Destination · United Kingdom
A UK company in your international structure
A respected jurisdiction for trading companies, with a public register, clear rules and a strong banking system. It is not a low-tax base: a UK company pays UK tax.
Overview
Why a UK company, and why not
Clients use a UK company when their business needs a credible, well-understood entity: to contract with European and UK customers, to hold a UK business bank account, or to give a trading activity a recognised home.
A company incorporated in the UK is generally UK tax resident. It pays UK corporation tax on its profits and files accounts that are published on a public register. It is a transparent, compliant choice, not a place to hide income or avoid tax.
We treat the UK company as one piece of your plan. Your own tax residence, your citizenship and where your other companies, trusts and accounts sit decide whether it makes sense. US citizens remain taxable in the US wherever they live, and US owners of a foreign company have extra US reporting and may owe US tax on its income. See leaving the United States. Canadians should read leaving Canada first.
At a glance
The UK in six lines
| Company types | Most clients use a private company limited by shares (Ltd). Partnerships and other forms exist for specific cases. |
|---|---|
| Setup steps | Identity verification for each director, then incorporation at Companies House with a UK registered office, directors, shareholders and people with significant control. |
| Ongoing obligations | Annual accounts and a confirmation statement at Companies House, a corporation tax return to HMRC, and VAT or payroll where they apply. |
| Banking | UK banks and regulated payment institutions, each with its own onboarding rules for non-resident owners. Approval is at the bank's discretion. |
| Good fit for | Entrepreneurs who trade with UK and European clients and want a credible, transparent entity in their structure. |
| Watch out for | UK corporation tax on profits, public filings, and the risk that the company is also taxed where it is really managed. Plan management and residence together. |
General information, not legal or tax advice. Immigration and tax rules, amounts and processing times change; we confirm the current requirements for your specific case during your Global Strategy.
Rules and fees, as checked September 2026
What the official sources say
- Identity verification. From 18 November 2025, new directors must verify their identity to incorporate a company or be appointed to one. Existing directors confirm it with their next confirmation statement during a 12-month transition. Companies House
- Government registration fee. £100 to register a limited company online, usually within 24 hours; £124 by post. GOV.UK
- Corporation tax. 25% main rate on profits over £250,000; 19% small profits rate on profits of £50,000 or less, with marginal relief in between. Thresholds shrink for associated companies and short periods. GOV.UK
Government fees, tax and our professional fees are separate costs. Our fees for formation and banking are quoted after the Global Strategy.
Done for you
How we handle your UK company and bank account
You make the decisions. We coordinate the legal, accounting and corporate-services professionals in each country and follow every step, so the paperwork never becomes your job.
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Structure
We check whether a UK company fits your business, your tax residence and your citizenship, and where it sits in your wider structure.
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Formation
We coordinate incorporation, identity checks, the registered office and the officers the law requires.
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Banking
We shortlist suitable banks and prepare the onboarding file: ownership, activity, source of funds and tax-residence evidence.
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Ongoing
We coordinate accounts, returns and annual filings with local professionals, and the reporting you owe at home.
Is a UK company a way to pay less tax?
Not by itself. A UK company pays UK corporation tax on its profits. It is useful for credibility, contracts and banking. Any tax saving comes from the plan as a whole, mostly from where you and your management are resident.
Can a non-resident own and run a UK company?
Yes, the law allows non-resident directors and shareholders, subject to identity verification. Where the company is actually managed can affect where it is taxed, so we plan that with you.
Will a UK bank open an account for my company?
Each bank decides for itself. We prepare a complete file on ownership, activity and funds to give the application its best chance, but no one can promise approval.
I am a US citizen. Does a UK company change my US taxes?
You stay taxable in the US, and owning a foreign company adds US filings and can pull its income into your US return. We plan this with US tax professionals. See leaving the United States.
Your next step
Does a UK company belong in your plan?
The Global Strategy places the UK company, if you need one, alongside your residence, banking and other structures.