Company Formation in the United Kingdom

UK Limited Company (Ltd) and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) formation and ongoing corporate support with Company Express.

The United Kingdom offers an internationally recognised business environment, an established legal framework and opportunities for international entrepreneurs.

Company Express assists international clients with UK company and partnership formation and ongoing corporate administration.

Our Services

• Registration of UK private limited companies (Ltd);
• Registration of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP);
• Assistance with corporate documentation and registration formalities;
• Registered office and administrative support, subject to availability;
• Nominee director and shareholder services, where legally permissible and subject to applicable disclosure requirements;
• Accounting, taxation and ongoing company maintenance through qualified professionals;
• Assistance with business bank account and EMI applications, subject to provider approval.

Why Choose the United Kingdom?

• Internationally recognised business jurisdiction;
• Established legal framework for business;
• Opportunities for international trade and investment;
• Possibility of foreign ownership of a UK limited company;
• No general UK residency requirement for company directors;
• Flexible corporate structures, including Ltd companies and LLP partnerships, for international business activities.

Company and Partnership Registration

Private Limited Company (Ltd)

A UK private limited company (Ltd) is a commonly used legal structure for international business. Shareholders’ liability is generally limited to the amount unpaid on their shares.

UK company registration involves preparing incorporation documentation, registering the company with Companies House and providing information about directors, shareholders and persons with significant control (PSCs).

A UK company must maintain an appropriate registered office address in the part of the United Kingdom where it is incorporated. The address must meet Companies House requirements.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is a separate legal entity combining certain characteristics of a partnership with limited liability protection.

An LLP must generally have at least two designated members responsible for specified statutory duties.

An LLP may be suitable for certain international business and professional activities, depending on the circumstances of its members and the nature of its operations.

The tax treatment of an LLP depends on its activities, the tax residence of its members and other relevant circumstances. Incorporating an LLP does not automatically provide an exemption from UK or foreign taxation.

Registration and Compliance

Both Ltd companies and LLPs are registered with Companies House.

Identity verification requirements apply to company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs). Relevant identity verification rules also apply to LLP members.

Companies and LLPs must comply with applicable registration, annual reporting, confirmation statement and beneficial ownership disclosure requirements.

Bank account opening is subject to the financial institution’s compliance and due diligence procedures.

UK Corporate Taxation and Annual Reporting

Private Limited Companies (Ltd)

The main UK Corporation Tax rate is 25% for companies with taxable profits above £250,000.

A small profits rate of 19% generally applies to companies with taxable profits of £50,000 or less, subject to eligibility.

Marginal relief may be available for companies with profits between these thresholds.

The thresholds may be reduced where a company has associated companies or an accounting period shorter than 12 months. Special rules and exceptions may also apply.

UK limited companies are subject to applicable annual accounts, Corporation Tax reporting, confirmation statement and beneficial ownership disclosure requirements.

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP)

An LLP carrying on business with a view to profit is generally treated as tax-transparent for UK tax purposes, with profits normally taxed at the level of its members.

However, specific tax rules, exceptions and anti-avoidance provisions may apply. The actual tax treatment depends on the LLP’s activities, the residence and status of its members and other relevant circumstances.

An LLP must also comply with applicable Companies House requirements, including filing annual accounts and confirmation statements.

Professional tax advice should be obtained where necessary, particularly for international structures and non-UK resident members.

Banking and Payment Solutions

Company Express assists clients in identifying suitable banking and payment solutions for UK companies and partnerships.

Account opening depends on customer due diligence, ownership structure, business activities and the decision of the bank or payment service provider.

For more information, see our Bank & Financial Account Opening services.

Why Company Express?

Established in 1984, Company Express has extensive experience in international company formation and corporate services.

We assist clients with choosing an appropriate business structure, UK company and LLP registration and ongoing corporate administration, working with qualified professionals where required.