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How to register a UK 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. Foreign nationals can own and manage a UK limited company 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 of residence:

👉 Check your eligibility

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 Service

     

  • Identity verification support

     

  • UK business banking via referrals to Revolut, Wise, and Payoneer

👉 View our Non-Residents Package


What you will need

To register a UK limited company, you will need the following:

  • 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

Identity Verification

All new company directors and PSCs must verify their identity with Companies House before a company can be registered. 1st Formations can carry out identity verification on your behalf as part of the formation process.

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. Our Non-Residents Package includes a London-based registered office address to satisfy this requirement.

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.

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 which you can purchase via your Online Client Portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.


Do I need to visit the UK?

No. The entire process can be completed online, including identity verification and company formation. 


Am I guaranteed a bank account?

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that every customer will be able to open a bank account. Applications must be made directly with the chosen bank, each of which has its own eligibility criteria.

For more information on our Business Banking Options for Non-UK Residents, click here.

 

Can I be the sole director and shareholder?

Yes. You can be the only director and the only shareholder of your company.