'Company formation' - FAQ
← Back to Help Center

Company formation

Here will be the FAQs and details related to 'Company formation'.

Can a non-UK resident form a company in the UK? +
Yes, non-UK residents can form and own a UK company. There are no residency or citizenship requirements for shareholders or directors of a UK limited company.
Do I need a UK address to form a company? +
While you do not need to live in the UK, every UK company must have a registered office address in the UK. This can be a physical or virtual office provided by a third-party service.
Can I use a virtual office as my registered office address? +
Yes, non-UK residents can use a virtual office as their registered office address in the UK, provided it meets the legal requirements for receiving official correspondence from Companies House and HMRC.
Do I need a visa or work permit to start a company in the UK? +
No, you do not need a UK visa or work permit to start or own a UK company. However, if you plan to physically work in the UK, you may need the appropriate visa or work permit.
What are the tax implications for non-UK residents? +
Non-UK resident directors or shareholders of a UK company are generally not liable for UK personal taxes, but the company itself is subject to UK Corporation Tax. Depending on your country of residence, you may also have tax obligations there, so you should check any applicable double taxation treaties.
Can a non-UK resident be a director of a UK company? +
Yes, a non-UK resident can be a director of a UK company. There are no restrictions on the nationality or residency of company directors.
Do I need a UK bank account to operate a UK company? +
While it is not a legal requirement to have a UK business bank account, it is highly recommended for managing the company's financial transactions. Opening a UK bank account as a non-resident can be challenging, but there are options like online banking or specialized non-resident banking services.
How do I open a UK bank account as a non-UK resident? +
Non-UK residents may face challenges in opening a traditional UK bank account due to proof of residency requirements. However, many non-residents use online business banking services or international banks with UK branches to manage their business finances.
Can I register for VAT as a non-UK resident? +
Yes, a non-UK resident company can register for VAT (Value Added Tax) if your business activities require it. If your UK company's taxable turnover exceeds the VAT threshold (£90,000), VAT registration is mandatory.
How do I file taxes if I don't live in the UK? +
Even if you are not a UK resident, your UK company must comply with UK tax laws, including filing annual accounts and Corporation Tax returns. Many non-UK residents use an accountant or a tax service to handle this.
What is the process for forming a UK company as a non-resident? +
The process involves choosing a company name, appointing directors and shareholders, providing a registered UK office address, and submitting the incorporation documents to Companies House. Formation agents can assist with this process remotely.
Do I need a UK phone number or physical office to form a company? +
No, you do not need a UK phone number or a physical office. A registered office address (which can be virtual) is sufficient for incorporation.
What is a Persons with Significant Control (PSC), and do I need to declare it? +
A PSC is someone who owns or controls a company. UK law requires every company to identify and report its PSCs to Companies House. You must declare PSC information when forming the company and keep it updated.
How do I maintain my UK company from abroad? +
You can manage your UK company remotely by using online banking, accounting software, and digital communication tools. Many non-residents appoint UK-based agents for secretarial, accounting, and administrative support.
Can I manage my UK company from abroad? +
Yes, you can manage your UK company entirely from abroad. There are no requirements for directors or shareholders to be physically present in the UK.
Will I be liable for UK taxes if I am a non-resident director? +
As a non-resident director, you are generally not liable for UK personal taxes on director's income unless you perform duties physically inside the UK. However, the company will still be liable for UK Corporation Tax.
Can I form a UK company as a holding company for my international business? +
Yes, many non-residents use UK companies as holding companies because of the favorable tax treaties, established legal system, and ease of doing business internationally.
What is the role of a company secretary, and do I need one? +
Private limited companies in the UK are not legally required to appoint a company secretary, but you can appoint one voluntarily to assist with compliance and administration tasks.
Can a UK company owned by a non-resident qualify for business grants or funding? +
It may be possible, but many UK grants and funding programs require the business to have a significant UK presence, such as employing local staff or having physical operations in the UK.
What happens if I want to close my UK company? +
You can close your UK company by applying for voluntary dissolution if it is solvent, or through liquidation if it is insolvent. You must settle all debts, file final accounts, and inform Companies House.

IncorpUK is the easiest way to start and manage a UK company from anywhere in the world, access UK and international business banking, payment gateways, startup resources and stay compliant. Incorpuk is a technology driven business infrastructure that provides the resources and platform for founders to access financial products, manage and scale their business.

Incorporations & Addresses

Additional Services

Company

Legal

Location Icon 85 Great Portland Street, London W1W 7LT United Kingdom

Sign In Register your Company

© 2025 IncorpUK