How to Register a UK LTD Company as a Non-Resident in 2025

Last Updated on 2 weeks by Komolafe Bamidele

Want a UK limited company without travelling to the United Kingdom? Good news—it’s both simple and affordable, no matter where in the world you call home.

 The process is identical whether you’re in London or Lagos, Manchester or Mumbai. Our comprehensive Register a UK LTD Company as a Non-Resident 2025 guide cuts through the confusion, walking you through everything from initial requirements to your ongoing responsibilities after registration.

Let’s get started.

What is a UK Ltd Company?

A UK Limited (Ltd) company is a type of business structure where the liability of members or shareholders is limited to what they have invested or guaranteed to the company. 

This separate legal entity protects business owners by separating personal assets from business liabilities. UK limited companies are regulated by Companies House, the UK’s registrar of companies.

For non-residents, the most common type is a “private company limited by shares,” where shareholders’ liability is limited to the amount unpaid on shares they hold.

Can I Set Up a UK Limited Company if I Live Outside the UK?

Yes, absolutely! One of the major advantages of the UK business environment is that non-UK residents can form a company without physically being in the country. 

There are no residency or nationality requirements for directors or shareholders of a UK company. 

This makes it an accessible option for international entrepreneurs looking to establish a business presence in the UK market or to leverage the advantages of the UK’s business ecosystem.

If you’re in a hurry to quickly register a limited company in the UK, let “First Formations company” do the work for you for 0 pounds + state fee, which includes Ltd company formation paperwork.

How Much Does it Cost to Register a Company in the UK for Non-residents?

The cost of registering a UK company as a non-resident varies depending on the registration method and additional services required:

• Direct registration with Companies House: Approximately £50 ($15) plus VAT for basic online registration
• Using a formation agent: Between £100 to £300+ depending on the package and services included
• Non-resident specific packages: Usually between £150 to £500, including registered office address, service address, and mail forwarding services

While registering directly with Companies House is cheaper, formation agents offer valuable services for non-residents, such as providing a registered UK address, assistance with paperwork, and guidance on UK compliance requirements.

 If you’re looking to set up your UK company within 24 to 48 hours, let First Formation do everything for you, with packages specifically designed for non-residents.

7 Step-by-Step Guide to Forming a UK Company as a Non-UK Resident

Step 1: Choose a Company Name

Your company name must be unique and not too similar to existing businesses. It should also:

• Not include sensitive or restricted words
• Not be offensive
• End with “Limited” or “Ltd”
• Not contain prohibited signs, symbols, characters, or punctuation

You can check name availability through the Companies House website or through formation agents like First Formation.

Step 2: Secure a UK Registered Office Address 

Every UK company must have a registered office address in the UK. This address must be in the same country where your company is registered (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland). 

This address appears on the public register and will receive official correspondence from Companies House, HMRC, and other government agencies.

As a non-resident, you have several options:

• Use a virtual office service
• Engage a company formation agent that provides an address service
• Use a UK-based friend’s or family member’s address (with permission)
• Use an accountant’s office address

First Formation’s Non-UK Residents package includes a prestigious London-registered office, service address, and business address as part of their service.

Step 3: Appoint Directors and Shareholders

UK companies must have at least one director (who must be an individual and at least 16 years old) and one shareholder (which can be the same person as the director).

 Non-UK residents can be directors and shareholders without any restrictions.

You’ll need to provide the following details for each director:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Occupation
• Residential address (this doesn’t appear on the public record)
• Service address (this appears on the public record)

For shareholders, you’ll need:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Residential address
• Service address
• Nationality
• Number of shares and their value

Step 4: Prepare Documents of Formation

Two important documents are required for company formation:

1. Memorandum of Association: A legal statement signed by all initial shareholders agreeing to form the company
2. Articles of Association: Rules about running the company that are agreed upon by the shareholders, directors, and the company secretary (if appointed)

Most formation agents provide standard templates of these documents as part of their service.

Step 5: Register with Companies House

You can register your company online through:

• Companies House website directly or,
• A company formation agent

When using a formation agent like First Formation, you simply complete their online application form, and they’ll submit everything to Companies House on your behalf. Most online applications are processed within 3-6 working hours.

The application will require:

• Company name
• Registered office address
• Directors’ details
• Shareholders’ details
• Company secretary’s details (optional)
• Description of principal business activities (SIC codes)
• Statement of capital (how many shares and their value)

Step 6: Register for Corporation Tax

After your company is formed, you must register with HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) for corporation tax within three months of starting any business activity. 

You’ll receive a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) from HMRC, which you’ll need for tax returns.

Step 7: Set Up a Business Bank Account

While not legally required, having a separate business bank account is highly recommended for easier financial management, tax calculations, and maintaining professional business operations.

For non-UK residents, traditional high-street banks often require directors to visit in person, making it challenging to open an account. However, there are several alternatives:

• Digital banks like Wise, Tide, Revolut Business, or Monzo Business
• Offshore banks in the Isle of Man or Channel Islands
• Using a formation agent with banking partnerships

First Formation offers a WorldFirst UK business banking referral as part of their Non-UK Residents package, helping overseas clients secure UK banking facilities without visiting the UK.

Can a Non-UK Resident Be a UK Company Director?

Yes, absolutely. There are no nationality or residency requirements for directors of UK companies. 

A director can be of any nationality and reside anywhere in the world. However, you must provide a service address in the UK for official communications, which formation agents can typically provide.

Directors of UK companies have specific legal responsibilities, including:

• Filing annual accounts and confirmation statements on time
• Paying corporation tax
• Following the company’s articles of association
• Keeping company records updated
• Acting in the company’s best interests

Post Company Formation Considerations for Non-Resident Owners

Business Banking Options

As a non-UK resident, several banking options are available:

1. Wise Business Account: One of the most popular options for non-UK residents
2. Tide: Another digital banking platform accessible to non-residents
3. CashPlus Bank: Available to non-UK residents, especially those from the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and Japan
4. Payoneer: Offers business accounts with GBP, USD, and Euro banking details
5. Paysera: Available to EU/EEA residents who register a UK company
6. Stripe; create an account with Stripe so far you have a business entity in the UK

Tax Implications

As a non-UK resident company director, you generally won’t need to file personal income tax in the UK if you don’t reside there. However, you’ll still need to:

• File corporation tax returns and pay UK corporation tax on company profits
• Register for VAT if your annual turnover exceeds £85,000
• Possibly pay personal income tax in your home country on salary and dividends from your UK company

It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional familiar with both UK tax law and the tax laws of your country of residence to ensure proper compliance and optimal tax efficiency.

Insurance Requirements

When trading in the UK, certain types of insurance may be necessary:

• Employers’ Liability Insurance: Mandatory if you have employees in the UK
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Recommended for service-based businesses
• Public Liability Insurance: Important if clients visit your premises or you visit theirs

Ongoing Compliance Requirements

UK companies must fulfill several ongoing obligations:

• Annual Confirmation Statement: Confirms company details remain accurate
• Annual Accounts: Financial statements that must be filed with Companies House
• Corporation Tax Return: Filed annually with HMRC
• VAT Returns: If registered for VAT, usually filed quarterly

Benefits of Running a UK Company as a Non-Resident

Access to European Markets

Despite Brexit, the UK remains a gateway to European markets with established trade relationships and proximity to the EU’s 500+ million customers.

Favorable Tax Rates

The UK offers competitive corporate tax rates compared to many other developed economies. The current corporation tax rate is 25% for companies with profits over £250,000, with a reduced rate of 19% for companies with profits under £50,000.

Prestigious Business Image

A UK company address adds credibility and prestige to your business, potentially opening doors to new clients and partnerships.

Skilled Workforce

Should you decide to expand, the UK offers access to a large, well-educated, and skilled workforce across various sectors.

Strong Legal Framework

The UK’s robust legal system provides security and clarity for business operations, with strong intellectual property protection and contract enforcement.

Conclusion

Registering a UK limited company as a non-resident is a straightforward process that can be completed entirely online.

 While it’s possible to register directly with Companies House, using a specialized formation agent like First Formation can significantly simplify the process, providing essential services such as a registered office address, mail forwarding, and assistance with compliance requirements.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can establish a UK business presence regardless of your location, opening doors to new markets and opportunities. 

The UK’s business-friendly environment, coupled with minimal residency requirements, makes it an attractive choice for international entrepreneurs looking to expand their business horizons.

So, what are you waiting for? Just get started. Check out the 1st Formation company’s official website.

Recap 

First Formation’s Non-UK Residents package includes:

• London registered office, service address, and business address
• WorldFirst UK business banking referral
• £50.00 Companies House filing fee
• Unlimited free access to their Online Company Manager
• Free support for the life of your company
• Digital and printed certificate of incorporation
• Digital and printed share certificates for all shareholders
• A company register with its first entries
• Digital copy of the memorandum and articles of association
• 2 x Printed and bound copies of the memorandum and articles of association
• Annual Confirmation Statement preparation and filing service
• Free DHL Express Worldwide delivery of company formation documents
• Scan and email of all statutory mail (official government mail), daily and free of charge
• International mail-forwarding of all non-statutory business mail at Royal Mail postal rates plus 15%

Visit First Formation today to get started with your UK company registration!