How to Register a UK Company in 2026: A Guide for UK and Overseas Founders

You don't need to live in the UK to register a UK company — but if you're applying from abroad, a few extra details matter. This guide covers exactly how to register a UK company in 2026, with specific notes for founders based outside the UK, plus the current fees, timelines, and identity verification rules that apply to everyone.

Can Non-UK Residents Register a UK Company?

Yes. There's no residency or citizenship requirement to be a director or shareholder of a UK company. What you do need is a UK registered office address — this can't be a foreign address — and every director must complete the same identity verification as a UK-based founder, regardless of where they live.

What You Need Before You Register

Company Name and Registered Office

Check your company name is available on the Companies House register, and arrange a UK address to use as your registered office. If you don't have one, a registered office service (often bundled with formation agent packages) can provide a compliant UK address on your behalf.

Directors and Shareholders

You need at least one director and one shareholder, who can live anywhere in the world. If any person holds significant control over the company — typically more than 25% of shares or voting rights — their details must be declared as a Person with Significant Control (PSC).

Identity Verification Requirements

Since 18 November 2025, identity verification is mandatory for every director and PSC, no matter their location. You can verify directly through GOV.UK One Login, or through an authorised formation agent — which is often the more practical route for founders without a UK-based government-issued ID already recognised by the system.

Step-by-Step: How to Register a UK Company

1. Choose your company type and confirm your name is available
2. Complete identity verification for all directors and PSCs
3. Arrange a UK registered office address and registered email address
4. Appoint directors and shareholders, and set your share structure
5. Assign a SIC code for your business activity
6. File Form IN01 with Companies House
7. Receive your certificate of incorporation

Costs and Timelines in 2026

• Online filing: £100, usually approved within 24 hours
• Same-day filing: £156, approved same day if submitted before 3pm (via approved software)
• Paper filing: £124, taking 8–10 working days

There's no additional statutory fee for being based outside the UK — the cost is the same as for a UK resident. Any extra cost comes from optional services like a registered office address or formation agent support.

Opening a UK Business Bank Account as a Non-Resident

This is usually the hardest part for overseas founders — some traditional banks require an in-person visit or a UK-based director. Digital-first business banks and fintech providers are often more practical for non-resident founders, and several formation packages include a business bank account application as part of the service.

Tax and Compliance After Registration

• Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC within 3 months of trading, regardless of where you're based
• Consider whether you also have tax obligations in your home country — a UK company doesn't automatically remove tax responsibilities elsewhere
• Register for VAT if your UK taxable turnover is likely to cross the current threshold
• Keep statutory records of directors, shareholders, and PSCs up to date

FAQs for International Founders

Do I need a UK visa to register a UK company? No. Registering a company doesn't grant any right to live or work in the UK — those are separate, unrelated processes.

Can all my directors be based outside the UK? Yes, as long as each one completes identity verification and the company has a genuine UK registered office address.

Is the registration fee different for overseas founders? No — it's the same £100 online filing fee as for UK residents. Any extra cost comes from optional support services.

What's the most common issue overseas founders run into? Completing identity verification with a non-UK form of ID, and finding a compliant UK registered office address — both are easiest to solve using a formation agent familiar with international applications.