Company Formation in UK: A Complete 2026 Guide for Indian & Global Entrepreneurs
The UK remains one of the most business‑friendly jurisdictions in the world, offering fast digital incorporation, predictable tax rules and strong investor confidence. For Indian and other non‑UK residents, forming a UK company can be done entirely online without visiting the country.
Why Consider a UK Company?
- Global credibility and trust
A UK “Limited” company is widely recognised by banks, investors and counterparties, which helps in international trade, SaaS, consulting and e‑commerce. - Access to the UK and EU/US markets
Many Indian promoters route exports, tech services and holding structures through the UK to access customers, payment gateways and venture capital. - Clear and stable legal framework
The regime is governed mainly by the Companies Act 2006 and overseen by Companies House and HMRC, with online systems for almost all filings. - Fast and low‑cost incorporation
A private limited company can be incorporated online in a few hours to a couple of days at relatively modest fees.
Popular UK Business Structures
For most SME and founder‑led businesses, three structures are relevant:
- Private Company Limited by Shares (Ltd)
Separate legal entity, shareholders’ liability limited to share capital, most common for trading and startups. - Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Used for professional firms and joint ventures; members are taxed on their share of profits, not at entity level. - Sole trader / partnership
No separate legal personality; simpler but offers no limited liability protection and is less suitable for overseas promoters.
For non‑resident founders, a private company limited by shares is usually the preferred route because of limited liability, investor familiarity and ease of sale/exit.
Can a Non‑UK Resident Form a UK Company?
- No residency or citizenship requirement
UK law does not require directors or shareholders to be UK residents, and foreign nationals can fully own and manage a UK private limited company. - Minimum management requirements
You must have at least one individual director (16+ years old) and at least one shareholder, which can be the same person. - Mandatory UK registered office
Every company must maintain a physical registered office address in the UK (not a PO box), where official correspondence from Companies House and HMRC is sent. This can be your accountant’s or a formation agent’s address.
You can therefore run the company remotely from India or any other country, subject to tax, exchange‑control and substance considerations in both jurisdictions.
Key Pre‑Incorporation Decisions
Before filing Form IN01 with Companies House, founders should freeze a few core facts to avoid repeated corrections.
- Business model and structure
- Choose between Ltd, LLP, or other forms.
- Decide whether this UK entity is a trading company, a holding company, or primarily a marketing/sales base.
- Company name
- Jurisdiction within the UK
- Directors and shareholders
- Share capital and classes
- Many small companies start with £1–£100 of ordinary shares, but higher capital or multiple share classes may be used for funding rounds.
- Plan whether you need different share classes (e.g., “A” voting, “B” non‑voting, preference shares) before drafting bespoke Articles.
- Principal business activity (SIC Code)
Mandatory Documents & Information
When incorporating, you generally need the following documents and data:
- Form IN01 – Application to register a company
Includes company name, registered office, directors, shareholders, share capital details and SIC code(s). - Memorandum of Association
A short legal statement, signed electronically by the initial subscribers, confirming their intention to form the company and become members. - Articles of Association
The internal rulebook of the company covering director powers, decision‑making, share issues, transfers, pre‑emption rights, etc. - Director and PSC (Person with Significant Control) details
Full particulars of all directors and any person who ultimately owns or controls more than 25% of shares or voting rights. - Registered office address and, where used, service address
- Lawful purpose and compliance statements
A confirmation that the company is formed for lawful purposes and will comply with UK law.
Identity Verification and Compliance Reforms
Recent reforms have tightened identity verification and anti‑fraud checks:
- All new directors and PSCs must complete identity verification either directly with Companies House or via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as an accountant or formation agent.
- ACSPs must themselves be registered and supervised for anti‑money laundering (AML) compliance, and they must conduct KYC checks on clients.
- Non‑resident founders should be ready with clear passport copies, proof of address and any additional KYC documents requested by the agent or bank.
These measures add a layer of compliance but significantly enhance the credibility of UK corporate records.
Step‑by‑Step Process to Register a UK Private Limited Company
The practical steps to form a UK Ltd in 2026 are broadly as follows:
- Finalise your structure and share setup
- Check and reserve a company name
- Arrange a UK registered office and service address
- Compile director, shareholder and PSC details
- Draft or adopt Articles of Association
- Complete and submit Form IN01
- Pay the incorporation fee
- Receive the Certificate of Incorporation
- Post‑incorporation setup
In straightforward cases, online incorporation for a new private limited company can be completed in less than 24 hours.
Post‑Incorporation Essentials: Banking, Tax and Compliance
1. Open a UK Business Bank Account
- For non‑resident founders, digital‑first banks and fintechs such as Wise or Revolut often provide the most practical route to a UK business account, subject to their internal risk policies.
- Traditional high‑street banks typically require stronger UK ties, in‑person meetings or local presence, and may be more selective with overseas‑owned companies.
Having a UK bank account simplifies invoicing, payroll, tax payments and FX management.
2. Register for Corporation Tax
- A UK‑incorporated company must generally register for Corporation Tax with HMRC within a set period after becoming “active” for tax purposes (usually within 3 months of starting business activities).
- Corporation Tax is charged on the company’s taxable profits; the tax return and payment deadlines are typically 12 months and 9 months + 1 day, respectively, after the end of the accounting period.
3. VAT Registration
- Standard VAT registration becomes compulsory once taxable UK turnover exceeds the prevailing registration threshold; currently, this is £90,000 in any rolling 12‑month period.
- Non‑established taxable persons (NETPs) may need to register for UK VAT immediately when making UK‑sourced supplies, even if turnover is below the threshold.
- The main VAT rate is 20%, with reduced and zero‑rated categories for specific goods and services.
4. PAYE and Payroll
- If the company employs staff in the UK, it must register as an employer with HMRC under PAYE before its first payroll, operate PAYE RTI filings and deduct income tax and National Insurance from salaries.
- Non‑resident directors working remotely may trigger different tax and social security outcomes; professional tax advice is advisable in cross‑border situations.
5. Ongoing Companies House Compliance
Key recurring compliance obligations include:
- Maintaining up‑to‑date statutory registers (members, directors, PSCs)
- Filing an annual confirmation statement with Companies House
- Filing annual accounts in the prescribed format and timelines based on company size
- Notifying any changes in registered office, directors, PSCs or share capital
Late filings can lead to penalties and, in extreme cases, company strike‑off.
Special Points for Non‑Resident and Indian Promoters
- Double tax and PE considerations
Even though the company is incorporated in the UK, Indian residents must examine Permanent Establishment (PE), place‑of‑effective‑management and DTAA issues to avoid double taxation or misalignment of profits between India and the UK. - FEMA and ODI compliance for Indian residents
Investments by Indian residents in overseas companies are regulated by the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) and the overseas direct investment (ODI) framework, so properly structuring capital flows is essential from an Indian regulatory standpoint. - Substance and banking
Banks and payment processors increasingly look for real “substance” – such as a UK office, employees or local contracts – to support account opening and risk assessment.
A well‑designed structure, documentation and advisory support on both UK and Indian sides reduces regulatory risk and banking friction.
When to Use a Professional Adviser or Formation Agent
While founders can file directly with Companies House, many non‑resident entrepreneurs prefer working through:
- Company formation agents that provide incorporation, registered office and compliance monitoring
- Accountants or ACSPs who can complete identity verification, draft bespoke articles and handle tax registrations
- Legal firms to deal with complex share rights, VC‑style documentation or regulatory authorisations (e.g., FCA‑regulated businesses)
Agents also offer bundled “non‑resident packages” that combine company formation, address services, mail forwarding and initial banking support for a one‑time or yearly fee.
How We Help: UK Company Formation Services for Indian Entrepreneurs
At Chartered Online, we specialise in assisting Indian promoters and global entrepreneurs with end‑to‑end UK company formation and cross‑border compliance.
Our UK Company Formation Services Include:
- Complete incorporation support – We guide you through entity selection, name reservation, director and PSC structuring, and filing with Companies House.
- Registered office and address services – Access to a professional UK registered office address for statutory correspondence.
- Identity verification and KYC – We facilitate ACSP‑level identity checks and coordinate with UK formation agents to ensure smooth onboarding.
- Cross‑border tax planning – Advisory on UK Corporation Tax, DTAA benefits, Permanent Establishment risks, and co‑ordination with your Indian tax filings.
- FEMA and ODI compliance – Structuring your overseas investment under LRS/ODI frameworks and ensuring RBI compliance from the Indian side.
- Banking and VAT setup – Assistance with UK business bank account applications (digital and traditional) and VAT registration where required.
- Ongoing compliance and accounting – Annual accounts, confirmation statements, payroll setup, and HMRC filings managed on your behalf.
- Substance and documentation – Advice on building real UK presence, contracts and operational documentation to support banking and regulatory requirements.
Why Choose Chartered Online?
✅ Chartered Accountant expertise with deep knowledge of UK and Indian tax and corporate law
✅ One‑stop solution covering incorporation, tax, compliance and advisory
✅ Cost‑effective packages tailored for startups, SMEs and holding structures
✅ Dedicated support in English and Hindi, with clear communication throughout the process
✅ Proven track record helping Indian entrepreneurs expand to the UK seamlessly
Whether you’re launching a SaaS product, setting up a UK subsidiary, or creating a holding structure for international investments, we provide the legal, tax and regulatory framework you need to operate confidently.
📧 Get in touch today for a free initial consultation on UK company formation and cross‑border structuring.
Conclusion: A Strategic Gateway for Global Expansion
Incorporating a company in the UK offers non‑resident founders an efficient, globally recognised corporate platform with clear rules, fast digital processes and attractive market access. With proper planning on structure, compliance and cross‑border tax, a UK company can become a powerful launchpad for international growth, especially for Indian and other emerging‑market entrepreneurs.
At Chartered Online, we combine UK incorporation expertise with Indian regulatory knowledge to deliver a seamless, compliant and cost‑effective solution for ambitious founders looking to go global.
FCA, CWM (AAFM-US), CBV, CIFRS, R-ID, B.COM (H), RV* (IBBI)
Practising Chartered Accountant in Delhi NCR Since 2011. He can be contacted at ankitgulgulia@gmail.com or +91-9811653975.