How to Register a UK Company from Canada: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

Canada and the UK may be separated by the Atlantic, but when it comes to business, the distance has never been shorter.

If you’re an entrepreneur, consultant, freelancer, or digital product creator based in Canada, forming a UK limited company is a powerful way to go global without leaving your home office. A UK Ltd company gives you credibility with international clients, opens the door to UK and EU markets, and gives you access to fintech platforms, merchant accounts, and limited liability protection. Even better—you don’t need to live in the UK, have UK citizenship, or even visit the country to register.

But is it easy for residents of canada to open a company in the UK?

Yes. With the right help, it’s surprisingly straightforward.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to register a UK limited company from Canada in 2025. You’ll learn:

• The UK’s legal requirements for non-resident founders
• The step-by-step process (including ID checks and address rules)
• How to get a UK business bank account from Canada
• Which taxes and annual filings you need to know
• How to avoid common mistakes and delays

Trusted formation agents like IncorpUK specialize in helping non-UK residents register quickly and affordably.

1. Why Canadians Are Registering UK Companies

Here’s why UK incorporation is popular with Canadian entrepreneurs:

• Global trust factor: A UK Ltd is instantly credible with partners and clients worldwide.
• No residency rules: Canadians can own and run UK companies remotely.
• Quick setup: Incorporation can be completed online in less than 24 hours.
• Favorable structure: Limited liability, easy ownership transfer, and low upfront costs.
• Fintech banking: Access Wise, Revolut, and other digital banking options remotely.

2. Legal Requirements for Canadian Founders

3. 2025 Legal Updates to Know

ECCTA ID Checks (Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act)

From autumn 2025, you must verify the identity of each director and person with significant control (PSC) using:

• The UK government’s One-Login app, or
• A trusted formation agent like IncorpUK that is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

Tip: Save time and avoid rejected filings by using IncorpUK to handle ID checks, filings, and setup in one go.

No More PO Boxes

Your registered office must be a valid UK street address. Services like IncorpUK provide a virtual office address in central London that meets all legal requirements.

4. The Simple 7-Step Process (for Canadians)

Step 1: Choose Your Company Name

Use the Companies House availability tool or ask IncorpUK to run checks for you. Avoid sensitive terms or similar names.

Step 2: Rent a Registered UK Address

You’ll need this for your legal correspondence. IncorpUK includes this in its non-resident packages.

Step 3: Collect Your Personal and Company Info

Have the following ready:

• Your full legal name
• Residential address (Canada is fine)
• Passport or national ID
• Proposed company structure and shareholding details

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

Rather than navigating the UK’s ID system yourself, let IncorpUK handle this through their integrated onboarding system. You’ll take a live selfie and upload your ID securely.

Step 5: Submit the Incorporation

Skip the government IN01 form. Simply use IncorpUK’s platform to file everything. It’s faster, pre-vetted, and includes free support.

Step 6: Get Your Certificate of Incorporation

Within 1 working day, you’ll receive a digital PDF certificate and your new Company Registration Number (CRN).

Step 7: Open a UK Business Bank Account

Options like Wise, WorldFirst, and Revolut accept Canadian-resident directors and can issue UK account numbers and sort codes.

5. UK-Ready Bank Accounts You Can Open from Canada

Important: You don’t need a UK phone or address to open these accounts, but you will need your incorporation documents and ID.

6. Taxes and Ongoing Compliance

Corporation Tax

• 19% on profits under £50,000
• 25% applies above £250,000
• Must register with HMRC within 3 months of trading

VAT

• Threshold is £90,000 in UK sales
• Optional below this threshold
• File quarterly via MTD-compliant software

Annual Filings

• Confirmation Statement (£13/year)
• Annual Accounts (filed with Companies House)
• Work with a UK accountant recommended by IncorpUK for non residents.

7. Common Mistakes Canadians Should Avoid

• Skipping identity checks: Your company won’t be approved without this
• Using a PO Box: Only real UK addresses are allowed
• Waiting too long to open a bank account: Do this immediately after you incorporate
• Assuming UK tax applies in Canada: Consult a cross-border accountant to avoid double taxation
• DIY filing without help: It’s easy to make mistakes that delay approval. Use IncorpUK instead

8. FAQs for Canadian Founders

Q: Can I own 100% of the UK company from Canada?
Yes. Full foreign ownership is allowed.

Q: Do I have to visit the UK?
No. Every step can be done online.

Q: Is a UK company tax-resident in Canada?
Not necessarily. Tax depends on control and management. Speak with a Canadian accountant.

Q: What if I want a UK business address for customer invoices?
IncorpUK’s London address services are ideal and accepted by payment processors and banks.

Q: How soon can I start trading?
In most cases, within 24–48 hours of starting your application.

9. Final Checklist: Start Your UK Business from Canada

✅ Pick a name and verify it’s available
✅ Choose a formation agent (we recommend IncorpUK)
✅ Submit your ID and address details
✅ Get your company formed (1-day turnaround)
✅ Open a Wise or Revolut business account
✅ Register with HMRC for Corporation Tax
✅ Stay on top of VAT, annual accounts, and filings

Conclusion

Registering a UK company from Canada in 2025 is not just possible—it’s practical and efficient. With the help of a reliable agent like IncorpUK, you can launch a credible UK business in under 48 hours without ever leaving your desk in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, or Vancouver.

Whether you’re setting up an agency, e-commerce store, consulting firm, or startup, this setup offers unmatched credibility, flexibility, and speed.

Ready to begin?
Visit incorpuk.com and register your UK company today because the world doesn’t wait for borders.