Company formation in United Kingdom
Private limited company (Ltd)
Legal minimum, year 1£170
Legal minimum, per year after£50
Typical year 1£1,585
Corporation tax25%Ease Banking
Every fee
Setting up
Government fee£100
£100 onlineRegistered office address (if no UK address)£20 to 150
Required
Formation agent£0 to 100
Optional
ID verification via agent£0 to 50
Optional
Share capital£1
Time to form1 to 2 days
Running it, per year
Confirmation statement£50
Required
Registered office address£0 to 150
RequiredFree if you have a UK address
Annual accounts and CT600 filing£0
RequiredFree to file yourself
Accountant£0 to 2,400
Practically neededNot legally required
Legal minimum after year 1£50
Audit: Exempt for small companiesForeign ownersNo resident director neededFully online; directors must pass Companies House ID verification
Tax25% (19% under £50k profit, marginal relief between)Dividend withholding: 0% on dividendsVAT/GST: 20%
BankingHigh street banks often refuse non-residents; Wise, Revolut, Airwallex and Tide are usually fine
UK registered office address is mandatory.
Questions
- How much does it cost to set up a company in United Kingdom?
- The legal minimum for the first year is £170, counting only what the law requires and doing every filing yourself. A typical first year, with an accountant, costs about £1,585. The government fee is £100 (£100 online). Share capital is not included.
- How much does it cost per year to run a company in United Kingdom?
- The legal minimum after the first year is £50 a year. Running costs including optional and practically needed services range from £50 to 2,600. Audit: Exempt for small companies.
- Do I need a local director in United Kingdom?
- No. No resident director needed.
- Can a non-resident form a company in United Kingdom remotely?
- Yes. Fully online; directors must pass Companies House ID verification.
- What is the corporation tax rate in United Kingdom?
- 25% (19% under £50k profit, marginal relief between). Dividend withholding: 0% on dividends. VAT/GST: 20%.
- How long does it take to form a company in United Kingdom?
- 1 to 2 days.
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