If you’d like to register a company in the UK, it can be done simply and cheaply online. Perhaps more surprisingly it’s still possible to do it without providing any kind of identification. The UK government plans to change this soon, but if you’d like to register a company in the UK without ID here’s how to do it:

What You Need to Register a Company in the UK

Registering a company in the UK is easy. There’s no need to pay incorporation agents or lawyers. You can easily do everything yourself from anywhere in the world. The link to get started is below this article.

Company Name

Clearly, you’re going to need a company name. There are some restrictions to the name you can choose when you register a company in the UK. You can’t use the word bank, for example. If you want to use the word Group or International, you’ll need to provide evidence to support your choice of name. To keep it simple it’s best to avoid using any of these words. Who needs extra complications? You can check to see if your company name is available here.

Directors’ Names

You need to have at least one director to register a company in the UK. When you register a company online you must provide at least 3 pieces of information about the director from this list:

  • Town of birth
  • Mother’s maiden name
  • Father’s first name
  • Telephone number
  • National insurance number
  • Passport number

Companies house won’t verify any of it but you should take a note of what information you give them as you’ll need it to identify yourself in future.

The Director doesn’t need a UK address.

Company Secretary Name

The Company Secretary is the person who’s legally responsible for maintaining the company’s records. This can be the same person as the director.

Registered Office Address

To register a company in the UK you’ll need a registered office address. This is the official address where the company’s correspondence is sent. You’ll want to use an address you have access to. This is where the access codes to manage your company filings online is sent.

You have the choice of using an address in England and Wales Scotland or Northern Ireland. You will get a different kind of registration number, depending on which part of the UK you choose for your company’s registered office.

Names of the Shareholders

You’ll be asked to provide the identity of anyone who owns more than 25% of the company. Or anyone who exercises control over the company. If nobody owns more than 25% of the company this can be left blank. You can identify a trust or an overseas company as the controlling party when you register a company in the UK.

Provide a Memorandum and Article of Association

You can write your own memorandum and articles of association for your company or you can use a template. Companies House provide a template for a memorandum and articles of association when you register a company.

Pay the Fee

It costs just £12 to register a company in the UK. This must be paid by Paypal.

Get the Company Documents Delivered by Email

When you complete the application online you will receive an electronic copy of the Certificate of Incorporation for your company. You’ll receive this within 24 hours of completing the online application to register a company in the UK.

Congratulations You Now Own a Company Registered in the UK!

Annual Filing Requirements and Fees

The annual filing requirements for a UK company are simple. You must file accounts once per year. If the company is not trading you can file dormant accounts. The accounts don’t need to be audited or prepared by a third party.

You also must file a confirmation statement. The confirmation statement updates any changes to company officers and shareholders. This is filed annually and there is a charge of £13 when you file this.

Uses for UK Companies

A UK company is probably the cheapest and simplest company in the world to incorporate. The UK company can own assets and conduct business anywhere in the world. It can be a corporate director of other companies. It can open bank accounts anywhere in the world.

A UK bank account with a UK company is a useful tool for trading anywhere in the world. UK banks offer cheap rates for foreign exchange and fast transfers around the world.

As it’s a company from an established high tax country it won’t attract any attention from tax authorities in the way that a company incorporated in the BVI or Panama will.

Tax Rates for UK Companies

register a company in the uk
UK taxes will be minimal, with planning for international users

UK corporation tax is currently 19%. This is due to increase to 25% in 2023. With careful planning it is possible to reduce this to below 5%.

Conclusion

Overall a UK company can be a useful tool in certain situations. UK companies for non UK residents and trading outside the UK can work better in many situations than traditional offshore companies. If your business is generating trading revenues in an international marketplace you should register a company in the UK as part of your international strategy.

Get started here! – Companies House UK

FAQs

How much money is required to register a company in UK?

To register a limited company in the UK costs £12.

Can foreigner Register company in UK?

Yes, setting up a limited company UK is available to anybody, no matter what nationality.

How much does it cost to setup a company in the UK?

The incorporation cost is £12 and annual renewal cost is £13.

Can a non resident in UK Register company in UK?

Yes, a non resident can register a company in the UK. The company will need a UK registered office.

For maximum privacy and asset protection when incorporating in the UK or overseas see our MUST read report – BulletProof Asset Protection here. Get in touch below if you’d like a UK company complete with nominee directors, bank account and debit card for the ultimate privacy solution.