Setting up a UK Ltd as a non-resident
The British Private Limited Company is one of the simplest companies to form from abroad: a few days, a token share capital, immediate credibility. The hard part is not the formation, it is the bank account.
Published on 3 November 2026 · Jason Pivron, director
Legal form and timing
The usual form is the Private Limited Company. The usual capital recorded is £1, to be checked, and incorporation takes 2 to 3 days according to our United Kingdom profile.
A registered office in the UK and a service address for directors are mandatory: both are included in our service. The official formation cost is negligible; it is running the company that counts in the budget.
Corporation tax
The rate ranges from 19% to 25% depending on profit. It was recorded on 21 September 2026 and its official source checked on 30 September 2026.
A UK Ltd does not, on its own, change its director's personal tax: they remain taxed where they live. Nothing here is tax advice; your case is checked during the scoping call.
A public register
Since the registry reforms, directors' identities are verified and public, as are beneficial owners'. A Ltd is therefore not suited to anyone seeking discretion: anyone can see who runs and who owns it.
That is also what gives it immediate commercial credibility with international clients, together with flexible company law and abundant case law.
Banking, the real obstacle
Our assessment of banking access: demanding. UK banks frequently refuse companies whose directors do not live in the UK; fintechs remain accessible.
Our bank account opening service builds the substance file and presents it to at least two institutions, with a documented fintech alternative where traditional banking is out of reach. It is an obligation of means, never of result.
What a UK Ltd costs
Published prices, government fees included, excluding capital and travel. Details are on the United Kingdom profile.
- Company formation: €1,490 one-off
- Registered office: €999, then €999 per year
- Bank account opening: €1,190 one-off
- Accounting, filings and audit: €1,590, then €1,590 per year
- Renewal and upkeep: €1,190, then €1,190 per year
United Kingdom, Ireland or Estonia
Ireland taxes trading activities at 12.5% and its banking ecosystem is used to foreign shareholders; however, it requires a director resident in the European Economic Area, failing which a bond must be posted. Formation there is published at €4,090.
For a company run online, see our United Kingdom or Estonia comparison. A free 20-minute call is enough to choose, with a firm quote before signature: book a call.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-resident set up a Ltd in the UK?
Yes. The company needs a registered office in the UK and a service address for its directors, included in our service; incorporation takes 2 to 3 days.
What is the corporation tax rate in the UK?
From 19% to 25% depending on profit. To be checked for your case; a Ltd does not change its director's personal tax.
Can you open a UK bank account without living in the UK?
It is difficult: UK banks frequently refuse non-resident directors; fintechs remain accessible.
How much does a UK Ltd cost?
Our published price for formation is €1,490, government fees included; the registered office is €999 per year.