Register a UK company with Legal Startup. A dedicated corporate expert checks your name and structure, prepares the Companies House application, guides you through director identity verification and explains the HMRC, bank and Indian FEMA points you need to plan for.
Free call & custom quote · Professional fee + Companies House fee
UK company registration means incorporating a company with Companies House under the Companies Act 2006. Most Indian founders register a private limited company (Ltd). There is no UK residency requirement for directors or shareholders, but the company needs a UK registered office address.
Last updated: October 2026. UK company law, Companies House fees, identity verification timelines and Indian remittance rules can change, so we confirm the current position before filing.
A UK company is a legal entity registered at Companies House, the UK's registrar of companies. After registration, it receives a company number and a certificate of incorporation. The company is separate from its owners, can hold assets, sign contracts, open bank accounts and employ people in its own name.
Indian founders use UK companies for consulting and technology services, e-commerce, trading, selling to UK and European customers, raising investment and building a presence in the UK market. The right structure depends on the activity, the owners and whether you plan to hire or raise funds.
For official guidance, visit Companies House on GOV.UK. For tax registration and rules, see HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Companies House sets the rules. These are the common points for a private limited company.
How the company is identified.
Who owns and runs the company.
Where the company is based on record.
Transparency rules.
Not sure whether a Ltd, an LLP or a UK branch suits your plan? Tell us about your business and our experts will suggest a structure free of charge.
Why Indian founders set up a company in the UK.
Shareholders are generally liable only up to the amount unpaid on their shares.
The company owns assets, signs contracts and can sue or be sued in its own name.
Directors and shareholders do not have to live in the UK to own a private limited company.
A UK company number and public register entry can help with clients, platforms and partners.
Invoice and receive payments in pounds through a UK or international business account.
Companies House accepts online applications, so you can incorporate without visiting the UK.
From name check to HMRC registration and your bank account.
Timelines depend on Companies House workload, name checks and verification. Not to scale.
The name must be unique on the register and follow the naming rules. We also check for conflicts with existing trade marks.
We confirm whether a Ltd fits, then set the directors, shareholders and share structure.
We collect personal details, choose the SIC code and prepare the articles of association and PSC information.
A UK registered office address and a registered email address are needed. We guide you on the options.
Directors and controlling persons verify their identity, then the application and fee are submitted online.
After the certificate of incorporation, register for corporation tax and open a business bank account.
Keep these ready to avoid delays. Our expert will confirm the exact list for your case.
The total cost depends on the structure, whether you need a UK address and how much support you want. It generally has these parts:
Companies House charges a statutory incorporation fee set by the UK Government. It has changed in recent years, so we confirm the current amount before filing.
A UK registered office address, and any bank or payment account charges, are separate from incorporation.
Our fee depends on the case and the filings required. Call free for a custom quote before you pay anything.
HMRC registration, VAT, accounting and annual filings are quoted separately. We share a clear, itemised quote before you begin. Get your free quote →
Choose the situation that matches your plan, or call free for a custom quote.
Founders forming a new UK limited company.
Set-up plus UK address, HMRC and bank guidance.
UK branch, annual filings and Indian-side reporting.
Our professional fee is quoted after a free call. Companies House and address fees are separate. Acceptance by UK authorities and banks is never guaranteed. Not sure which option fits? Ask for a free consultation.
A quick view of common structures. Tax treatment depends on your circumstances.
| Structure | Liability | Registered with | Tax basis | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private limited company (Ltd) | Limited to unpaid share capital | Companies House | Corporation tax on company profits | Most trading, services and investor-backed businesses |
| Limited liability partnership (LLP) | Limited for members | Companies House | Members taxed on profit share | Professional services and partnerships |
| UK establishment of an overseas company | Parent company remains liable | Companies House | Depends on the UK activity | Indian companies extending into the UK |
| Sole trader | Unlimited personal liability | HMRC | Income tax on profits | Very small, simple businesses |
Careful planning before filing prevents most rejections and penalties.
Incorporation is the start. A UK company has continuing filing and tax duties.
Complete the provider's checks and open an account in the company's name.
Register for corporation tax, and for VAT or PAYE if your turnover or hiring requires it.
Confirm the company's details to Companies House at least once every 12 months.
File annual accounts with Companies House and a company tax return with HMRC, and pay corporation tax on time.
Update Companies House on changes to directors, addresses or control, and meet Indian reporting duties.
Quick answers on UK company registration for Indian founders.
UK company registration is the process of incorporating a company with Companies House under the Companies Act 2006. The most common choice is a private company limited by shares, usually called a Ltd. Once registered, the company is a separate legal entity with its own company number.
Yes. There is no UK residency requirement for directors or shareholders of a private limited company. The company does need a registered office address in the UK and a registered email address. Owning a UK company does not by itself give any right to live or work in the UK.
You need a unique company name, at least one director who is an individual aged 16 or over, at least one shareholder, a UK registered office address, a registered email address, articles of association, details of people with significant control and the company's business activity code. The exact rules are set by Companies House.
A private limited company by shares has no statutory minimum share capital beyond issuing at least one share, and many companies start with a very small amount. You can choose a share structure that suits your plans for investors and ownership.
Under UK corporate transparency reforms, directors and people with significant control must verify their identity with Companies House, either directly or through an authorised agent. Timelines and methods are being phased in, so we confirm the current process before filing.
Usually passport details, date of birth, nationality, occupation, residential address and a service address for each director and person with significant control, plus proof of identity for verification. The company needs a UK registered office address, a registered email address and the proposed name and activity. Corporate shareholders need extra documents.
Online applications are often processed quickly, sometimes within a day, but timing depends on Companies House workload, name checks and any identity verification or further queries. We prepare the application carefully to avoid rejections that cause delay.
The cost includes the government incorporation fee charged by Companies House, a UK registered office address if you need one, and our professional fee. The government fee is set by the UK Government and has changed in recent years, so we confirm the current amount and share an itemised quote after a free call.
A UK company must register with HMRC for corporation tax, file annual accounts and a company tax return, file a confirmation statement each year, keep statutory registers and update Companies House on changes. VAT and PAYE registration apply if the company crosses the threshold or hires employees. We provide a current compliance calendar.
Sometimes. UK banks and online providers run identity and business checks, and some are more open to non-resident owners than others. Approval is at the provider's discretion, so we prepare your documents and business explanation before you apply.
An Indian resident who invests in a foreign company must follow FEMA and RBI rules on overseas investment and remittances, and must report foreign assets and income in Indian tax returns. Rules change, so we explain the current position and recommend taking tax advice before you remit funds.
No. A UK company does not give a right to live, work or run the business from inside the UK. If you plan to relocate, you need a suitable UK visa route, which has its own eligibility and requirements. We suggest taking immigration advice for that.
Planning a UK company? Speak to our corporate expert today – the consultation and the quote are free.
Tell us what you need and our team will get back to you with the right guidance.
Legalstartup ke certificates, registrations aur recognitions jo hamari credibility dikhate hain.
Legalstartup ke saath register hue trademarks aur businesses.
"Explore how Legalstartup has helped businesses reach new heights as their trusted partner."
Hazaron businesses aur founders Legalstartup par bharosa karte hain.