Our UK company formation package for non-UK residents

You do not need a UK visa, bank account, or prior business registration to form a UK company. With an online formation agent like 1st Formations, non-UK residents can register a ready-to-trade UK limited company in 24 hours or less – entirely remotely.

Our exclusive Non-Residents Package includes a UK-registered address, company documents, introductions to UK business bank accounts, and compliance support, including VAT registration.

This guide explains how non-UK residents can start a UK company online, which documents you’ll need, the taxes to be aware of, and how to open a business bank account from abroad.

Can non-UK residents start a company in the UK?

Yes – anyone can register a limited company in the UK, no matter where they live and regardless of nationality, so long as they’re over 16 years of age and not disqualified from acting as a director.

The process and requirements are identical for UK and overseas applicants. You just need a few things, including a unique company name and at least one director and one shareholder (they can be the same person).

The company must also have a UK-registered office address. UK limited companies are normally limited by shares, so each owner’s liability is limited to the amount they invest. (See our guide to UK business structures for an overview of company types.) This structure provides protection for the owners’ personal assets.

• Is it easy for a non-resident to start a UK company?
• Can a non-UK resident be a UK limited company director?
• VAT registration for UK companies with non-resident directors

What’s included in the 1st Formations Non-UK Residents Package?

The 1st Formations Non-Residents Package includes all the UK services you need.

Business essentials

• A London registered office, service address, and business address.
• A full set of company registers with first entries
• Revolut, Wise, or Payoneer business banking referral

Company formation and filings

• Copy of the memorandum and articles of association
• VAT Registration
• £100 Companies House filing fee
• The preparation and filing of the first annual Confirmation Statement
• Certificate of Incorporation and share certificates for all shareholders
• Scan and email of all statutory mail (official government mail), daily – free of charge
• International mail-forwarding of all non-statutory business mail at Royal Mail postal rates plus 15%.
• Business telephone number is free for 3 months

Ongoing support

• Free .co.uk and .com domain name
• Unlimited free access to our Online Company Manager
• Free 4 hours of meeting space
• The Hassle-Free Compliance Service

Why choose the 1st Formations Non-Residents Package?

Our Non-Residents Package is tailored for founders based outside the UK. Key benefits include:

• One-stop support: We handle your registration and filings, saving you time and hassle.
• Fast setup: Your company is usually approved by Companies House in under 24 hours.
• UK address: We provide a London-registered office, a service address and a business address, so your company meets legal requirements without exposing your home address.
• Banking help: We introduce you to UK-friendly accounts like Wise, which let you open a UK business account fully online.
• Compliance guidance: We include our Hassle-Free Compliance Service, which handles annual filings (confirmation statements), provides a 50% discount on company changes and provides monthly compliance tips. As well as many other benefits, you also get a dedicated account manager to guide you.

How do I register a UK limited company from overseas?

Forming a UK limited company from abroad is straightforward, using the following steps:

1. Verify your identity: Before you register a UK limited company from overseas, you will need to verify your identity. This applies to directors and PSCs. At 1st Formations, we will handle this for you.
2. Choose company details: Pick a unique name ending in “Limited” or “Ltd”.
3. Select your business activities: Define them by selecting at least one SIC code to describe your trade (see our guide on choosing a UK SIC code).
4. Appoint directors and shareholders: Provide details (including name, DOB, nationality, address) for each director and shareholder. You need at least one director and one shareholder (although the same person can fill both roles). Anyone over 16, anywhere in the world, can serve as director so long as they’re not bankrupt, disqualified, or otherwise prevented from doing so. If anyone is a Person with Significant Control, you’ll need to provide their details as well.
5. Set up share structure: Issue shares (commonly 100 shares at £1 each) and assign them to your shareholders. Since the company is limited by shares, owners’ assets receive protection: their liability is limited to what they have agreed to pay for the shares.
6. Provide a UK registered office address: The law requires your company to maintain a UK registered office address at all times. In our package, you use 1st Formations’ London address for both registered and mailing purposes. All official mail is received there and forwarded to you by email.
7. Submit your application: Use our online service and select the Non-Residents Package. Enter the details above, including an email address (for use as the registered email address), and pay the fees. We will file everything with Companies House for you.
8. Receive your company: Companies House typically issues a Company Number and Certificate of Incorporation within 24 hours. We will send you the certificate, share certificates, and a copy of the Articles of Association. Your UK Ltd is now active and ready to trade.

HMRC requirements after registration

Once your UK company is live, you must meet UK tax and reporting obligations. This includes:

• Corporation Tax: Register for Corporation Tax within 3 months of starting a business. The company will pay UK tax on its profits.
• Annual filings: File statutory accounts with HMRC and a CT600 tax return with HMRC each year. (We provide reminders and resources to help with this.)
• VAT & PAYE: You must register for VAT and PAYE if they apply to your business. See our VAT registration guide for help with the VAT process.

If you do not plan to start trading for a significant period of time, you should contact the Corporation Tax office to register your company’s trading status as ‘dormant’.

We always recommend you seek the advice of a suitably qualified tax accountant to understand you and your company’s full tax liabilities.

How do I open a UK business bank account as a non-resident?

Opening a UK business bank account remotely can be challenging with traditional banks, since many require directors to verify in person. However, many overseas entrepreneurs use digital account providers.

Fast, affordable, and secure financial management is essential for non-UK resident business owners. That’s why we’ve partnered with Revolut, Wise, and Payoneer, offering straightforward banking solutions.

All referrals are included in the Non-Residents Package, but can also be added as an optional extra to the other company formation packages.

For example, Wise Business allows you to open a UK account with a UK sort code and account number entirely online. No travel is needed – just upload your ID documents and proof of company registration. Your approval is based on each bank’s risk assessment and is not guaranteed.

We often recommend these digital banks for our clients, as they are quick to set up and tailored for international businesses.

Some global banks, like HSBC, may also open business accounts for non-residents, but they typically require a visit to a UK branch for a final identity check. In practice, the fintech solutions are usually easiest for our clients.

Your next steps to register your UK company

To proceed, prepare the company details (name, activity, director/shareholder info). Then visit the 1st Formations website and begin the Limited Company registration. Choose the Non-Residents Package during checkout, complete the form, and pay the fee. We will file your application with Companies House. In about 24 hours, you should receive your company number and Certificate of Incorporation. We will then send you the official documents and assist with the next steps, like opening a UK bank account, registering for VAT, etc.

We make UK company formation fast, simple and compliant. Visit the 1st Formations homepage to register your company and begin your journey today.