Quick answer
People based outside the UK can generally form a UK private limited company (LTD) by registering it with Companies House, the UK company registry. You will need a company name, a UK registered office address, at least one director, details of the owners and verified identities. Requirements and processing times are set by the registry and can change, so always check the official guidance.
In this article
What a UK LTD is
A UK private limited company, usually shortened to LTD, is a business registered as a separate legal entity. It is registered with Companies House, the UK's company registry. The people who own it are shareholders, and the people who manage it are directors.
What to prepare before you start
- A company name that is available and follows the registry's naming rules.
- A registered office address in the UK, where official post can be sent.
- At least one director, with their personal details.
- Details of the shareholders and how the shares are split.
- A short description of what the company will do, matched to an industry classification code.
- Identification documents, so the identities of company officers can be verified.
How registration generally works
- 1
Choose and check the name
Pick a company name and check it is available on the registry.
- 2
Prepare the details
Gather the registered office address, director and shareholder details and the business activity.
- 3
Verify identities
Company officers need to have their identity verified under the UK's current rules.
- 4
Submit the application
The incorporation application is submitted to Companies House.
- 5
The registry decides
Companies House reviews the application and, if it is accepted, issues a certificate of incorporation.
After the company is formed
Forming the company is the first step. A UK company also has ongoing duties, such as keeping its details up to date and filing accounts and a confirmation statement. Opening a business bank account or payment account is a separate process, and the bank or provider decides whether to approve it.
Tax obligations depend on your circumstances. Speak to a qualified tax professional about what applies to you.
How Skills Commerce can help
We support the preparation and submission of UK LTD applications and related steps such as identity verification and a UK commercial address. Final registration always belongs to the registry.
The Skills Commerce team
Guides are written by our team in Sialkot. They are general information to help you get oriented, not legal, tax or financial advice.
