Starting a Business - United Kingdom

Non-UK nationals and non-residents may be directors, shareholders, or sole 100% owners of a UK private limited company. At least one director who is a natural person aged 16 or over is required; no UK residency is mandated for directors or shareholders.

Private limited companies face no minimum paid-up capital requirement under the Companies Act 2006. The £50,000 authorised minimum applies exclusively to public limited companies (PLCs).

Companies are registered fully online via Companies House and are typically approved within 24 hours. The digital incorporation fee is £100 as of 1 February 2026 (paper applications cost £124). A certificate of incorporation is issued confirming legal existence.

The company must maintain a physical registered office address in the same UK nation in which it is incorporated (England & Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland). Directors and shareholders need not reside in the UK; a virtual or third-party address service satisfies this requirement.

Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, all directors and PSCs must verify their identity via GOV.UK One Login (free) or an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) before or at incorporation. Existing companies had a 12-month transition period commencing 18 November 2025; non-compliance may result in prosecution or financial penalty.

A foreign company that opens a UK place of business or branch must separately register as an overseas company with Companies House (form OS IN01, £124 fee) within one month of commencing UK operations, and must file certified constitutional documents. This is distinct from incorporating a new UK entity.