A company in the United Kingdom is a prestigious vehicle for conducting international business in one of the world's leading financial centers. The registration of Private Limited Companies (Ltd), Public Limited Companies (PLC), and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP), as well as the establishment of holding and investment structures, provides access to a developed financial system, innovative tax regimes, the opportunity to obtain UK tax residency, and the advantages of English corporate law in international transactions.
Processing time from 2 weeks
Foreign ownership 100%
Types of legal entities
Company registration in the United Kingdom provides a reliable foundation for international business and tax planning. Various forms are available: LTD, PLC, partnerships, and sole proprietorships. This flexible jurisdiction allows you to choose a structure tailored to any business goal.
Private Limited Company (Ltd)
A popular form for small and medium-sized businesses. As a separate legal entity, it provides protection for the founders' personal assets.
Full protection from personal liability for company debts, limited to the invested capital
Minimal capital requirements — from GBP 1, which does not need to be paid at the time of registration
Only one director and one shareholder are required to set up the company
Share privacy — shares cannot be publicly traded on the stock exchange
Tax advantages, including a reduced corporate tax rate of 19% on profits up to GBP 50,000
Public Limited Company (PLC)
Suitable for large companies seeking to go public and attract investment. Provides access to capital and opportunities for large-scale growth.
Ability to publicly list shares on the London Stock Exchange
Minimum share capital of GBP 50,000, with at least 25% required to be paid upon registration
At least two directors and two shareholders are required to form the company
A qualified company secretary is mandatory
Access to substantial investment through institutional and private investors
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Ideal for consulting and professional service firms with multiple founders. Combines the flexibility of a partnership with the protection of limited liability.
Limited liability for partnership obligations
Tax transparency — profits are taxed as personal income of the partners
A minimum of two partners is required to establish an LLP
Flexible management structure with no strict corporate governance requirements
Well-suited for professional services such as legal, consulting, and auditing firms
Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
A shareless structure, suitable for charitable organizations.
No shareholders — founders act as guarantors
Guarantors commit to contribute a fixed (usually symbolic) amount in the event of company liquidation
Not-for-profit — any surplus is reinvested into the company's objectives
A separate legal entity with limited liability for guarantors
Eligible to obtain registered charity status
How to ensure a successful company registration in the UK
Specific requirements and estimated costs
List of documents for company formation in the UK
Current business registration conditions for 2025
Fill out the form and get a detailed guide about the service from iWorld specialists
Support for businesses abroad
iWorld specialists provide incorporation services for legal entities and help choose the optimal organizational and legal form and structure for a business, taking into account local legislation and tax advantages.
iWorld lawyers organize the opening of corporate accounts with leading local and international banks in accordance with compliance and regulatory requirements.
The iWorld team develops tax planning strategies in accordance with local legislation, optimizes the tax burden, and ensures that all necessary reporting is carried out.
iWorld employees take full responsibility for accounting in accordance with local standards, preparing reports, and complying with audit requirements.
iWorld specialists organize corporate governance, support changes in the company's structure, and ensure that record keeping complies with regulatory requirements.
The iWorld team provides legal support for all aspects of business operations in compliance with local legislation, including labor law and commercial transactions.
Company registration process
SergeyGeneral Manager at iWorld
Initial consultation and planning
iWorld’s legal team conducts a thorough analysis of your business goals, reviews the specifics of your intended activities, and provides comprehensive guidance on setting up a UK company, including selecting the most suitable legal structure (Ltd, LLP, PLC).
Choosing jurisdiction and structure
As the UK has multiple legal systems, iWorld specialists help identify the best jurisdiction for registration (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland), along with selecting a suitable registered address and corporate structure.
Obtaining licenses and permits
While most business activities in the UK do not require special licenses, for regulated sectors (finance, healthcare, education), iWorld ensures all necessary authorizations are obtained from relevant regulatory bodies.
Registration with companies house
iWorld’s lawyers prepare the complete set of documents, including the memorandum and articles of association, details of directors and shareholders, and submit the application via the official Companies House portal, ensuring registration within 24 hours.
Tax registration and bank account setup
iWorld assists with registering the company with HMRC for corporate tax purposes, arranging VAT registration if needed, and opening corporate bank accounts with leading UK banks.
Obtain a residence permit by registering a company
Starting a business in the United Kingdom can serve as a basis for obtaining an investor visa (Innovator Founder Visa, Start-up Visa, etc.). Along with the main applicant, the following may also be eligible for resident status:
Family members
Key employees
Business partners
Apply now to get expert advice
Advantages of opening a company
Strategic location
The United Kingdom holds a central position in the global economy, offering access to European markets and major international financial hubs thanks to excellent transport connections and its geographical position between Europe and America.
Developed banking system
London is one of the world’s largest financial centers, providing a wide range of banking services, investment tools, and opportunities for international financing through leading British and global banks.
Streamlined registration process
The UK government has created one of the most efficient company registration systems in the world — the process can be completed online within 24 hours via the official Companies House portal.
Competitive taxation
The UK offers a reduced corporate tax rate of 19% for small businesses and various tax relief options, including research and innovation credits.
Asset protection and limited liability
Registering a limited liability company in the UK provides strong protection of the founders’ personal assets from commercial risks, limiting liability to the amount of invested capital.
Reputation and trust
British companies enjoy a high level of trust in international markets due to strict regulation, transparent corporate governance, and a stable legal system.
Access to markets and talent
The UK offers access to a highly skilled workforce, a well-developed startup ecosystem, and opportunities to expand business not only across Europe but also into other English-speaking countries worldwide.
Advanced infrastructure
The country boasts modern digital infrastructure, premium office spaces in London and other major cities, and an efficient logistics network for conducting international business.
Comparison of jurisdictions for company registration
Category
The UK
The USA
The UAE
Montenegro
Minimums share capital
from GBP 0
USD 0
AED 0
EUR 1
VAT
20%
from 0%
5%
21%
100% foreign ownership
yes
yes
yes
yes
Audit
yes
yes
yes
yes
Corporate tax
from 19%
from 21%
0–9%
9%
Personal income tax
from 20%
from 10%
0%
from 9%
Dividend tax
from 8.75%
up to 23.8%
0%
15%
Get a personalized estimate for the cost of registering a company in the UK
iWorld specialists will prepare a personalized estimate with terms, stages, deadlines, taking into account your situation and all necessary fees.
Alternative jurisdictions for growing your business
What is a business visa? Learn how to get a business visa and the steps involved. Learn about getting an invitation and collecting documents, as well as the requirements for entrepreneurs. An overview of popular business visas.
The main point of the Innovator visa program in Great Britain. Step-by-step procedure of obtaining. Basic principles and criteria of business plan assessment. Permanent residence permit and British citizenship after obtaining Innovator visa.
Immigration to the UK by means of the Tier 1 visa program for investors. Required steps of the investment program. Processing of Tier 1 Investor Visa. Obtaining UK citizenship as a result of residence.
What is the difference between a Private Limited Company (Ltd) and a Public Limited Company (PLC)?
An Ltd cannot offer its shares to the general public and has restrictions on share transfers, but it requires at least one director and one shareholder, with no minimum share capital. A PLC can list its shares on a stock exchange but must have a minimum share capital of GBP 50,000, with at least 25% paid up, a minimum of two directors, two shareholders, and a mandatory company secretary.
What are the share capital requirements for registering a UK company?
For an Ltd, the minimum share capital is GBP 1 and can be paid after registration. For a PLC, the minimum share capital is GBP 50,000, of which at least GBP 12,500 (25%) must be paid before starting commercial operations.
How long does it take to register a company in the UK?
Online registration via the official Companies House portal usually takes 24 hours if documents are submitted correctly. Postal registration takes 8–10 working days.
Is the physical presence of the founders required in the UK for registration?
Physical presence is not required at the document submission stage — the process can be handled by an authorised representative or a corporate service provider.
What are the tax obligations for UK companies?
UK companies pay corporate tax at a rate of 19% on profits up to GBP 50,000 and 25% on profits over GBP 250,000. VAT is 20% for most goods and services when annual turnover exceeds GBP 90,000. Dividends are subject to the recipient’s personal income tax, but the first GBP 500 of dividends per year is tax-free. Companies can also benefit from various tax reliefs, including research and development credits.
Get expert advice — contact us today
You can schedule a consultation with a company specialist either in person at our office or online. During the consultation, you’ll receive a detailed case analysis, a service cost estimate, and personalized recommendations tailored to your goals.