The UK private limited company (Ltd) is still one of the most popular structures for international founders: it is registered online, needs no minimum capital, has no residency requirement for directors and is recognized by payment providers and partners worldwide. But 2026 is not 2020. Identity verification for directors and people with significant control is now mandatory, the registered office has to be a genuine UK address, and opening a bank account remains the step that takes longest. This guide covers what a non-resident needs to know. For hands-on support, see company registration.
Not legal or tax advice. This is a general overview. Rules and fees change; check the current guidance on GOV.UK and get professional advice for your situation.
Who can form a UK company
- Directors: at least one director who is a natural person, aged 16 or over. No UK residency or nationality requirement.
- Shareholders: at least one, any nationality, individual or company.
- People with significant control (PSC): anyone who holds more than 25% of shares or votes, or otherwise controls the company, must be disclosed.
- Capital: no minimum; a share capital of £1 to £100 is common.
What changed: identity verification
Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, Companies House introduced mandatory identity verification. Since 18 November 2025, new directors and PSCs must verify their identity, either through the GOV.UK One Login service or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). Existing directors and PSCs are brought into the regime in stages. For a non-resident this means one extra step before incorporation, usually done online with a passport and a selfie check.
Registered office and email
Every UK company needs a registered office address in the same part of the UK where it is registered (England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland). Since 2024 it must be an "appropriate address": a place where documents can be delivered and acknowledged, not a PO box. A registered office service from a formation provider is the usual solution for non-residents. Companies must also give Companies House a registered email address, which is not published.
Step by step
| Step | What happens | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose the name and structure | Name check, shareholders, share classes, SIC activity codes | 1 day |
| 2. Identity verification | Directors and PSCs verify via GOV.UK One Login or an ACSP | Often same day, sometimes longer |
| 3. Registered office | A UK address that meets the "appropriate address" rules | 1 day |
| 4. Incorporation | Online application with articles of association; certificate of incorporation issued | Usually 1–2 business days |
| 5. Tax registration | Register for corporation tax within 3 months of starting business activity | Days to weeks |
| 6. Bank or payment account | Onboarding and compliance checks | 1 to several weeks |
Costs
The government incorporation fee is modest, though Companies House has raised its fees in recent years, so check the current figure before you file. The real costs for a non-resident are the services around it: a registered office address, a formation agent or ACSP for identity verification, an accountant for annual filings and, if needed, a UK service address for directors. Budget for annual costs, not only the setup.
Banking: the slowest step
Traditional UK high-street banks often expect directors to be UK residents or to visit a branch, and their compliance checks for non-residents are strict. Many international founders start with a business account at an electronic money institution or a digital bank, and add a traditional bank later. What helps every application: a clear description of the business model, a website, contracts or invoices, the source of funds and a reason for using a UK company. The order of steps is explained in company, bank account and acquiring: the launch order; for support, see business accounts.
Tax basics
- Corporation tax: 25% main rate for profits above £250,000; 19% small profits rate for profits up to £50,000; marginal relief in between.
- Tax residence: a UK-incorporated company is UK tax resident. If it is actually managed from another country, that country may also treat it as resident; double tax treaties decide which applies. Get advice if the directors live abroad.
- VAT: registration is compulsory once taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in 12 months; voluntary registration is possible earlier.
- Dividends: how shareholders are taxed depends on where they live.
Annual obligations
| Obligation | When |
|---|---|
| Confirmation statement | At least once every 12 months |
| Annual accounts to Companies House | First accounts within 21 months of incorporation, then 9 months after the year end |
| Corporation tax return (CT600) | 12 months after the end of the accounting period |
| Corporation tax payment | Usually 9 months and 1 day after the end of the accounting period |
| Updates to the registers | When directors, shareholders, PSCs or addresses change |
Missing deadlines leads to automatic penalties, and a company that doesn't file can be struck off.
New company or a company with history?
Some founders prefer a UK Ltd that has existed for a while: an older incorporation date can help in certain tenders and partner checks. It does not replace a clean ownership history, real activity or proper banking documents, and every change of directors and PSCs still needs identity verification. Examples are in ready-made companies; country details are on the United Kingdom page.
Common mistakes
- Using a virtual address that doesn't meet the "appropriate address" rules.
- Leaving identity verification to the last day.
- Choosing SIC codes that don't match the real activity, which later confuses banks.
- Forgetting to register for corporation tax.
- Assuming the company has no tax exposure abroad because it is registered in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Can I form a UK company without visiting the UK?
Yes. Incorporation and identity verification are online. A bank may still ask for more documents or a video call.
How long does it take?
Incorporation usually takes 1–2 business days after identity verification. A bank or payment account takes from one to several weeks.
Do I need a UK director?
No. There is no residency requirement for directors.
Is a UK Ltd a good choice for crypto or payments?
The company itself is fine, but regulated activities need their own authorization or registration. Forming a Ltd does not grant a licence.
Start your UK company. On the company registration page we'll check your structure, help with identity verification and prepare the documents banks ask for.