Non-Resident Starting a Business in the UK

Entrepreneurs around the world - established businesses and Start-ups - consider the United Kingdom as one of the most attractive places for business as it is one of the world’s greatest economies and ranks high for ease of doing business. Main economic indicators, i.e., High GDP, High Consumer Purchasing Power, and Strong Currency, inspire people across the globe to invest in the UK. 

UK Companies House requires that you must register an overseas company with Companies House if you set up a place of business in the UK or if you usually carry out business from somewhere in the UK. Some types of company cannot register as an overseas company in the UK, including partnerships and unincorporated bodies.

Company Registration

You start by registering your company with a unique name with Companies House. The company name should not be the same or similar to the existing company name. You must also register your company with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs for filing tax returns.

UK Registered Office Address

The next thing you do is to register a physical address within the UK for your business. HMRC and Companies House will use this ‘Registered Office Address’ for legal correspondence and mails.

Foreign nationals can acquire an address in the UK to register your company with the Companies House. This can either be an owned property or a rented property or the property another owner who agrees to have your business registered to their address, or a virtual office address. UBCS can help secure an address for your business - Contact UBCS for UK Address Service.

Shareholder(s) in the UK Company

You must register at least one shareholder with all its contact and address for company registration.

Director in the UK Company

It is legally required that you register a director while registering your company. It can be the same person as a shareholder.

UK Resident Status of the Shareholder, Director and Company Secretary

A shareholder, Director, and Company Secretary can be based anywhere in the world. It is not compulsory to be a UK resident to run a company in the UK.

Can a Non-Resident in the UK register a Business in the UK?

Any one - any nationality - can start a business in the UK, no matter currently you are a Non-Resident in the UK.

You do not need UK-resident status for starting a company in the UK. The basic requirement is that the entity – a sole proprietorship, a company etc. must be registered in the UK (registered address of the entity must be within the UK jurisdiction).

Do you need a UK resident or British national to be a shareholder in your company?

No. You do not necessarily need a UK resident or British national to be a shareholder in your company to start your business in the UK.

Does a Non-Resident Need a UK Visa to Start a Business in the UK?

There is no need for a visa to establish a business in the UK. You do not require a Work Visa / Work Permit to start a business in the UK or to register a company in the UK.

By starting a business in the United Kingdom as a foreigner, you can actively trade goods and services through that business and earn profits. The benefit it does offer is that you’ve got a UK company and you are trading through a British business, which gives your brand better reception within the domestic market and in the EU market.

Your business can benefit from the highly skilled resources in the UK job market, by hiring people who have the Right to Work within the UK.

Also, it is important to note that starting a company in the UK does not automatically grant you the Right to Work in the UK. Work Visa / Work Permit gives you access to the UK job market, and this makes you eligible to work in the UK and earn ‘Salary’ income.

Speak to UBCS today to understand more about starting a business in the UK - Contact UBCS.