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Start Company in UK

Company Registration in UK

Based on the World Bank Doing Business survey, the UK is ranked top in Europe in terms of ease of doing business and fourth in the world. It offers a number of competitive advantages as a hub for investors to conduct their business. The UK is a flexible and business-minded location, historically recognised as a well-established and reputable jurisdiction in which to conduct business. Foreign businesses coming to the UK should be aware that the accounts of all UK companies are subject to public disclosure through the Registrar of Companies.

The UK’s open market and diversified economy has traditionally provided an active base for overseas investors and businesses. It has a long and successful history of trade with the rest of the world. In the current economic climate, overseas investment is as important as ever to the growth of the UK economy and the government has been sending out a clear message that the UK is very much ‘open for business’.

Types of Businesses one can open in UK:

The foreign investor or foreign company can open the business in UK in the following ways:

(1) UK Establishment,
(2) Limited Company and
(3) Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).


Let us go through one by one.

UK Establishment:

A UK establishment is either a branch or a place of business. An establishment is not a separate legal entity from the overseas parent and therefore does not have limited liability in its own right. Every overseas entity that has an establishment in the UK from which it does business must register the UK establishment within one month by providing the following details to the UK Registrar of Companies:

  • A completed form OSIN01 containing details of Name of the Company, Country of Operation, Address of the establishment in UK and overseas, Details of Directors and Shareholders and details of person authorised.

  • A certified copy and translation of the company’s constitutional documents;

  • A translated copy of the company’s latest audited financial statements (if the company is required to file accounts publically in its country of incorporation); and

  • Registration fee of £20 (£50 for same day service).

Limited Company:

A limited company is a separate legal entity with its own limited liabilities. This is much more substantial than a UK establishment and offers greater assurance for customers and others who come into contact with the business. It also offers more flexibility of ownership than an establishment. It must

  • Have at least one natural director;

  • Appoint auditors, unless its turnover and balance sheet are below specified thresholds;

  • Keep registers of members, charges, directors and company secretaries etc;

  • Deliver an annual return and statutory accounts to the Registrar of Companies, together with having the accounts approved by the directors/shareholders; and

  • Have a registered office address in the UK.

A company is incorporated by filing the following with the UK Registrar of Companies:

  • A signed Memorandum of Association;

  • Signed Articles of Association;

  • Completed form IN01 (details of the Registered Office, Directors, share capital, shareholders and a statement of compliance stating that various requirements have been met); and

  • Registration fee of £20 (£50 for same day service).

When all formalities have been followed, the Registrar of Companies will issue a certificate of incorporation which is evidence that the company is duly established and can begin trading. The most common corporate vehicle is a limited company. However, it is also possible to establish a public company. This has minimum share capital of £50,000 or the prescribed Euro equivalent.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP):

An LLP is a legal entity with a flexible organisational structure like that of a partnership. It must have at least two members and all members have limited liability. Designated members have responsibility for:

  • Appointing an auditor (if needed);

  • Signing and filing the accounts;

  • Notifying Companies House of any membership changes etc.; and

  • Delivering an annual return to the Registrar of Companies.

An LLP is incorporated by filing the following with the UK Registrar of Companies:

  • Completed form LL IN01 (details of the LLP’s name, registered office, details of members and statement of compliance); and

  • Registration fee of £20 (£50 for same day service).

Audit Exemption for UK Companies:

An UK company may qualify for an audit exemption if it has at least 2 of the following

  • An annual turnover of no more than £10.2 million.

  • Assets worth no more than £5.1 million.

  • 50 or fewer employees on average.

VAT Registration in UK:

You must register for VAT if your VAT taxable turnover goes over £85,000 (the 'threshold'), or you know that it will. Your VAT taxable turnover is the total of everything sold that is not VAT exempt. You can also register voluntarily.

CompaniesHouse - The MCA:

As an Official Company Registration Agent, we have built strong ties with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Govt of India since our own formation. Since we began, our goal has been to provide a seamless incorporation process that is quick and simple to use. Today, our company registration system is one of the most effective and efficient in India. In just over 5 minutes you can submit your new company name application, and often in just 3-5 days, your company will be fully registered. We also keep our company formation pricing competitive, while always exploring innovative ways to provide value to our customers. We are pleased to be one of the most affordable ways to start a company in India.

We have the expertise to advise which is the correct corporate structure they need to put in place. Most customers come to us for help registering a company limited by shares. The limited company structure is popular as it allows profits to be distributed amongst the shareholders while at the same time protecting them through the limited liability aspect. Our team has well over 20-years of combined expertise forming companies and providing corporate and secretarial services that help thousands of our clients grow their businesses each year.

We are incredibly passionate about the quality of our service, and we are incredibly proud of our customer feedback, as shown by our excellent reviews and ratings. Time and time again, we are selected for the value and expertise that our team is known for. We have helped shape the industry by providing innovative business services and bundled packages that have evolved alongside the needs of our customers.

Our clients have access to free support from an expert team. We are always on standby to help. If you need assistance at any point before, during, and after the registration of your company, you will be able to reach us by telephone or email.

Why CompaniesHouse?

No Hidden Charges:

We believe in clear and transparent pricing. The price advertised is the price you pay. There are no additional costs to register your business.

Speedy Service:

In just over 5 minutes you can submit your new company name application, and often in just 3-5 days, your company will be fully registered.

20+ Years of Exp:

We are experts in our field, our team has over 20 years of experience. Take the hassle out of setting up your business, rest assured that you are backed with the support you need to succeed.

Trusted Service:

Today our clients expect outstanding service. That's why we are so proud that 99% of our clients rate us "Great" and "Excellent" on Google.

Simplicity:

The whole process, from ordering to using your company registration license, is made as simple and easy as possible to help you build your business.

Privacy & Security:

Customer privacy and security is paramount. We ensure your payment, company and personal information is protected at the highest level.

What Client Says?

You are truly experienced in Company Registrations. Keep it up!

Ram Kumar Chilukuri Director, Anewa Engineering Pvt Ltd

Thanks for your continuous support. God bless you!

Nrupesh CFO, Blujay Solutions Private Limited

Thank you CompaniesHouse for saving in Income Tax!

Avtar Singh Managing Partner, Chetak Transporters

We are surprised to get our Company registered in one day. Thanks.

Mohammed Fasiuddin Director, Avidus Engineering Pvt Ltd

Thank you for the initial discussion as we choose best business format!

Lakshmi Keerthi Reddy Director, Lavanar Sea Food Farming Private Limited

Thank you CompaniesHouse for reminding on timely statutory compliance!

Rambabu Director, Cybervillage Solutions Pvt ltd

Let's Clear Your Doubts

Can a foreigner incorporate a company in UK?

Yes.

Can a foreigner own 100% of the equity?

Yes.

Can I register Oner Person Company in UK?

Yes. A company can be owned and operated by a single person; i.e., a person can be the sole shareholder and director of a company.

What is the minimum share capital requirement for registering a UK Company?

£1.

What are the requirements to a foreigner to register a Company in UK?

There must be at least one director appointed. All directors must be at least 16 years old. The company must have a registered office address in the UK,

The company must have a minimum share capital of £1.

I am a foreigner and do I need to physically present in UK to register my Company?

If you register through a company formation agent, there is no need to travel to the UK, post any physical documents, or sign any paperwork in person. You can simply upload and deliver documents electronically and create a unique online 'signature' to authorise the registration.

How long will it take to incorporate my UK Company?

1 day.