The UK is still regarded as one of the top places to start a business for many entrepreneurs and investors around the globe. Establishing a business even for non citizens of the country is made easy due to its reliability the legal system, good reputation and ease in conducting business.
Actually, even non-residents are able to register a UK Limited Company (LTD) completely online, without the need to visit the UK, and without the need to have UK citizenship.
UK companies are most valuable for eCommerce sellers, digital service providers, consultants, and even freelancers. Establishing one opens the doors to unlimited market access and European sales.
This is the most comprehensive guide to Bizstartz. In it, we will explain everything a non-resident needs to know about company registration in the UK. This will include the requirements, the steps of registration, taxation, and banking options.
What Makes the UK a Good Option to Establishing a Company?
The UK is unrivaled in the credibility, ease of access, and the business opportunities that it offers to potential entrepreneurs and investors.
1. 100% Foreign Ownership
In the UK, you can fully own your business without a local partner, director, or office, even as a non-resident. You can still hold all the shares and be your own director.
2. International Recognition
Having a business registered in the UK means you have a good reputation. Your UK registration means your potential clients, suppliers, or partners see you as reliable, compliant, and high-quality.
3. Easy and Quick Registration
You can register a business in the UK in just 24 hours, and you can do all the processes online. You can register and pay via your chosen service and all the processes will be done for you.
4. Affordable UK Business Formation
Forming a business in the UK is cost friendly. There is no strict capital or complicated approval processes. This is a good option for independent contractors or beginning businesses.
5. Favorable Business Tax Rates
The UK corporate tax is in the 19%-25% range depending on your business profits. Furthermore, the UK has over 130 double taxation treaties. This allows non-residents to not pay tax twice on the same income.
6. Gateway to Global Markets
Having a business in the UK means you can access the European, North American, and Asian markets. You can sell on Amazon UK and EU, collaborate with clients from different countries, and access some payment systems and banks that aren’t available in your home country.
Who Can Register a UK Company as a Non-Resident?
Everyone aged 16 and older can register a UK company, regardless of your citizenship or country of residence, and you do not need to be a UK citizen or be in the country at that time.
Typical examples of non-residents forming UK companies include:
- eCommerce sellers (Shopify, Amazon, Etsy, etc.)
- Digital marketing agencies
- Freelancers and consultants
- Import-export businesses
- Tech startups
- International investors
You can also be outside the UK when you register a company. There are no limits to the nationality of the company’s directors or shareholders. You do need to have a UK address to register the company, which Bizstartz can provide as part of your UK formation service package.
Requirements for Non-Residents Forming a UK Company
Even for simple company registrations, the UK Companies Act 2006 requires specifying and documenting information. Here’s what you’ll need.
1. Unique Company Name
Your company name needs to be different from all the names already registered at Companies House. Some terms are controlled and you will need approval, (e.g. “Bank,” “Trust,” “Insurance“). Bizstartz helps check name availability before you file.
2. UK Registered Office Address
All UK companies need a registered official office address in the United Kingdom, which counts as the location for all communications from:
- Companies House
- HMRC (the tax agency)
- Banks and other stakeholders
Non-residents usually use Bizstartz a registered agent address in London or other big cities.
3. Director and Shareholder Details
You will need at least one director. The same individual can be both a company director and a shareholder, and even corporate bodies (companies) can own shares in other companies.
You will need to provide:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Residential Address
- Occupation
4. Share Capital
All non-resident companies are free to start with any amount of capital, although most choose to start with £1. The company can issue more shares in the future.
5. Memorandum and Articles of Association
These are necessary documents which outline how your company is structured and how it operates internally. When incorporating your company with Bizstartz, standard ones are provided automatically.
6. Proof of Identity and Address
For each director and shareholder, the following must be provided:
- Passport
- National ID
- Recent utility bill, or bank statement
Step-by-Step: How to Register a UK Company as a Non-Resident
Everything is online, and Bizstartz handles everything for you.
Step 1: Choose a Company name
Check name availability using the Companies House name checker. Do not use sensitive or misleading names, for example, “Government“, “Royal“, or “Trust”
Bizstartz will assist you in choosing a compliant, friendly name.
Step 2: Select a Registered Office Address
Get a UK address where Companies House and HMRC will send you official correspondence. You will be using the address of Bizstartz and it will be kept for privacy and legal compliance.
Step 3: Provide Director and Shareholder Details
You must provide your personal details and ID for verification. You can have as many directors or shareholders as you like, and even if they are all overseas, it is perfectly legal.
Step 4: Determine Share Structure
You will decide how shares are allocated to each shareholder. You can start with a small number of shares like 1 or 100 shares. You can adjust the number of shares as the company grows.
Step 5: Submit the Incorporation Application
Bizstartz prepares the application and submits it electronically to Companies House. Once approved, you’ll get:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Share Certificate(s)
This normally takes 1 business day.
Step 6: Acquire the Company Documents
You get the incorporation documents electronically and can use these to open a bank account, register for tax, or verify your business.
What to Do After Company Formation
Once your UK company is formed, you’ll need to complete a few essential steps to make it fully operational:
| Action | Purpose | How Bizstartz Helps |
| 1. Apply for a UK Business Bank Account | Enables you to send/receive payments in GBP or other currencies | We help set up accounts with Wise, Revolut, or Payoneer |
| 2. Register with HMRC for Corporation Tax | Required within 3 months of business activity | Bizstartz can file the registration |
| 3. VAT Registration (Optional) | For companies with turnover over £90,000 or trading with EU | We help determine if you need VAT |
| 4. Set Up Accounting and Bookkeeping | Maintain proper financial records | Bizstartz offers full accounting services |
| 5. File Annual Accounts & Confirmation Statement | Required by Companies House yearly | We handle compliance filings |
The Fundamentals of UK Taxation for Non-Resident Businesses
Knowing different ways of operating a business within the UK can help maximize profits as well as assist you in staying compliant with the UK laws.
The Taxable Profits of the Business in the UK
All businesses that are registered in the UK must pay tax on profits. The tax payable on profits for the UK businesses within the current tax year are payable at the rates of 19% to 25%.
The Tax Implications Where the Profits are Made
The management and control of a business shall be the definitive factor as to whether a business shall be taxed in the UK.
- The business shall be considered a UK tax non-resident provided that management and control is situated outside the UK.
- On the other hand, if the business is managed and controlled within the jurisdiction UK for tax purposes, the business may be considered a UK tax resident.
The Benefits of Treaties Made with the UK
The UK has tax treaties with over 130 jurisdictions on the premise that business profits shall not be taxed twice. This is advantageous for business persons who are economically active outside of the UK.
The Value Added Tax in the UK
All businesses that sells or intends to sell services or goods within the UK or the EU, and the taxable turnover of the business is above £90,000 then the business must be registered for the VAT. Non-residents are also able to register for VAT.
💡 Bizstartz provides bookkeeping and tax filing services to non-resident businesses. This helps them stay compliant with the laws in the UK.
Opening a UK Business Bank Account as a Non-Resident
Many traditional UK banks need proof of UK residence, making it challenging for entrepreneurs based overseas. However, fintech options have made this a lot simpler.
You can open business accounts online with digital banks such as:
- Wise Business (previously TransferWise): Provides international IBANs and low exchange rates, and offers simple integrations.
- Revolut Business: Best for multi-currency accounts and online payments.
- Payoneer: Works well for freelancers and ecommerce sellers.
- Tide: A digital UK bank for UK-based companies, with rapid account verification and business management tools.
These options allow you to control payments globally while abiding by UK laws.
Why Non-Residents Trust Bizstartz for UK Company Formation
We help non-UK residents establish and manage UK companies. Our all-inclusive services cover all aspects, allowing you to devote time to business expansion.
What’s included in our Company Formation Package in the UK?
- Register your Company with Companies House UK
- Registered office address in the UK
- Director and shareholder setup
- Assistance in opening a business bank account
- Register with HMRC (Corporation tax and VAT if applicable)
- Annual compliance management
- Bookkeeping and tax filing made easy
We’ve supported UK company setups for hundreds of entrepreneurs from every continent, including Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.
No matter if you’re starting a Shopify store, a consulting firm, or an international agency, Bizstartz offers reliable access to the UK market.
Conclusion
As a non-resident, forming a company in the UK is not only easy but also strategic for global entrepreneurs in 2025.
Through Bizstartz’s expertise, you can obtain your UK business presence in under 24 hours, with fast online registration and remote setup.
Having a UK limited company offers a business balance of credibility, legal protection, financial flexibility, and the ability to scale globally.
Ready to Begin?
With Bizstartz you can form your UK company and obtain:
- Assistance with registration
- Confidence that you will meet UK legal requirements
- A legitimate business identity in the UK
👉 Start your UK Company Formation with Bizstartz!
