a limited company, a branch and a representative office on liability, minimum capital, local director requirements and what a bank will accept.

Step 2

Incorporate and register

Prepare the statutes and identification documents, register with the trade register and the tax authority, and open a local bank account — usually the slowest step.

Step 3

Stay compliant

Arrange bookkeeping, VAT and payroll from day one and note the filing deadlines. Fines for late annual accounts are common and easy to avoid.