Company setup and compliance in the United Kingdom
Incorporate a UK company or register a UK establishment, register for the right taxes, and keep Companies House and HMRC filings on one calendar.
- Tax authority
- HMRC
- Company registry
- Companies House
- Currency
- Pound sterling (GBP)
- Accounting year
- Company's own accounting reference date
Choose the right structure
| Entity type | Best suited to | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Private limited company (Ltd) | Most subsidiaries and trading companies | Separate legal entity with limited liability. Needs a UK registered office and at least one director. Directors need not be UK resident. |
| UK establishment of an overseas company | Extending an existing foreign company without a new entity | Registered with Companies House. The overseas company's accounts requirements and UK tax position need review. |
| Limited liability partnership (LLP) | Professional and partnership-style businesses | Partnership flexibility with limited liability for members. |
What setting up involves
The usual sequence. Order and requirements depend on the entity type and your ownership.
- Select the company name and confirm it is available
- Provide a UK registered office address
- Appoint at least one director and record the people with significant control
- Prepare the articles of association and incorporate with Companies House
- Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC when the company starts business activity
- Register for VAT once taxable turnover passes the HMRC threshold, or earlier if beneficial
- Set up PAYE if you will employ people, and open a UK business bank account
Recurring obligations after set-up
| Filing or obligation | Frequency | Typical due date |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmation statement | Annual | At least once every 12 months |
| Annual accounts to Companies House | Annual | 9 months after the financial year end for private companies |
| Corporation Tax return (CT600) | Annual | 12 months after the end of the accounting period |
| Corporation Tax payment | Annual | 9 months and 1 day after the accounting period end; large companies pay in instalments |
| VAT return | Usually quarterly | 1 month and 7 days after the period end |
| PAYE and National Insurance | Monthly | 22nd of the following tax month for electronic payment |
General guide only. Rules, thresholds and due dates change by notification and differ by entity type and industry. We confirm the position for your company at scoping.
Our role in UK
- Incorporation filings and registered office arrangements
- HMRC registrations for Corporation Tax, VAT and PAYE
- Bookkeeping, VAT returns and payroll support
- Preparation of accounts and filing schedules for your accountant or auditor
- Compliance calendar covering Companies House and HMRC deadlines
Where local law requires a locally licensed professional, such as a registered agent, company secretary or statutory auditor, we coordinate that role with a licensed provider.
Questions about UK
Can a non-UK resident be a director?
Yes. There is no UK residency requirement for directors, but the company needs a UK registered office and must keep its statutory registers and Companies House filings up to date.
Are UK accounts public?
Annual accounts are filed at Companies House and can be viewed by the public. The level of detail depends on the size of the company.
Do we need a UK company or just a branch?
A UK subsidiary gives a separate legal entity and clearer liability. A UK establishment extends your existing company. The right choice depends on tax, liability and reporting needs, which we compare with you.
Other countries: United States Canada Australia United Arab Emirates Singapore India
Ready to set up in UK?
Share your plans and we will reply within one business day with next steps.