How to register a UK limited company as a non-UK resident
You do not need to live in the UK to register a limited company here. Here's everything you need to know — and how 1st Formations can help.
Can a non-UK resident form a UK limited company?
Yes. Under the Companies Act 2006, there are no residency requirements for company directors or shareholders. Foreign nationals can own and direct a UK limited company and manage it entirely from their home country, without ever needing to visit the UK.
However, we are only able to support company formation orders for residents of certain countries. Before getting started, please check our eligibility list to confirm that our service is available in your country:
👉 [Add eligibility list link]
What you will need
To register a UK limited company you will need the following, regardless of where you are based:
• A unique company name that is not the same as or too similar to an existing name on the Companies House register
• At least one director (who can be a non-UK resident)
• At least one shareholder (who can also be the director)
• A UK registered office address — this is a legal requirement and must be a physical address in the same jurisdiction where your company is registered (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland)
• A Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code describing your business activity
• Identity verification for all directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSC) — this became a legal requirement in November 2025
Identity verification
Since November 2025, all new company directors and PSCs must verify their identity with Companies House before a company can be registered. This is a one-time process that can be completed online.
As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), 1st Formations can carry out identity verification on your behalf as part of the formation process — so there is no need to navigate this separately.
Once verified, you will receive a Companies House Personal Verification Code (PVC), which is linked to your identity for future filings.
UK registered office address
Every UK limited company must have a physical registered office address in the UK. This address appears on the public register and is where Companies House and HMRC will send official correspondence.
As a non-resident, you are unlikely to have a suitable UK address. Our Non-Residents Package includes a London registered office address, so this requirement is covered from day one.
Business banking
Opening a traditional UK bank account as a non-resident can be difficult, as many high street banks require in-person appointments. Our Non-Residents Package includes referrals to three trusted international banking providers — Revolut, Wise, and Payoneer — all of which accept overseas directors and can be set up entirely online.
You will find your banking referral links in your Order Fulfilment email once your company has been formed.
Our Non-Residents Package
Our Non-Residents Package is designed specifically for international entrepreneurs and includes everything you need to form and operate a UK limited company from abroad:
• Company formation with Companies House
• London registered office address
• Identity verification support (as an ACSP)
• Referrals to Revolut, Wise, and Payoneer for business banking
• Access to your online dashboard to manage your company
👉 View our Non-Residents Package
[Add link]
Annual filing obligations
Once your company is registered, the same annual filing obligations apply as for any UK limited company, regardless of where you are based. These include:
• A confirmation statement filed with Companies House every 12 months
• Annual accounts filed with Companies House
• A Company Tax Return filed with HMRC (if the company is active)
• Corporation Tax registration within 3 months of starting business activity
💡 If you need help staying on top of your annual filings, we offer a range of compliance services from your online dashboard.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa or UK citizenship to register a company?
No. Registering a UK limited company does not require a visa, UK citizenship, or residency. It is a matter of corporate law, not immigration law.
Do I need to visit the UK?
No. The entire process can be completed online, including identity verification and company formation.
Can I be the sole director and shareholder?
Yes. You can be the only director and the only shareholder of your company.
Yes. Under the Companies Act 2006, there are no residency requirements for company directors or shareholders. Foreign nationals can own and direct a UK limited company and manage it entirely from their home country, without ever needing to visit the UK.
However, we are only able to support company formation orders for residents of certain countries. Before getting started, please check our eligibility list to confirm that our service is available in your country:
👉 [Add eligibility list link]
What you will need
To register a UK limited company you will need the following, regardless of where you are based:
• A unique company name that is not the same as or too similar to an existing name on the Companies House register
• At least one director (who can be a non-UK resident)
• At least one shareholder (who can also be the director)
• A UK registered office address — this is a legal requirement and must be a physical address in the same jurisdiction where your company is registered (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland)
• A Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code describing your business activity
• Identity verification for all directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSC) — this became a legal requirement in November 2025
Identity verification
Since November 2025, all new company directors and PSCs must verify their identity with Companies House before a company can be registered. This is a one-time process that can be completed online.
As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), 1st Formations can carry out identity verification on your behalf as part of the formation process — so there is no need to navigate this separately.
Once verified, you will receive a Companies House Personal Verification Code (PVC), which is linked to your identity for future filings.
UK registered office address
Every UK limited company must have a physical registered office address in the UK. This address appears on the public register and is where Companies House and HMRC will send official correspondence.
As a non-resident, you are unlikely to have a suitable UK address. Our Non-Residents Package includes a London registered office address, so this requirement is covered from day one.
Business banking
Opening a traditional UK bank account as a non-resident can be difficult, as many high street banks require in-person appointments. Our Non-Residents Package includes referrals to three trusted international banking providers — Revolut, Wise, and Payoneer — all of which accept overseas directors and can be set up entirely online.
You will find your banking referral links in your Order Fulfilment email once your company has been formed.
Our Non-Residents Package
Our Non-Residents Package is designed specifically for international entrepreneurs and includes everything you need to form and operate a UK limited company from abroad:
• Company formation with Companies House
• London registered office address
• Identity verification support (as an ACSP)
• Referrals to Revolut, Wise, and Payoneer for business banking
• Access to your online dashboard to manage your company
👉 View our Non-Residents Package
[Add link]
Annual filing obligations
Once your company is registered, the same annual filing obligations apply as for any UK limited company, regardless of where you are based. These include:
• A confirmation statement filed with Companies House every 12 months
• Annual accounts filed with Companies House
• A Company Tax Return filed with HMRC (if the company is active)
• Corporation Tax registration within 3 months of starting business activity
💡 If you need help staying on top of your annual filings, we offer a range of compliance services from your online dashboard.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa or UK citizenship to register a company?
No. Registering a UK limited company does not require a visa, UK citizenship, or residency. It is a matter of corporate law, not immigration law.
Do I need to visit the UK?
No. The entire process can be completed online, including identity verification and company formation.
Can I be the sole director and shareholder?
Yes. You can be the only director and the only shareholder of your company.