Incorporate in the United Kingdom (UK)
Establishing a company or a partnership in the UK
The United Kingdom offers two widely used corporate structures for domestic and international ventures: the Private Company Limited by Shares (Ltd) and the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). Each provides distinct legal, tax, and operational advantages tailored to varying business needs.
A UK private limited company (Ltd) is a separate legal entity formed under the Companies Act 2006. It can own property, enter contracts, and bear liability independently of its owners. Shareholders—who may be individuals or corporate entities—own the company through shares, which can vary in class and rights, including voting power and dividend entitlements. Only one share is needed to incorporate, and there is no minimum capital requirement beyond that. Both the shareholder and the director roles may be held by a single person or entity, and there are no residency restrictions for either.
The company is governed by its articles of association, which outline its internal procedures and management rules. These, along with shareholder and director information, must be submitted to Companies House—the UK’s company registrar—and become publicly accessible. The board of directors, appointed by shareholders, handles the day-to-day operations and must adhere to legal and fiduciary responsibilities.
UK limited companies are subject to corporation tax on global income, but the tax system offers several reliefs. These include exemptions for dividends from qualifying sources, no withholding tax on outbound dividends, and participation exemptions for capital gains from share disposals in subsidiaries. Profits from overseas permanent establishments may also be exempt under treaty conditions. The UK’s expansive tax treaty network supports efficient cross-border business and investment structures.
Incorporation is fast and efficient—often completed within 24 hours—with ongoing requirements such as annual accounts, confirmation statements, and tax returns. UK companies also enjoy access to an established financial ecosystem, professional services, and infrastructure conducive to international commerce.
Common uses for Ltd companies include international trade, holding structures, IP ownership, investment vehicles, and securing merchant and banking services. While flexible, the suitability of this structure depends on tax residency, income sources, and compliance obligations, and should be reviewed with professional advisors.
An alternative vehicle is the UK Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), governed by the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2000. It merges the flexibility of a partnership with the benefit of limited liability for its members. An LLP is a legal person distinct from its partners, capable of owning assets and entering into obligations independently.
At least two members—either individuals or entities—are required to form an LLP. There are no share capital requirements, formal roles like directors are optional, and governance is typically set out in a bespoke partnership agreement, allowing for operational flexibility.
For tax purposes, LLPs are transparent entities. They are not taxed at the entity level; instead, each member is individually taxed on their share of the profits. UK-resident members pay tax on worldwide LLP income, while non-residents are generally taxed only on income sourced in the UK. Members must report their earnings via individual or corporate tax filings, depending on their status.
Details about LLP members and beneficial owners must be registered with Companies House. LLPs are also required to file annual financial statements and a partnership tax return with HMRC. A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is automatically issued upon registration.
Due to their flexibility, limited liability, and favorable tax treatment, LLPs are often used for cross-border service provision, joint ventures, and professional partnerships.
In conclusion, both Ltd companies and LLPs offer versatile solutions for structuring UK and international business activities. The choice between them should be guided by the specific commercial goals, tax profile, and regulatory environment relevant to the enterprise.
Learn more about companies and partnerships in the UK
In the United Kingdom, the two most common corporate structures are the private limited company (LTD), incorporated in England and Wales under the Companies Act 2006, and the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), registered in England and Wales under the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2000.
Note that our incorporation and annual corporate service fees are “all-included fees”, and cover all the required services to incorporate a UK Company, and keep it in good standing, as well as government fees and duties, and other disbursements.
UK Company / Partnership (LTD, LLP, England and Wales) Formation and First-Year Corporate Services – USD 1,350.00 (All Included)
Private Limited Company (LTD.)
- All Applicable Companies House Fees
- Preparing and filing IN01 Form, Memorandum of Association, and Articles of Association with the Companies House
- Providing the Certificate of Incorporation and filed IN01 Form, Memorandum of Association, and Articles of Association
- Preparing the First Board Resolutions resolving the appointment of Directors, allotment of Shares, Registered Office and other corporate matters.
- Preparing the Minute Book of the Company and Statutory Registers, including Register of Mortgages and Charges, Register of Debentures, Register of Sealings or Executions, Register of Members,
- Filing Statutory Registers with the Companies House
- Preparing the Shares Certificate
- Providing Registered Office Services, including a business address in Central London, for one year
- Providing Secretarial Services for one year, including maintenance of minute book and statutory records
- Providing Service Address for each director and PSC
- Registration with HMRC
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
- All Applicable Companies House Fees
- Preparing and filing the Incorporation Document with the Companies House
- Providing the Certificate of Incorporation and filed Incorporation Document with the Companies House
- Preparing the Limited Liability Partnership Agreement, with unlimited reviews
- Preparing the Minute Book of the Company and Statutory Registers, including Register of Mortgages and Charges, Register of Debentures, Register of Sealings or Executions, Register of Members, Register of Persons with Significant Control
- Filing Statutory Registers with the Companies House
- Providing Registered Office Services, including a business address in Central London, for one year
- Providing Service Address for each partner and PSC
- Registration with HMRC
- Providing Secretarial Services for one year, including maintenance of minute book and statutory records
Time to form the Company
The incorporation procedure takes less than a week generally. The first step is to conduct due diligence which will generally take 1 day, and the completion of an online ID verification procedure by the beneficial owners and directors. Simultaneously, we prepare the constitutional documents of the company including Form IN01 application to register a company / partnership, the memorandum of association and the articles of association (company) or incorporation document (partnership), which will be filed with the Companies House. Upon filing, the Companies House would process and approve the filing within 1-2 business days generally – from a few hours to generally not more than 48 hours, subject to what time of the day the filing is made, and the specific backlog of the Companies House at a given point of time.
Bank Account Opening Services (Optional)
We can assist you in open bank accounts for United Kingdom companies in the following offshore jurisdictions:
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Andorra Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Andorra Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 500,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, CAD, AUD, SEK, NOK, NZDYesPrivate Bank with focus on wealth management. If they open a corporate account for an active company, they would need that either the account has a substantial amount on the account, or that the UBO himself opens an account for wealth management.Bank 2EUR 300,000NoEURYesMinimum Initial Deposit requirements for countries outside of the European Union is EUR 1,000,000 or equivalent.
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Antigua Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Antigua Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 10,000YesUSD, EURYesIn Euros they processes only via SEPA. In dollars at the moment only with correspondents in the US, through FEDWIRE (not ACH at the moment). Cash Secured Visa Credit Card available.Bank 2USD 5,000YesUSD, EURYesUnionPay Cards work without inconvenience in the USA.
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Armenia Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Armenia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 50,000YesEUR, USD, RUB, AMDYesBusiness connection to Armenia is required. The annual outgoing turnover of the client should be at least 10 mln USD per year. The annual number of outgoing transfers should be at least 60 per year. Note that the banks considers smaller companies is well on case-by-case basis, but they could charges additional fees.
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Bahamas Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Bahamas Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesBank 2USD 1,000,000NoUSDYesFamily Offices, Fund Managers and Asset Managers only.Bank 3USD 10,000,000NoMulticurrencyYesPrimary focus with physical presence in Bahamas. Business interest in the Bahamas. The company needs to have been in existence for a minimum of 3 years.Bank 4USD 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesRemote account opening is possible, but the bank will visit the client within first year after opening.Bank 5USD 500,000YesUSD, EURYesPrepaid debit card available.
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Belize Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Belize Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 4,000NoEUR, GBP, USDYesBank 2USD 2,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, CHF, AUD, AED, CNY, SEK, NOKYesPrepaid Visa cards available.Bank 3USD 3,000YesMulticurrencyYes
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BVI Bank Account - USD $ 900.00BVI Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 20,000NoUSD, GBP, HKDYesBank of Asia does not onboard corporations who have a connection in US and Russia.Bank 2USD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesVP Bank offers services to local BVI residents as well as international clients who have BVI companies, trusts or fund structures. It is primarily focused on financing, investment management, custodial and securities trading accounts. No Commercial Activity, only for asset management business.
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Cayman Islands Bank Account - USD $ 900.00Cayman Islands Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 250,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, SEK, CHFYesBank 2USD 100,000YesUSD, EUR, CAD, GBP, AUD, MulticurrencyYesNCB Cayman Bank offers trading, private and investment bank accounts
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Cook Islands Bank Account - USD $ 600.00Cook Islands Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 250,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, NZD, AUD, SGD, HKDYesClients can have a corporate account for operational purposes only if they open an investment account as well.
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Curaçao Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Curaçao Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 100,000NoMulticurrencyYesInternet Banking only for viewing the account, not for operatingBank 2N/AYesMulticurrencyYes
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Cyprus Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Cyprus Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/AYesMulticurrencyYesSupports large Cypriot and international groups, preferably operating from Cyprus and international companies in their expansion and operations in Cyprus.
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Dominica Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Dominica Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 15,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesBank 2N/ANoMulticurrencyYesSWIFT transactions are carried out only through a pool account in the name of the bank.Bank 3N/ANoMulticurrencyYesBank 4N/ANoEUR, USDYesSWIFT transactions are carried out only through a pool account in the name of the bank.
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Gibraltar Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Gibraltar Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/ANoMulticurrencyYesBank 2USD 20,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesFor wealth management and brokerage accounts minimum relationships start from USD 250,000. Cards are dependent on jurisdictions.
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Hong Kong Bank Account - USD $ 1,400.00Hong Kong Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1HKD 100,000YesMulticurrencyNoA business nexus in Hong Kong is strictly required, in the form of clients, suppliers, employees or other counterparties.Bank 2HKD 200,000YesHKD, USD, MulticurrencyNoA business nexus in Hong Kong is strictly required, in the form of clients, suppliers, employees or other counterparties.
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Isle of Man Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Isle of Man Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/ANoUSD, AUD, EUR, CZK, DKK, HUF, SGD, JPY, NOK, GBP, ZAR, ILS, NZD, PLN, CHF, SEK, CAD, BGNYes
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Labuan Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Labuan Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 10,000NoUSD, JPY, SGD, EUR, GBPYesFor businesses operating offshore or non-resident companies seeking to establish corporate banking relationships in Labuan, we collaborate with a mid-size financial institution renowned for its expertise in serving international clientele. With decades of industry experience, this bank has positioned itself as a key player in supporting global businesses across a variety of sectors. This bank welcomes companies incorporated in numerous offshore jurisdictions without the stricter requirements, such as business nexus in the South Asia - East Asia regions, unlike larger institutions within Labuan. Catering to a diverse range of industries, the bank is well-versed in supporting investment and asset holding companies, as well as businesses engaged in sectors such as trade, professional services, e-commerce, among others. Whether you operate in consultancy, marketing or international trade, this bank offers tailored services to meet your corporate banking needs. Their corporate accounts are available in various major currencies, such as USD, JPY, SGD, EUR and GBP and the bank supports SWIFT transactions. Transactions will be carried out with the assistance of a dedicated personal relationship manager. In addition to traditional banking services, the bank also offers Islamic banking options, including Shariah-compliant investment products and Islamic trade financing solutions. Minimum relationships start from USD 10,000. The account opening process can be handled entirely remotely, eliminating the need for travel to Labuan. We will guide you through the preparation of the necessary KYC documentation and provide comprehensive support to ensure a seamless and efficient bank account application process. If you are interested in opening a corporate bank account in Labuan, contact us today to assess your eligibility and initiate the account opening process!Bank 2USD 250,000NoMulticurrencyYesBank 3USD 25,000NoUSD, EUR, CAD, CHF, GBP, HKD, SGD, JPY, THB, AEDYesThey focus more on Labuan incorporated entities.
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Latvia Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Latvia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1case-by-caseNoEUR, PLN, CNY, HUFYesThe company should have a substance in EU or UK. Personal accounts only for persons residing/working in Latvia.
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Liechtenstein Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Liechtenstein Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesEvery active NFE needs to have a substance.
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Mauritius Bank Account - USD $ 600.00Mauritius Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 50,000NoMulticurrencyYesBank 2USD 50,000YesMulticurrencyYes
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Nevis Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Nevis Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 20,000NoUSD, EUR, GBPYesBank 2USD 100,000NoUSD, EUR, GBP, CHF, AUD, CAD, AED, JPY, SGD, HKDYesBank 3USD 25,000NoMulticurrencyYesBank 4USD 10,000NoUSDYes
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Panama Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Panama Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 50,000YesUSD, EUR, CADYesBank 2USD 10,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, GBP, CADYes
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Puerto Rico Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Puerto Rico Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/ANoMulticurrencyYesBank 2N/AYesUSD, HKD, AUD, CAD, CHF, CNY, DKK, EUR, GBP, JPY, NOK, NZD, SEK, SGD, TRL, XAF, ZARYesUnionpay Merchant service for clients.Bank 3USD 25,000NoUSDYesTheir main focus is on commercial type, trade finance.Bank 4USD 150,000NoUSDYes
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Saint Lucia Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Saint Lucia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 10,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, HKD, Multicurrency, CAD, CHF, AED, AUD, NZD, NOK, SEK, THB, JPY, ZARYes
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Seychelles Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Seychelles Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 25,000NoUSDYesInternet banking is in view mode only, all transactions are carried out via email or by phone.
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Singapore Bank Account - USD $ 900.00Singapore Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1SGD 100,000NoUSD, SGD, EUR, GBP, NZD, RMB, AUD, JPY, HKD, CHF, CADYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Bank 2USD 3,000,000NoUSD, SGDYesBank 3SGD 250,000NoMulticurrencyNoNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Bank 4USD 30,000NoUSD, SGD, AUD, CAD, HKD, NZD, GBP, EUR, JPY, CHFYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Bank 5SGD 250,000NoMulticurrencyYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.
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Switzerland Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Switzerland Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1CHF 500,000YesEUR, GBP, CHF, CAD, AUD, JPY, SGD, PLN, HKD, NOK, SEK, ILS, MXN, DKK, TRL, NZD, AEDYesAmina Bank does not open accounts with a pure transactional business nexus.Bank 2CHF 500,000YesMulticurrencyYesBank 3CHF 3,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesDeposit must be maintained in crypto assets held through the bank's custody services. Minimum Average Balance for high risk jurisdictions should be 1-2Mio CHF.
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USA Bank Account - USD $ 1,400.00USA Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 100,000NoUSDYesmin deposit USD 100k and more AND/OR with revenues of USD 1MBank 2from 10,000 but preferred 250K-300KYesUSD, MulticurrencyYesThey tend to focus more on technology/startup companies that are focused on growing and scaling through future equity raises and subsequent debt facilities.Bank 3USD 5,000YesUSDYesDebit cards can be delivered to overseas address, however, credit card could ONLY be delivered to a USA physical address (non-PO box).Bank 4Typically USD 25,000 - USD 50,000, for high risk USD 500,000YesUSDYesAt least one US based signatory is required. Purpose to open an account in US is required.Bank 5N/A (USD 250,000 preferred)NoUSDYes
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EMI Account - USD $ 300.00EMI AccountsEMIMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteEMI AccountN/ANoEUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, HKDYesCyprus EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesCyprus EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesCyprus EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesHong Kong EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesHong Kong EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesHong Kong EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesKazakhstan EMI AccountDepending on category.NoMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, HKDYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEUR, USD, GBP, SEK, JPY, HKDYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesLuxembourg EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesSingapore EMI AccountN/AYesSGD, USDYesSingapore EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesSingapore EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYes
Note that we can also assist the client with opening Electronic Money Institutions Accounts in the EEA at no additional cost.
Our bank account opening service is not just a mere introduction to the bank. We assist you in filling out the business plan forms appropriately and help you understand and provide business details, commercial information, and purpose/use of the bank account that a given bank wants to know in order to approve your account application.
Banks want certainty and clarity on how the account will be used. Everything must be watertight. We will work with you to make sure there is minimal ‘back and forth’ and a smooth account opening process.
UK Company Annual Corporate Services and Government Fees – USD 600.00 (payable one year after incorporation, and annually thereafter)
- Providing Registered Office Services, including a business address in Central London, for one year
- Providing Service Address for each partner/director/PSC
- Providing Secretarial Services for one year, including maintenance of minute book and statutory records
- Preparing and Submitting the Confirmation Statement to the Companies House
- All Applicable Companies House Fees
Other Services (Optional)
- Resident Director Services
- Full Accounting and Book-keeping Services
- Tax Services
- Registration of Limited Partnerships (Scotland and/or England and Wales)
- FCA-licensing for Payment/Electronic Money Institutions and Investment Businesses
Please, contact us for further information.