How to Form a Company as a Non-UK Resident

The UK business sector is thriving — particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Carrying out business in the UK is an excellent option as it opens you up to a leading market. Any business started in the UK by a non-UK resident has the same rights as a business owned by a resident. The easiest way to get your private limited company up and running is via a formation agent like Mint Formations .

We will help you organise all the documents needed to set up your limited company and ensure you don't make the mistakes people usually fall into when forming a limited company. If you want to know more about how a non-UK resident can set up their own limited company, continue reading.

Is it Possible for a Non-UK Resident to Open a Private Limited Company?

The answer is yes.

The process isn't that different from what it is for UK residents. You still need to register a company and if you have the right people helping, your company can be up and running in 24 hours.

Non-UK residents might experience some issues when dealing with UK banks, but even that isn't too difficult when you have prepared and have the right support.

What Are the Benefits of Forming a Company in the UK?

The many benefits to starting a company in the UK include:

Access to the Market

With access to one of the most lucrative global markets, you can begin to trade within the UK immediately and take advantage of its market opportunities.

Security

Are you concerned fraudsters could steal your branding as it grows abroad? Registering your company name as a non-resident will help to keep your copyright and intellectual property protected.

Avoid Legal Regulations

There are many official regulations and legal agreements required when trading as an international business within the UK. Non-residents who register a company in the UK will avoid much of this red tape.

Consumer Trust

With a business registered in the UK, non-resident entrepreneurs can increase their credibility with British consumers. They can also increase their profitability because British consumers tend to prefer to buy from local businesses.

Selecting a UK Jurisdiction

Companies House is responsible for approving incorporations in England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. You must officially register your company in one of these jurisdictions and maintain a registered office address there.

Your chosen jurisdiction dictates the location of your company’s contact address rather than where your trading operations are based. This means you can have a business premise located anywhere you want.

Mint Formations provide suitable address services with mail forwarding that can be bought during the application process and renewed annually.

How to Form a Company as a Non-UK Resident

To get started with your company formation process as a non-UK resident, you will need to do the following:

1. Check your company name’s availability: You need a name to register with Companies House to start your company. This name must not be in use in the UK.

2. Register an official UK office address: You need a UK address for official documentation and mail — but you don’t have to be located in the UK. You can use a service that allows you to register a virtual UK business address and have your post forwarded to you wherever you are in the world.

3. Open a UK registered bank account: The majority of UK banks offer services designed for overseas businesses.

4. Register your company with a formation package: There is a range of options for incorporating your company in the UK. Check out our price comparison page to learn more.

Ready to Form a Company as a Non-UK Resident?

At Mint Formations, we can help you form your limited company. We offer standard and bespoke international packages to meet your needs and can help you through every step of the process, so your business is quickly up and running. We can submit your application in a matter of hours and usually give you a verdict within a day. Once accepted, you can start doing business in the UK.

It’s simple to set up and operate a business in the UK. Contact Mint Formations today and we’ll ensure your company formation runs smoothly and quickly.

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