Company name checker
Formations start from £100 (state fee included).
Start and Manage Your UK Company from Anywhere in the World
For foreign directors and entrepreneurs – 100% online company formation and accounting, built for non-UK residents.
Start and Manage Your UK Company from Anywhere in the World
For foreign directors and entrepreneurs – 100% online company formation and accounting, built for non-UK residents.
Why the United Kingdom
Why set up a UK company as a non-resident?
The UK remains one of the world's most respected and accessible business jurisdictions open to anyone, anywhere.
No residency required
Anyone worldwide can register a UK limited company. No citizenship, residency, or visa needed.
Ready in 1 working day
Your UK Ltd is registered with Companies House and ready to trade in as little as 24 hours.
Globally respected
A UK Ltd carries international credibility. Trusted by banks, clients, and partners worldwide.
100% online
From formation to ongoing accounting. Everything managed remotely without visiting the UK.
WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE US
Providing our customers exactly what they need so their business can thrive.
What we offer for foreign directors
UK Company Formation
- Register a UK limited company fully online
- Use our London-based registered office address
- Includes digital incorporation documents
Business essentials for Non-Residents
- Director’s service address (to protect your privacy)
- Mail forwarding and scanned post
- Guidance on UK tax registration (VAT, PAYE, UTR)
Online accounting made easy
- Cloud-based accounting platform with real-time dashboard
- Monthly bookkeeping, payroll, tax filing
- Fully compliant with UK laws and HMRC requirements
Mandatory identity verification
- Mandatory ID verification for all directors and PSCs
- Fully digital process using passport, proof of address and liveness check
- Verification handled directly by 1Office: simple, secure and fully online
- Remote verification for non-UK residents, integrated into our formation flow
Download our simple business guide
What’s inside the guide?
✔ Step-by-step company formation explained
✔ Legal requirements made easy to follow
✔ Practical tips to avoid common mistakes
Whether you’re a freelancer, startup founder, or international entrepreneur, this guide will give you everything you need to confidently start your company in the United Kingdom.
Enter your name and email to receive our guide right away.
Download our simple business guide
What’s inside the guide?
✔ Step-by-step company formation explained
✔ Legal requirements made easy to follow
✔ Practical tips to avoid common mistakes
Whether you’re a freelancer, startup founder, or international entrepreneur, this guide will give you everything you need to confidently start your company in the United Kingdom.
Enter your name and email to receive our guide right away.
Who this is for
Non-UK residents planning to start a business in the UK
Residents of other countries who want a UK presence
Freelancers, consultants, e-commerce sellers, and agency owners
Founders who want a prestigious UK address for their business
HOW IT WORKS
From zero to UK company in 4 steps
Simple, guided, and fully remote. We handle the complexity so you don't have to.
1
Tell us about your company
Choose a company name, share your details, and select your package. The whole process takes under 5 minutes online.
2
Complete ID verification
UK law requires all directors to verify identity. We guide you through a fast digital check using your passport. No visits or paperwork needed.
3
We register your company
1Office files with Companies House on your behalf. Your certificate of incorporation is issued within 1 working day.
✓
Start trading while we handle compliance
Your company is live. We manage ongoing accounting, VAT, payroll, and HMRC filings so you can focus on your business.
Identity Verification for Non-Residents
UK company law now requires all directors, PSCs and authorised persons to complete identity verification. This is a mandatory step for every new UK company, including non-resident founders.
1Office guides you through the process and provides the required digital ID check, so you can complete everything fully online from any country.
Get in touch with our business advisor
Annika Lee
Business Solutions Advisor
“As a Business Solutions Advisor in the United Kingdom, I have witnessed exceptional results that our clients have achieved. Our expertise in understanding the complexities of local regulations and providing tailored financial solutions has enabled businesses to thrive and make informed decisions, ensuring their long-term success.”
Tel:+44 20 3868 9958
E-mail: annika.lee@1office.co
OUR PARTNERS
Extensive partner network to help your business succeed
Frequently Asked Questions
Setting Up a UK Company as a Non-Resident
Do I need to visit the UK to open a UK limited company?
No. You can register a UK limited company fully online without visiting the UK.
Company formation, director appointments, and compliance setup can all be completed remotely from anywhere in the world.
What are the requirements for a non-UK resident to register a UK limited company?
To register a UK limited company as a non-UK resident, you need:
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At least one director and one shareholder (can be the same person)
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A UK registered office address
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Compliance with Companies House and HMRC requirements
There is no UK citizenship or residency requirement for directors or shareholders.
Do I need a solicitor or accountant to register a UK company?
No solicitor is required to register a UK limited company.
If you use a professional formation provider such as 1Office, company registration and compliance can be handled without hiring a solicitor separately.
Accounting support is not legally mandatory at incorporation but is strongly recommended to ensure ongoing compliance with HMRC and Companies House.
Do I need to register for VAT when starting a UK company?
Not automatically.
You must register for VAT if your UK taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in a 12-month period.
You may also voluntarily register for VAT below the threshold, depending on your business model (for example, if you trade with VAT-registered customers or want to reclaim VAT on expenses).
What are my options for a UK business bank account as a non-UK resident?
Non-UK residents can open a business account using:
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Fintech providers
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Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs)
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International banks that support UK companies
A UK bank account is not legally required, but a business account is necessary to operate efficiently and maintain proper accounting records.
When will I receive my Companies House authentication code?
Your Companies House authentication code is usually issued within a few working days after company incorporation. We’ll forward it to you once received.
Can a non-UK resident be the sole director of a UK company?
Yes. A non-UK resident can be the sole director of a UK limited company.
There is no requirement for directors to live in the UK or hold UK citizenship.
The company must still:
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Have a UK registered office address
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Meet ongoing Companies House and HMRC compliance obligations
Many UK companies are fully managed by overseas directors.
Can I change directors or shareholders after incorporation?
Yes. Directors and shareholders can be changed at any time after incorporation.
Changes must be:
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Properly documented
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Reported to Companies House within the required timeframe
Common changes include appointing or removing directors, issuing or transferring shares, and updating ownership structure.
FEATURED INSIGHT ARTICLES
Worthwhile reading to point you in the right direction.
Planning to start a company in the UK as a non-resident? Read this in 2026.
UK limited company registration 2026: Non-resident guide
UK limited company deadlines 2026: Confirmation statement, accounts & corporation tax due dates
VAT registration in the UK: Comprehensive guide for 2026
Get in touch
Email, call or complete the form to request more information about 1Office United Kingdom services and how we can help you expand your business to or maintain a high level of quality in accounting and compliance in the UK.
Email us
We are happy to respond to your requests
Call us
Happy to take your call during office hours
Visit us
65 London Wall, London EC2M 5TU, UK
Mon-Fri 9.00-17.00, local time
A team on location with international experience
Our team’s international background and on-site presence offer valuable location-specific insights and perspectives.
Customised services based on your specific needs
Our approach to your business is personalised and focused to deliver the best experience.