How to Register a Private Limited Company in the UK as a Non-Citizen or Foreigner

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Last Updated on 2 weeks by Komolafe Bamidele

With over a decade of helping international entrepreneurs, we’ve guided hundreds of non-residents in establishing a Private Limited Company in the UK as a Non-Citizen.

The UK’s stable economy, business-friendly regulations, and extensive global connections make it an ideal choice for foreign business owners.

This expert guide, updated for 2025 with the latest Companies House requirements, provides a straightforward roadmap to registering your UK company as a non-resident.

From structure selection to banking setup, we’ll help you navigate the process with proven strategies based on real client successes.

What is a Private Limited Company?

A private limited company in the UK is a type of business structure where the liability of shareholders is limited to the value of shares they hold.

This means if the company faces financial difficulties, your personal finances remain protected.

The company exists as a separate legal entity from its owners, which offers significant protection and flexibility for business operations.

Key characteristics of a private limited company include:

Separate legal identity from its owners
Limited liability protection for shareholders
Ability to raise capital through share issuance
Professional corporate image
Potential tax advantages compared to sole traders
Continuous existence regardless of ownership changes.

So, what are you waiting for? Just get started. Check out First Formation’s official website to begin your UK business journey today.

Can a Foreigner Open a Limited Company in the UK?

Yes, non-UK residents can absolutely form and own UK companies. There are no nationality or residency requirements to register a company in the UK.

Foreign nationals can become company directors or shareholders without living in the UK or having a visa.

This makes the UK particularly attractive for international entrepreneurs looking to establish a European business presence.

The company formation process for non-UK residents is essentially the same as for UK residents, with a few additional considerations regarding addresses and banking.

4 Simple Steps To Register A UK Company

Step 1: Choose a Company Name

The first step is selecting a unique name for your company. Your company name must be:

Unique (not already registered with Companies House)
Not contain sensitive words or expressions without proper authorization
End with “Limited” or “Ltd” (or “Cyfyngedig” or “Cyf” if registered in Wales)

You can check name availability using the 1st Formation name search tool. Remember that your company name represents your brand identity, so choose carefully.

Step 2: Determine Your Company Structure.

While this guide focuses on private companies limited by shares (the most common structure for for-profit businesses), it’s worth understanding the various company types available in the UK:

Private company limited by shares – For standard for-profit businesses
Private company limited by guarantee – For non-profit organizations
Private unlimited company – For businesses requiring financial privacy
Public limited company (PLC) – For companies that want to sell shares publicly
Limited liability partnership (LLP) – For professional partnerships like accountants or solicitors

Step 3: Establish a UK Address.

As a non-UK resident, you’ll need a physical UK address to serve as your company’s registered office.

This address will appear on the public register and is where official communications from government bodies will be sent.

Options for obtaining a UK address include:

Virtual office services – Many company formation agents offer registered office address services
Friend or family address – Using a UK contact’s address (with permission)
Rented property – If you have property in the UK
Accountant’s address – Some UK accountants offer this service to clients

Remember that using a professional address rather than a residential one often creates a better business impression and protects your privacy.

Step 4: Complete the Registration Process

You can register your company either directly with Companies House or through a formation agent. For non-residents, using a formation agentl like 1st Formation often simplifies the process. You’ll need to provide:

Company Details:

Company name
Registered office address
Business activity (SIC codes)
Company jurisdiction (England & Wales, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland)

Director Information:

Full name
Date of birth
Nationality
Occupation
Service address (correspondence address)
Residential address (not publicly displayed unless also used as the registered office)

Shareholder Information:

Full name
Date of birth
Nationality
Residential address
Share information (class, quantity, currency, and price per share)

Additional Documents:

Memorandum of Association (stating the company’s name, registered office, and controlling members)
Articles of Association (outlining internal company rules)

How Much Does Setting Up a Limited Company in the UK Cost?

The cost of forming a UK company can vary depending on your chosen registration method:

Direct with Companies House: The standard fee is £50 for online registrations or £71 for paper applications
Through formation agents: Packages typically range from £52 to £200+, depending on additional services included

For non-residents, comprehensive packages often represent better value as they can include:

Registered office address service
Director’s service address
VAT registration assistance
Business bank account introduction
Company secretary services

If you’re looking to set up your UK company within 24 to 48 hours, let First Formation do everything for you.

They offer discounts of up to 33% OFF the Prestige package, 45% OFF All Inclusive, and a special NEW PRICE for their Non-Resident package (including VAT registration and everything else you might need).

What is the Minimum Capital Requirement for a Private Limited Company in the UK?

One of the attractive aspects of UK company formation is that there is no minimum capital requirement.

You can form a company with just £1 of share capital if you wish. Most companies start with a nominal amount of around £100, divided into 100 shares of £1 each.

However, for non-residents planning to apply for a business visa, having substantial investment capital (usually at least £50,000) may be required for certain visa categories.

Post-Registration Requirements

After successfully registering your company, you’ll need to address several important matters:

1. Corporation Tax Registration

Once your company is formed, you must register for Corporation Tax within 3 months.

This is usually handled automatically when you register with Companies House, but you should confirm this has been completed.

2. VAT Registration

If your annual turnover exceeds £85,000, VAT registration is mandatory. However, many businesses register voluntarily below this threshold for business credibility and ability to reclaim VAT on purchases.

For non-residents, VAT registration can be particularly valuable when establishing business relationships in the UK.

3. Business Bank Account

Opening a UK business bank account as a non-resident can be challenging due to strict anti-money laundering regulations. Options include:

Traditional UK banks (HSBC, Barclays, NatWest) – These may have international business banking services but often require in-person visits
Digital banks (Monzo, Revolut, Wise) – More flexible requirements but may have limitations
Formation agent partnerships – Some formation agents have arrangements with banks to help clients open accounts

4. Ongoing Compliance Requirements

UK companies must maintain compliance with several regulatory requirements:

Annual confirmation statement – Confirming company details once per year
Annual accounts – Filing financial statements with Companies House
Corporation tax returns – Submitted to HMRC annually
VAT returns (if registered) – Usually quarterly
Employer obligations (if you have staff) – Including PAYE and National Insurance

Advantages of a UK Company for Non-Residents

Registering a company in the UK as a non-resident offers numerous benefits:

International prestige – UK companies are well-regarded globally
Access to the UK and European markets
Favourable corporate tax rates (currently 19% for profits under £50,000)
Extensive double taxation agreements prevent double taxation
Strong legal system protecting business interests
Potential pathway to UK residency through entrepreneur visa routes
Limited liability protection separates personal and business assets

Conclusion

Registering a company in the UK as a non-citizen may initially seem daunting, but the process is straightforward and accessible to entrepreneurs worldwide.

With no residency requirements and a simple online registration system, you can establish a UK limited company in as little as 24-48 hours.

The key steps involve choosing a suitable name, selecting the right company structure, arranging a UK address, completing the registration with Companies House, and setting up proper banking and tax arrangements.

While certain aspects, like opening a business bank account, may present challenges for non-residents, formation agents can provide valuable assistance.