Company formation in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is not a low-tax jurisdiction, and that is the point. A UK limited company buys counterparty trust, banking depth and an FCA route that no nil-tax certificate can replace. We are headquartered here.
Corporation tax
19% / 25%
Formation time
24–48 hours
Regulator
FCA · HMRC
Our HQ
London
Tax and reporting
Corporation tax is 25% on profits above GBP 250,000 and 19% below GBP 50,000, with marginal relief between. VAT registration is required above the turnover threshold and is often taken voluntarily for credibility with suppliers. Annual accounts and a confirmation statement go to Companies House; a corporation tax return goes to HMRC.
Incorporation requirements
- Private company limited by shares, incorporated with Companies House in 24–48 hours.
- One director and one shareholder minimum; no residency requirement.
- Registered office in the UK and an appropriate registered email address.
- Identity verification for directors and persons with significant control under the current regime.
- Public register: directors and PSC details are visible, unlike offshore registers.
Regulated activity and the API/EMI route
Payment services, e-money issuance, consumer credit, claims management and investment activity all require FCA authorisation or registration. The FCA expects a UK-based management team, adequate capital, safeguarding arrangements and a tested AML framework, and it scrutinises business models aimed at high-risk sectors. Money service businesses that are not otherwise supervised register with HMRC for AML purposes.
For gambling operators taking UK customers, a Gambling Commission licence is required regardless of where the company is incorporated.
Company formation, banking and licensing handled together
We form the entity, prepare the due-diligence file the way an onboarding committee reads it, and take the licence application through to grant where one is required. Ownership chart, licence scope, AML/KYC policy and expected flows by corridor are prepared before any bank sees the file.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-resident set up a UK company?
Yes. There is no residency requirement for directors or shareholders, although a UK registered office is mandatory and banks will ask about your operational footprint.
Is a UK company good for high-risk business?
It is excellent as a credible holding or contracting entity and for FCA-regulated activity. Unregulated high-risk flows through a UK company are still hard to bank, so the licence question comes first.
How quickly can we be trading?
Incorporation is typically next-day. Banking is the slower step; with a prepared due-diligence file we usually target two to six weeks.
Considering United Kingdom for your structure?
We will confirm in writing whether it fits your regulator and your banks. Reply within 2 hours.
Other jurisdictions