Set up a company in the United Kingdom as a foreign founder: cost, time and ownership
The usual company type for a foreign founder in the United Kingdom is the private limited company (Ltd). Foreign ownership: GOV.UK sets no nationality or residence condition on shareholders: one shareholder can own 100% and be the only director, and directors do not have to live in the UK. Minimum capital: None stated: at least one share is needed and a share can be any value (GOV.UK gives £1 as an example). Government fee: £100 to register online (paid by card); £124 by post.
The private limited company (Ltd) in the United Kingdom, from the official pages
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | Most UK companies are limited by shares, owned by shareholders | gov.uk |
| Foreign ownership | A single shareholder can own the whole company; GOV.UK sets no nationality or residence condition on shareholders | gov.uk |
| Minimum share capital | No minimum stated: a share can be any value, for example £1 | gov.uk |
| Government registration fee | £100 online, by debit or credit card | gov.uk |
| Postal registration | Form IN01 by post takes 8 to 10 days and costs £124 | gov.uk |
| Time to register | Usually within 24 hours online | gov.uk |
| Local director | Directors do not have to live in the UK; at least one director aged 16 or over | gov.uk |
| Registered address | The registered office must be a physical UK address in the same UK nation the company is registered in; PO Boxes are no longer allowed | gov.uk |
| Online registration and identity check | Registration is an online Companies House service; before registering you may need to verify your identity online with GOV.UK One Login and get a personal code (each director needs one) | gov.uk |
| Corporation tax | 25% main rate | gov.uk |
| Small company rate | 19% small profits rate for profits of £50,000 or less; Marginal Relief between £50,000 and £250,000 | gov.uk |
| Annual compliance | File a confirmation statement at least every 12 months; £50 online or £110 by post | gov.uk |
Questions founders ask about the United Kingdom
- Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in the United Kingdom?
- GOV.UK sets no nationality or residence condition on shareholders: one shareholder can own 100% and be the only director, and directors do not have to live in the UK.
- What is the minimum capital for a company in the United Kingdom?
- None stated: at least one share is needed and a share can be any value (GOV.UK gives £1 as an example).
- How much does it cost to register a company in the United Kingdom?
- £100 to register online (paid by card); £124 by post.
- How long does it take to register a company in the United Kingdom?
- Usually within 24 hours online; 8 to 10 days by post.
- Do I need a local director in the United Kingdom?
- Not required: at least one director aged 16 or over, who does not have to live in the UK.
- Can I register a company in the United Kingdom from abroad?
- Yes: register online with Companies House after verifying identity online through GOV.UK One Login; the company still needs a UK registered office address.
- What is the corporate tax rate in the United Kingdom?
- 25% main rate on profits over £250,000; 19% small profits rate on profits of £50,000 or less, with Marginal Relief in between.
Other countries
Australia · Colombia · Cyprus · Estonia · Georgia · Hong Kong · Indonesia · Ireland · Malaysia · Malta · Mexico · Netherlands · Philippines · Portugal · Singapore · Spain · Thailand · United Arab Emirates · Vietnam
To weigh the choice, read where to incorporate as a remote founder.
- Company type
- private company limited by shares (Ltd)
- Foreign ownership
- GOV.UK sets no nationality or residence condition on shareholders: one shareholder can own 100% and be the only director, and directors do not have to live in the UK
- Minimum capital
- None stated: at least one share is needed and a share can be any value (GOV.UK gives £1 as an example)
- Government fee
- £100 to register online (paid by card); £124 by post
- Time to register
- Usually within 24 hours online; 8 to 10 days by post
- Local director
- Not required: at least one director aged 16 or over, who does not have to live in the UK
- Register from abroad
- Yes: register online with Companies House after verifying identity online through GOV.UK One Login; the company still needs a UK registered office address
- Corporate 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
- Official page
- gov.uk
- Checked
Fees, capital rules and timings change. Check gov.uk before you register, and get a written quote from any agent you use. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.