How to Open a Bank Account for a UK Limited Company as a Non-Resident

One of the smartest things a global entrepreneur can do is open a business in the United Kingdom. The UK is one of the world’s most respected business jurisdictions due to its global business reputation, financial sector regulations, and its legal system’s transparency.

One of the most confusing steps for a founder who does not live in the UK after forming a UK Limited Company (LTD) is opening a UK business bank account.

While registration can be done all online, many of the traditional UK banks still require you to be present in the bank or give proof that you have a local address. This creates obstacles for entrepreneurs who live overseas.

In this UK bank account guide, Bizstartz has put together all the information you need to open a UK bank account as a non-resident.

The guide information includes what your options are, what the requirements are, alternatives, and how to best set up your UK banking solution by working with us without the need to visit the UK.

Reasons for Setting Up a UK Business Bank Account

Opening a UK Business Bank account is a legal requirement for the UK Limited Account holder. It gives your business a financial identity and enables the networking and integration of financial services tailored to the business’s services and needs.

The type of business you engage in, be it e commerce, professional services consulting, or anything else, it is the business’s bank account that gives your business an identity in the marketplace.

The following illustrates the importance of a UK business bank account:

1. Business Trustworthiness

Having a Limited UK Company enables clients and suppliers to evaluate your registered business entity. Banks as well as the public and private sector institutions evaluate your business with emphasis on its UK bank account.

It draws a serious and legitimate image of the business. It even brings trust and confidence in the business for clients outside of the UK.

2. Global Transactions with Ease

With a business bank account in the UK, you can make and receive payments in British pounds seamlessly, and also connect with international payment systems like PayPal, Amazon, and Stripe for quick payments.

3. Meet legal requirements regarding cash flow and separation of accounts

The business account decline personal accounts for use in business transactions. This simplifies the allocation of resources and legal bookkeeping as it minimizes wastage. More importantly for business, it makes it simple to integrate with the tax systems and comply with VAT and HMRC.

4. Tools for Financial Operations

Opening a UK business account allows you to apply easily for business credit cards, merchant services, and online payment gateways. All of these services make business operation even more efficient.

5. Crossing Borders to Scale Business

Opening a UK business account allows you to seamlessly cross borders. You are able to receive payments from clients internationally and easily reinvest those funds back into your UK account.

Can a Non-Resident Open a UK Business Bank Account?

Non-residents can open a UK business account and it all depends on which bank or financial institution you chose. Basically, there are roughly three key routes for international founders.

1. UK Banks

Examples: Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, NatWest, Santander

UK banks are usually recognized for their stability and offer a complete range of banking services. However, they can be very cautious when it comes to KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance.

Requirements usually include:

• UK-registered office address
• At least one UK-based director
• Proof of business activity within the UK
• In-person verification or interview

Approval can be a challenge if the directors and shareholders of your business all live outside of the UK. Many still expect one of the bank account holders to come to a local bank branch for identity verification.

Advantages:

• Comprehensive banking services for businesses
• Ability to apply for business loans and overdraft facilities
• Established reputation for reliability and credibility

Disadvantages:

• Use of traditional banking facilities still require physical presence.
• Excellent slow (transpose several weeks).
• Presently challenging for businesses from outside the UK

Best For: Older businesses or businesses that have UK partners, staff, or premises.

2. Online Banks and Fintech Solutions

Examples: Wise Business, Revolut Business, Payoneer, Tide, Monzo Business

In the last several years, fintech banking platforms have transformed access for non-residents. These platforms offer online business banking services without the need for a local presence or physical visits.

Fintech solutions are meant for non-residents for the following reasons:

• Complete application process digitally (100% online).
• Verification and approval are done in less than 24 – 72 hours.
• Traveling to the UK is not a requirement.
• UK accounts and multi-currency accounts (GBP, USD, EUR, and more).
• Integration of accounts with eCommerce and online stores is done without issues.

Required Documents:

• UK company registration certificate.
• Memorandum and Articles of Association.
• A valid passport for all directors and shareholders.
• Proof of personal address (utility bill, bank statement).
• Company website or business plan (optional).
• Proof of Online Presence.

Benefits are:

• Excellent for eCommerce and digital entrepreneurs.
• Simple and quick setup.
• No local director is required.
• Transparent and low fees for international transfers.

Drawbacks are:

• Limited cash deposit options.
• Not providing business loans.
• Features being limited by your country of residence.

Ideal for: Online entrepreneurs, dropshippers, freelancers, and international consultants.

3. Offshore and international digital banking

Examples: Mercury, Payoneer, WorldFirst, Airwallex.

If your company operates globally, a flexible alternative is an offshore or international digital bank. These offer accounts in different currencies and the ability to perform transactions globally under your UK LTD name.

Advantages

• Global operations with no need for a physical UK branch
• Seamless international payments
• Multi-currency accounts (GBP, USD, EUR, AUD, etc.)
• Ideal for Amazon, Shopify, and other marketplace sellers

Disadvantages

• Fees for certain transactions can be higher
• Clients may not consider them to be “local” UK banks
• Not best for businesses that deal with multiple currencies or customers worldwide

Documents Required to Open a UK Business Bank Account

The documents required to open a UK business bank account depend on the specific bank, but most banks follow the UK KYC (know your customer) and anti-money laundering regulations. Most commonly, the following sets of documents need to be prepared:

Company Documents

• Certificate of Incorporation (from Companies House)
• Memorandum & Articles of Association
• Shareholder and Director details
• Business UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) from HMRC
• Proof of registered office address

Personal Documents (for all directors/shareholders)

• Valid passport or national ID
• Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
• Proof of source of income or funding
• SELFIE or VIDEO ID for online banks

Business Information

• General business industry and the business activity type
• Expected turnover and transaction volume
• Your company website, LinkedIn, or social media pages
• Your main suppliers and clients

Having these documents can considerably cut the time taken for your bank account approval process.

How Non-Residents can open a UK Business Bank Account Step-By-Step

Here is a detailed breakdown of how a non-resident business owner can set up a UK business bank account without any complications:

1. Setting up a UK Limited Company

First, you will need to legally set up a UK Limited Company with Companies House. For non-residents, Bizstartz offers a complete company formation service with a registered address, tax setup, official documents, and more.

2. Get a UK Registered Address and a UTR.

After the company is set up, you will receive your UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference Number), which is issued by HMRC for tax purposes. You will also need a UK business address, which you can get from Bizstartz formation packages.

3. Choose Your Bank or FinTech Service

You can choose traditional UK banks (if you have a local business address) or remote fintech business providers like Wise Business or Revolut, which offer faster online company bank account onboarding.

4. Document Preparation and Submission

This step is pretty straightforward. Ensure you have the required documents for both you and the company. Most online banks will want to receive digital copies, and you will need to do an identity verification video.

5. Account Approval

You will get your account details, including your UK account number, sort code, and the IBAN once your application is approved. You can receive and send payments all over the world!

Best UK Business Banking Options for Non-Residents (2025)

How Bizstartz Aids Clients in Opening UK Bank Accounts Remotely

We assist non-residents in setting up and running Limited Companies in the UK without having to visit the country.

What You Can Expect From UK Business Bank Account Opening Services:

✅ You will receive support in picking the right bank or alternative banking service.

✅ We prepare and double-check KYC and compliance documentation.

✅ We assist in applying for Wise, Revolut and Payoneer accounts.

✅ We assist in payment integrations with Stripe, PayPal and Amazon.

✅ We provide compliance bookkeeping with optional tax support and filing.

Experts in our team have supported clients from 40+ different countries to open and administrate UK business bank accounts with no visit required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I open a UK bank account without visiting the UK?

Yes, multiple online banks and fintechs as well as Wise, Revolut and Payoneer offer remote account opening and online identity checks.

2. Do I need a UK address to open an account?

Yes, you will need a UK business address. Bizstartz will provide a registered address along with a mail forwarding service in your company formation package.

3. How long does it take to open a UK bank account?

With online banks, approval takes around 1 to 3 days. As for traditional banks, it could take 2 to 4 weeks, or even longer.

4. Can I use my UK business account for Stripe or PayPal?

Yes. All major payment processors accept Wise and Revolut for UK LTDs.

5. Which option is best for eCommerce sellers?

For global sellers and dropshippers, Wise Business or Payoneer are the most recommended options due to their flexibility, multi-currency features, and ease of integration.

Final Thoughts

Even as a non-resident, opening a UK business bank account is not as complicated as it may seem, and with the right partner, it’s a clear path forward.

With Bizstartz, and their expertise in UK company formation and bank account setup, you are guaranteed to run your UK company from anywhere in the world efficiently, and without being present in the UK.

You are now on your way to establishing a credible, UK business that is tax-efficient, and globally recognized.

💼 Start Your UK Company and Bank Account Setup Today

Let Bizstartz take care of your entire UK setup. All registrations, providing a registered address, obtaining the EIN/UTR, setting up a business bank account, payment processor integration, and everything else that needs to be done remotely.

👉 Begin Your Business Setup in the UK With Bizstartz