Company Formation · United Kingdom

Company Formation in the UK, Done Right

Register a UK limited company with 100% foreign ownership, no minimum share capital, and incorporation often within 24 to 48 hours. One team handles Companies House registration, identity verification, Corporation Tax setup, and bank introductions end to end.

Licensed CSP
50+ yrs combined experience
15+ jurisdictions

Tower Bridge over the River Thames, London

Setup time: Often within 24-48 hours
Foreign ownership: 100%
Min. share capital: None (Ltd)
Corporation tax: 25% main / 19% small profits
Registrar: Companies House
Annual filing: Confirmation statement + accounts

Why Choose the UK for Company Formation?

The United Kingdom is one of the world's most trusted and accessible jurisdictions for business, combining global credibility with fast, low-cost incorporation. It offers clear advantages for international founders and groups:

Global Business Credibility. A UK limited company carries strong reputational weight with banks, suppliers, and customers worldwide

100% Foreign Ownership. No nationality or residency restrictions on shareholders or directors

No Minimum Share Capital. A private limited company can be formed with nominal share capital, keeping setup lean

Fast Online Incorporation. Companies House typically processes a complete online application within 24 to 48 hours

English Common Law. A mature, predictable legal system with world-class commercial courts and dispute resolution

Market and Talent Access. A gateway to one of the world’s largest consumer markets and a deep professional talent pool

Competitive Tax Regime. A 19% small profits rate, an extensive double tax treaty network, and R&D incentives

Holding and IP Structures. A widely used jurisdiction for holding companies, intellectual property, and group structuring

UK Company Types

Private Limited Company (Ltd)

Min. capital: No minimum
Members: 1 minimum
Best for: Most founders, trading, holding, and SMEs

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

Min. capital: No minimum
Members: 2 minimum members
Best for: Professional and partner-led firms; tax transparency

Public Limited Company (PLC)

Min. capital: £50,000 (25% paid up)
Members: 2 minimum
Best for: Larger businesses and those seeking public listing

UK Branch (Overseas Company)

Min. capital: None required
Members: Parent-owned
Best for: Foreign companies establishing a UK presence

Common Uses for UK Companies

Credibility and Market Entry

A UK Ltd gives international founders a recognised, reputable base to trade with UK, EU, and global counterparties.

Holding and Group Structures

UK holding companies are widely used to hold subsidiaries and investments, supported by an extensive treaty network.

E-commerce and Online Business

A UK company provides a trusted home for online sellers, SaaS, and digital businesses serving UK and EU customers.

Professional and Consulting Firms

LLPs and limited companies suit advisory, professional services, and partner-led firms operating in the UK market.

Note: Costs are indicative and may change with your requirements and regulations. Contact us for a tailored quote.

How UK Incorporation Works

UK companies are incorporated at Companies House, the UK registrar of companies. The most common vehicle is the private company limited by shares (Ltd), which is incorporated under the Companies Act 2006 with a memorandum and articles of association. There is no minimum share capital, a single director and a single shareholder of any nationality are permitted, and there is no UK-residency requirement for directors. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, directors and people with significant control (PSCs) must verify their identity with Companies House. After incorporation, the company registers for Corporation Tax with HMRC and maintains an annual cycle of a confirmation statement and statutory accounts.

Common Company Types

Private Limited Company (Ltd). The most common vehicle for trading and holding, with limited liability and no minimum capital.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). A tax-transparent vehicle favoured by professional and partner-led firms.

Public Limited Company (PLC). For larger businesses and listings, requiring £50,000 minimum capital with 25% paid up.

UK Branch. Registration of an overseas company establishing a UK presence without a separate legal entity.

Core Requirements and Documents

Registered office and details: a UK registered office address, at least one director, the shareholders or members, and a SIC code for the business activity
Identity verification: directors and people with significant control must verify their identity with Companies House under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023
Ongoing filings: an annual confirmation statement, statutory accounts filed with Companies House, the Corporation Tax return (CT600) with HMRC, and maintenance of the PSC register

Last reviewed: June 2026. Reflects current Companies House, HMRC, and Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act requirements.

UK Company Formation Process

From choosing the right structure to incorporation, Corporation Tax setup, and ongoing compliance, here is the step-by-step path.

Confirm the Right UK Structure

We begin with a consultation to understand your objectives, whether you need a trading company, a UK holding entity, an e-commerce base, or a credibility-led presence. Our advisors recommend the optimal vehicle (Ltd, LLP, PLC, or a UK branch) and confirm the share structure, directors, and people with significant control (PSCs).

Choose the Company Name and Registered Office

We check name availability against the Companies House register, confirm it meets the naming rules, and put a compliant UK registered office address in place in England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.

Complete Identity Verification

Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, directors and people with significant control must verify their identity with Companies House (via GOV.UK One Login or an authorised agent). We guide each individual through identity verification before the company is registered.

Register the Company at Companies House

We prepare the memorandum and articles of association, set the share structure and SIC code, and file the incorporation. Standard online incorporation is often completed within 24 to 48 hours, with same-day filing available when needed.

Register for Corporation Tax and Banking

We register the company for Corporation Tax with HMRC (and for VAT and PAYE where applicable), and support business bank account opening with UK and international banks.

Set Up the Ongoing Compliance Framework

We establish your annual cycle, including the confirmation statement, statutory annual accounts filed with Companies House, the Corporation Tax return (CT600) with HMRC, and maintenance of statutory registers and the PSC register.

Total timeOften within 24-48 hours to incorporate (indicative)

Have questions about the process?

Our experts are here to guide you through each step and answer your questions.

Why Choose AURNÉ for UK Company Formation?

Our team combines cross-border expertise with efficient, compliance-first service delivery:

Cross-Border Expertise. Experience setting up UK entities for international founders, groups, and holding structures

Compliance-First Approach. Current on Companies House reform, identity verification, and HMRC obligations

Comprehensive Service. End-to-end support from incorporation to ongoing accounts, tax, and confirmation statements

Multi-Jurisdiction Experience. Able to coordinate UK structures with UAE, EU, and offshore jurisdictions

Banking Support. Bank introduction services and documentation assistance for UK and international accounts

Single Point of Contact. One team manages registered office, accounting, tax, and filings for your UK entity

UK Company Formation - Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about forming a company in the United Kingdom, company types, identity verification, tax, and compliance requirements.

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Company Formation in the UK, Done Right

Licensed CSP

50+ yrs combined experience

15+ jurisdictions