Incorporate · Europe

Company Formation in United Kingdom

Fast, low-cost incorporation with a vast treaty network and global credibility. Review the legal form, tax position, treaty network and indicative cost, then talk to one team that structures it end to end.

Licensed CSP
50+ yrs combined experience
15+ jurisdictions

Corporate tax: 25% main rate
VAT / GST: 20%
Formation: 24-48 hours
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 130+
Setup cost: USD 500 - 2,500

At a glance

Common entity: Private Limited Company (Ltd)
Formation time: 24-48 hours
Setup cost: USD 500 - 2,500
Annual cost: USD 1,000 - 4,000
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 130+

Holding companyE-commerceSaaS and technologyConsulting and servicesTrading

Best for

Credible trading entity for global customers
Holding companies using the treaty network
E-commerce and SaaS scaling into Europe

Less ideal for

Founders seeking low headline corporate tax
Those wanting ownership kept off a public register

Legal and formation

Legal system	Common law
Common entity types	Private Limited Company (Ltd), Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Formation timeline	24-48 hours
Minimum capital	None (typically GBP 1 issued)
Foreign ownership	100% permitted
Minimum shareholders	1
Minimum directors	1
Local presence	Registered office in the UK required; no resident director needed
Public registry	Directors, shareholders and persons of significant control on the public Companies House register
Audit	Small companies may be exempt

Tax profile

Corporate income tax	25% main rate (19% small profits rate below GBP 50,000, marginal relief to GBP 250,000)
VAT / GST	20%
Withholding, dividends	0%
Withholding, interest	20% (treaty reduced)
Withholding, royalties	20% (treaty reduced)
Capital gains	Taxed within corporation tax; substantial shareholding exemption may apply
Territorial system	No
CFC rules	Yes
Participation exemption	Substantial shareholding exemption and dividend exemption for most distributions

Every figure above is indicative. Rates, thresholds, minimum capital, ownership rules and timelines change and vary by activity, licence and structure. They are confirmed with the relevant authority and in a tailored quote before you rely on them. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

How to set up in United Kingdom

1
Choose the company name and structure (Ltd or LLP)
2
Appoint directors, shareholders and persons of significant control
3
Provide a UK registered office address
4
File incorporation online with Companies House
5
Register for corporation tax, PAYE and VAT where relevant, then open a bank account

Banking reality

Incorporation is fast and cheap, but high-street banks apply strict KYC and often decline non-resident directors, so many overseas founders use fintech and EMI accounts such as those built for online businesses.