Non-resident guide to registering a UK limited company

The UK is open to company owners from around the world. You do not need to be a UK citizen or resident to form or own a UK company. This guide explains what non-residents need and the common hurdles.

Who can form a UK company?

• Directors can live anywhere in the world. You need at least one director who is a person aged 16 or over.
• Shareholders can be individuals or companies anywhere in the world.
• There is no requirement for a UK-resident director.

What you need

1. A company name that is available and follows the rules.
2. A UK registered office address. It must be an "appropriate address" in the same UK nation as the company: England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. It cannot be a PO box. Non-residents usually use a provider's address. See Registered Office Address.
3. A registered email address for Companies House contact. This is not public.
4. Director and shareholder details, including a service address for each director.
5. Details of people with significant control (PSCs).
6. Identity verification. Since 18 November 2025, each new director and PSC must verify their identity with Companies House. This can be done through GOV.UK One Login, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). Using an ACSP is often easier for people abroad. Form My Company is a Companies House ACSP and can verify you remotely as part of your order.
7. Proof of identity and address for anti-money laundering checks by your formation agent.

Step-by-step

1. Choose your name and check it.
2. Choose your registered office and service address.
3. Complete identity verification for each director and PSC.
4. Submit the application. Companies House usually decides within a day or so for online applications.
5. Receive your certificate of incorporation and company documents.
6. Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC within 3 months of starting to trade.

Opening a bank account

This is often the hardest part for non-residents. Some UK high street banks require a UK-resident director or a UK address. Options include:

• Business accounts with digital banks and payment providers that accept non-resident directors.
• Banks in your own country that accept UK companies.

Each provider has its own checks and can refuse. Have your company documents, ID and a clear description of your business ready.

Tax: where is your company resident?

A company formed in the UK is generally UK tax resident. But if it is managed and controlled from another country, that country may also treat it as resident there. Double tax treaties may help decide which country taxes it.

You may also pay tax personally in your home country on salary or dividends you take from the company. Always speak to a tax adviser in your country and in the UK before you start.

VAT and trading in the UK

If your company sells goods or services in the UK, you may need to register for VAT. Non-established businesses selling to UK customers may need to register from their first sale. Check the rules for your situation.

Documents you may need abroad

Banks and authorities in other countries often ask for legalised UK company documents. We can arrange Apostilled Documents, a Certificate of Good Standing and a Certificate of Incumbency.

Common mistakes

• Using a registered office in the wrong UK nation.
• Expecting a UK bank account to be quick.
• Ignoring tax residence in your home country.
• Forgetting annual filings once the company is set up.

How Form My Company can help

Non-residents are welcome. Our Non-Resident Package (£1,500) is built for founders living outside the UK. As a Companies House ACSP, we verify your identity remotely as part of your order, provide your UK addresses and prepare your documents. Everything is online in 7 languages, and your client account lets you track progress, documents and messages. Our team in Edinburgh answers questions Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm UK time.

Frequently asked questions