The United Kingdom: company formation
Private Limited Company · Europe
Updated on 3 November 2026 · Published under the responsibility of Jason Pivron, director · Who we are
Ltd in the United Kingdom — company, registered office, banking file and annual upkeep, run by us, with a local correspondent where we have one.
Who this jurisdiction suits
- Negligible official incorporation cost.
- Immediate commercial credibility with international clients.
- Flexible company law and abundant case law.
What it does not solve
- UK banks frequently refuse non-resident directors.
- Public register: directors' and beneficial owners' identities verified and searchable.
Conditions to meet
Usual capital, no legal source cited: to be checked
Usual time, from our files; to be checked.
Demanding. UK banks frequently refuse companies with non-resident directors; fintechs remain accessible.
A registered office and a service address for directors are mandatory: both are included. Since the registry reforms, directors' identities are verified and public.
Our assessment for the United Kingdom; to be checked.
Office in London, on quotation.
Our offer in the United Kingdom, internal catalogue.
Registration in the United Kingdom: Companies House. Source: gov.uk
Services and prices
Starting prices excluding tax, government fees included.
See the other 9 services in this jurisdiction
Firm price after the call: several shareholders, indirect ownership or a regulated activity change it.
Financial licences in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom compared with Gibraltar and Switzerland
| United Kingdom | Gibraltar | Switzerland | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usual company form | Ltd | Ltd | Sàrl · SA |
| Corporate taxation | 19 to 25 % depending on profit | ≈ 15 % · exemptions on non-territorial income | 11.9 to 21 % all taxes combined, by canton |
| Share capital | £1 | £2,000 | CHF 20,000 |
| Incorporation time | 2–3 days | 1 week | 4–8 weeks |
| Banking access | Demanding | Demanding | Accessible |
| Substance requirement | The address is enough | Necessary, but not sufficient on its own | Real presence required |
| Our services | from 1,490 € | from 2,690 € | from 6,090 € |
To be checked against each profile. The page for Gibraltar → · The page for Switzerland →
Compare this jurisdiction
Registered office and premises in the United Kingdom
From 999 €. Registered office service →
How it runs
- Scoping and identity verification
- Drafting the articles
- Signature and capital deposit
- Registration
- Account opening and start-up
For the United Kingdom, the register is kept by Companies House and the usual time is 2–3 days.
Steps as recorded on 21 September 2026.
Group: European company · Our fees → · What we do for you →
Company formation in the United Kingdom: frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to set up a company in the United Kingdom?
Company formation in the United Kingdom starts at 1,490 €, excluding tax. Firm quote before signature.
How long does it take to register a company in the United Kingdom?
About 2–3 days once the file is complete (usual time from our files; to be checked).
Where is a company registered in the United Kingdom?
With the Companies House (source: gov.uk).
What is the corporate tax rate in the United Kingdom?
19 to 25 % depending on profit (data as of 21 September 2026; source: gov.uk). Not tax advice.
What share capital is usual in the United Kingdom?
£1: usual capital, not a legal minimum; to be checked.
Why set up a company in the United Kingdom?
Negligible official incorporation cost. Immediate commercial credibility with international clients. Flexible company law and abundant case law.
What are the drawbacks of a company in the United Kingdom?
UK banks frequently refuse non-resident directors. Public register: directors' and beneficial owners' identities verified and searchable.
United Kingdom or Gibraltar or Switzerland: where do our services start?
from 1,490 € in the United Kingdom; from 2,690 € in Gibraltar; from 6,090 € in Switzerland, excluding tax.
United Kingdom or Gibraltar or Switzerland: how does corporate tax compare?
United Kingdom, 19 to 25 % depending on profit; Gibraltar, ≈ 15 % · exemptions on non-territorial income; Switzerland, 11.9 to 21 % all taxes combined, by canton; to be checked.
United Kingdom or Gibraltar or Switzerland: which is faster to register?
United Kingdom in 2–3 days; Gibraltar in 1 week; Switzerland in 4–8 weeks, usual times.
Where these figures come from
Recorded on 21 September 2026; to be checked; banking and substance: our assessment. How we source these figures →