UK Company Registration Online from India

UK Company Registration is the official process of incorporating your business with Companies House, the UK's registrar of companies. Once registered, your business becomes a separate legal entity and can own assets, sign contracts, and operate on its own.

After registration, you get a Company Registration Number (CRN). You might also get a VAT number if needed. This CRN enables you to open a business bank account, send invoices, hire staff, and legally operate your company in the UK and globally.

Expanding into the UK is more than just entering a new market. It's about putting your business at the core of world trade. Here’s why the UK is great for Indian entrepreneurs:

1. A Global Financial Hub with a Prestigious Business Address

The UK, particularly London, offers unmatched global visibility and access to international capital. Here’s why your company’s UK presence matters:

• London is one of the world’s leading financial centers, home to top banks, investment firms, and multinational corporations.
• Setting up your business in the UK instantly boosts credibility, especially with clients and investors in Europe and North America.
• A UK-based company can help Indian entrepreneurs attract international clients, partnerships, and funding with ease.
• The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the UK’s financial regulator, provides a business-friendly environment, particularly for fintech and investment-focused companies.

2. The Strong and Growing India-UK Trade and Investment Relationship

Thanks to steadily improving diplomatic and economic ties, Indian businesses are increasingly welcomed in the UK. Key highlights of this partnership include:

• The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), expected to be finalized soon (as of mid-2025), is set to reduce tariffs, streamline regulatory barriers, and boost two-way investment.
• The UK is among the top G20 investors in India, while Indian companies are some of the largest employers in the UK’s private sector.
• Your UK company can benefit directly from these improved trade terms, especially in sectors like tech, pharma, manufacturing, and consulting.

3. A World-Class Legal System and a Stable Political Environment

Legal security and regulatory predictability make the UK a safe and trusted destination for global entrepreneurs. Here’s what gives the UK an edge:

• The UK follows a transparent, business-friendly common law legal system (somewhat similar to Indian law), which provides predictability and fairness in commercial contracts.
• Robust intellectual property laws and a fair judicial process make it a safe jurisdiction for international business.
• The political climate is stable, with strong institutions that protect foreign investors and business owners.

4. Access to Global Markets and a Diverse Talent Pool

The UK keeps strong trade and professional ties across Europe. By setting up in the UK, you get:

• Access to key European and global markets through a range of new trade agreements, despite the UK no longer being part of the EU single market post-Brexit.
• A key entry point to English-speaking economies like Ireland, the US, Canada, and Australia.
• A rich, skilled, and diverse workforce. This is perfect for innovation, growth, and global work.

5. The UK's Favourable Time Zone for Global Operations

Operating from the UK enables seamless communication with major global markets.
Here's how this benefits your business:

• The UK’s GMT/BST time zone lets you coordinate with Asia in the morning, Europe in midday, and North America in the evening.
• This allows for 24-hour business cycles, making the UK perfect for tech services, client support, outsourcing, and remote teams.

Below are the key eligibility criteria and legal requirements for company registration in the UK:

1. No UK Residency or Citizenship Requirement for Directors/Shareholders

One of the biggest advantages of setting up a company in the UK is that non-residents are fully eligible to incorporate.

• You do not need to be a UK citizen or resident to become a company director or shareholder. This makes the UK ideal for foreign entrepreneurs seeking global expansion.
• Indian nationals can complete the UK company registration process from anywhere with proper documentation.

2. Minimum Age for Directors

To register a private limited company in the UK or any other entity, directors must meet the legal age requirement:

• The minimum age for directors is 16 years, and there’s no maximum age limit.
• Corporate entities can also act as shareholders.
• At least one director is mandatory for incorporation.

3. Requirement for a UK Registered Office Address

As part of the requirements, a registered office address in the UK is mandatory:

• This address is used by Companies House (the official company registration authority UK) and HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) for sending legal notices.
• The company registration address in the UK must be a real, physical location capable of receiving mail.
• Many company registration services in the UK offer virtual addresses and mail forwarding options, and it's ideal for non-residents.
• It must be located within the same UK jurisdiction where the company is registered, either England & Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.

4. Understanding PSC

UK law mandates that all companies maintain a PSC (Person with Significant Control) Register to improve corporate transparency:

• A PSC is someone who owns more than 25% of shares or voting rights or exercises significant influence over the company (such as appointing or removing the majority of directors.
• Information about PSCs must be disclosed at the time of company name registration.
• Directors or shareholders can also be listed as PSCs.

5. No Minimum Share Capital for Private Limited Companies

The UK has no minimum capital requirement, making it a cost-effective option for startups and SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises):

• You can register your private limited company with just £1 as share capital.
• There are no high upfront capital requirements, making it ideal for cheap company registration in the UK.
• This also makes the UK a prime destination for offshore company registration.

• Private limited companies (LTDs) have no minimum share capital, making them accessible for startups.

6. Understanding the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code

• During UK company registration, you’ll be asked to choose at least one Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code.
• The SIC Code is a 5-digit number that defines your company’s main business activity.
• Example of SIC codes:
  • 62012 – Business and domestic software development
  • 70229 – Management consultancy
  • 74909 – Other professional, scientific, and technical activities

You can select multiple SIC codes if your business covers various sectors.

Understanding various business structures is key to an informed decision. Here are the details:

1. The Private Limited Company (LTD)

This is the most common choice. It offers limited liability, meaning personal assets are protected. The company is a separate legal entity.

It is ideal for Indian entrepreneurs to establish a business presence in the UK while minimizing personal risk. Additionally, it offers greater flexibility and easier access to investors compared to other business forms.

2. The Public Limited Company (PLC)

PLCs are larger companies that can offer shares to the public. They have higher regulatory requirements and are typically not the initial choice for Indian entrepreneurs due to higher capital requirements (minimum £50,000).

3. The Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

An LLP combines partnership flexibility with limited liability. Partners enjoy personal liability protection. This structure is commonly preferred by professional service firms. It is well-suited for Indian professionals, such as consultants, legal advisors, tech experts, and accountants, looking to expand their practice in the UK.

Note: LLPs themselves are not subject to corporate tax; instead, individual members are taxed on their share of the profits.

4. UK Branch of an Indian Company

An Indian company can establish a UK branch. This involves registering an "overseas company" with Companies House. This branch is not a separate legal entity, meaning the Indian parent company is fully liable for all the branch’s debts.

Note: This structure is ideal for Indian companies seeking a temporary or limited physical presence in the UK without establishing a new, independent company.

5. Sole Trader in the UK

This is the simplest business structure for an individual. However, the owner is personally responsible for all business debts, with no limited liability protection.

Note: It is generally not recommended for Indian nationals unless they have UK residency or a valid work or business visa, as operating as a sole trader usually requires residing in the UK.

Indian nationals can easily set up a UK company from abroad, but certain documents are essential to meet compliance and legal requirements. Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Personal Information for Directors and Shareholders

To register a company in the UK, the following personal documents must be provided for each director and shareholder (can be the same person):

• Proof of Identity – Valid Indian passport or government-issued photo ID
• Proof of Residential Address – Recent utility bill, bank statement, or Aadhaar address (not older than 3 months, and translated into English if needed)
• Date of Birth – Required for due diligence
• Occupation and Nationality – To be declared at the time of filing
• Consent to Act – Confirmation that the individual agrees to act as a director/shareholder

Note: Digital copies are generally sufficient, and the process is fully online.

2. UK Registered Office Address

A valid UK-based registered office address is mandatory for receiving government and legal correspondence.

• This address will appear on the public record.
• It must be physically located in the UK.
• Can be a virtual office or a company formation service address.
• Mail received here should be forwarded to the Indian applicant or scanned and emailed.

Note: Many providers offer registered address + mail forwarding packages.

3. The Memorandum and Articles of Association

These are essential legal documents that define the company’s structure and internal rules.

• A Memorandum of Association is a formal agreement by initial shareholders (called “subscribers”) to form the company.
• Articles of Association are a set of rules that govern how the company is run, including the powers of directors, voting rights, and shareholder meetings.

Note: Standard templates (Model Articles) are commonly used for small businesses, but can be customized if needed.

4. Information for PSC Register

UK law requires every company to maintain a PSC register to improve corporate transparency.

For each PSC, you must provide:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Service address
• Nature of control (e.g., owns more than 25% of shares)

The company registration process in the UK is streamlined and can often be completed entirely online. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Choosing a Unique and Compliant Company Name

Your chosen company name must be unique and available at Companies House. It cannot be "the same as" or "too like" an existing registered name. This rule considers differences in punctuation, common words (e.g., "Company," "Services," "UK"), and certain characters as insufficient to create uniqueness.

Avoid offensive names or those implying government connection without permission. You can use the Companies House online checker for availability.

Note: Even if your company name is accepted by Companies House, it doesn't guarantee trademark rights. You should get Trademark Registration for additional protection, which helps prevent others from using or copying it.

Step 2: Appointing Directors and Shareholders

A company needs at least one director, who can also be the sole shareholder. No residency restrictions apply to these roles. You will need to provide their full name, date of birth, nationality, occupation, and residential address. Each director must be at least 16 years old.

Step 3: Deciding on People with Significant Control (PSC)

Identify individuals who have significant control over the company, usually those holding more than 25% of shares or voting rights, or who otherwise exercise significant influence.

• Their details, including how they exercise control, must be recorded on the PSC register, which is publicly accessible.
• For Indian founders, this requires revealing their ultimate beneficial ownership to UK authorities to comply with anti-money laundering and transparency laws.

Step 4: Establishing a UK Registered Office Address

A company registration address in the UK is mandatory. This must be a physical address in the same part of the UK where your company is registered (e.g., England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland).

It cannot be solely a P.O. Box. The address must be a physical location capable of receiving official mail. Many formation agents offer this as a service, including mail forwarding.

Step 5: Preparing the Memorandum and Articles of Association

These are the core legal documents of your company.

• Memorandum of Association: A standard legal statement signed by the initial shareholders confirming their intention to form a company.
• Articles of Association: These define the internal rules for how the company will be run, covering areas like directors' powers, shareholder meetings, and share transfers. You can adopt standard "model articles" or draft custom ones to suit specific needs.

Step 6: Submitting Your Application to Companies House

Applications can be submitted online or via the company registration agents UK. Online processing is typically faster. You'll also provide your Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code.

All new companies must confirm they are formed for a lawful purpose. Additionally, all companies must now provide a registered email address for Companies House communications.

Step 7: Post-Registration: What Happens After Incorporation

Upon successful registration, Companies House issues a UK company registration certificate and your unique company number. You're also automatically registered for Corporation Tax with HMRC, and you will be issued a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for tax purposes.

Additional Post-Registration Requirements:

• UK Business Bank Account – Usually required for operations; often needs a UK business address as proof.
• VAT Registration – Optional unless your annual turnover exceeds £90,000, in which case it becomes mandatory.
• Appointing an Accountant – Strongly recommended to manage annual filings, Corporation Tax returns, and ensure UK tax compliance.

Starting a business in the UK offers credibility, access to global markets, and tax benefits. But how much does it cost to register a company in the UK? Here’s a breakdown of expenses to help you plan effectively:

Note: The years mentioned in the table above are listed as of 2025 and are bound to change. It is advised to check the latest years and figures from official portals.

Tip: For startups and overseas founders, using a company formation agent simplifies the process and helps avoid compliance errors.

Setting up a UK corporate bank account is a crucial step in legitimizing your business operations and managing transactions professionally, especially if you're an Indian entrepreneur:

a. Process for Opening a Business Bank Account from India

Although you can complete company registration, opening a UK business bank account remotely can be tricky. Most high-street banks require a director's presence in the UK. However, some digital banks (like Wise Business, Revolut Business, or Payoneer) offer solutions for non-residents.

Steps usually include:

• Company incorporation (obtain registration number & documents)
• Proof of identity and address (Indian passport, utility bills)
• Application to a bank that supports remote onboarding

b. Documents Required by UK Banks from Indian Directors

UK banks require:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Memorandum & Articles of Association
• Shareholder and Director Details
• Proof of Indian address (utility bill, bank statement)
• Photo ID (passport)
• Business plan (sometimes for risk assessment)

Some banks also conduct video KYC for Indian directors.

Registering your company is just the beginning. Staying compliant with UK tax laws is essential for your business reputation and sustainability.

1. Corporation Tax with HMRC

All UK-registered companies must register for Corporation Tax with HMRC within 3 months of starting business activity (e.g., trading, advertising, or earning income).

Key Points:

• Corporation Tax Rate (2025):
  • 25% on taxable profits.
  • Marginal Relief applies for profits between £50,000 and £250,000.
  • Companies with profits above £250,000 pay the full 25% rate.
• Filing Requirement:
  • Submit the Company Tax Return (CT600) annually.
• Payment Deadline:
  • Corporation Tax must be paid within 9 months after the end of your company’s accounting period.

2. Value Added Tax (VAT) Registration Thresholds

You must register for VAT if your UK turnover exceeds £90,000 in 12 months (2025 threshold). Voluntary registration makes it possible for startups to reclaim input VAT.

• Standard VAT rate: 20%
• VAT returns: Usually quarterly

3. Annual Confirmation Statement

As mentioned earlier, you must submit a Confirmation Statement (Form CS01) yearly to keep Companies House updated about:

• Registered office address
• Directors and shareholders
• Share capital and PSC

This is vital to maintain your company name registration in the UK.

4. Annual Accounts and Company Tax Returns

All limited companies must file:

• Annual accounts with Companies House
• Company tax return with HMRC

These filings are public and crucial for transparency. Missing deadlines attract fines even for companies that are dormant.

Planning to set up a company in the UK as an Indian national? While UK company registration is open to non-residents, operating and managing your company from within the UK may require a valid visa.

The UK offers several visa options tailored for business-minded individuals and professionals from India. Such options include:

a. The Innovator Founder Visa

This visa is ideal for experienced entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. To be eligible, your business must be endorsed by a UK-approved endorsing body. For instance, Innovator International or UK Endorsing Services, which assesses if your idea is innovative, viable, and scalable.

Key features:

• Valid for 3 years, extendable
• Allows you to live and work in the UK
• No minimum investment requirement (unlike the previous Innovator visa)
• Requires a genuine, scalable, and original business idea

If you're serious about long-term business growth in the UK and shifting, this visa pairs well with your company registration for non-residents.

b. The Skilled Worker Visa

If you plan to work for your own UK-registered company, you may apply under this route, provided your company is a licensed sponsor.

Key Points:

• Requires a job offer for a role listed under the eligible occupations.
• Minimum salary threshold applies (usually £26,200/year).
• Suitable if you’ll be actively employed in your UK business.
• Offers a path to permanent residency.

Note: You can apply as the founder only if your UK company becomes a licensed sponsor, which takes around 8–12 weeks and involves demonstrating the legitimacy of the job role.

This visa is employment-focused but useful if you’re combining ownership with hands-on operational roles in your company.

c. The UK Expansion Worker Visa

This visa falls under the Global Business Mobility scheme and is intended for senior managers or specialist employees of an overseas business planning to establish a UK branch.

• The Indian parent company must have been operational for at least 12 months,
  unless you qualify under a UK expansion-linked exception.
• Applicants must have a sponsorship certificate from a UK-licensed sponsor.
• This visa does not lead directly to settlement but can be a stepping stone to other UK routes.

Benefits:

• Valid for up to 2 years
• No English language requirement
• Useful for those expanding their Indian company into the UK
• Requires a sponsor license and a UK footprint (like a registered office)

This visa is ideal for establishing your company's physical footprint in the UK.

Eligibility and the Application Process

Each UK business visa has specific eligibility criteria, but generally, applicants must provide:

• A valid passport and identity documents
• Proof of business (e.g., endorsement) or a job offer (for work-related visas)
• Financial stability or proof of maintenance funds
• English language proficiency (except for the Expansion Worker Visa)

Application Process:

• Apply online through the UK Home Office portal
• Upload supporting documents and attend a biometric appointment
• Applications typically take 3 to 8 weeks for standard processing

Cost Overview (as of 2025):

• Innovator Founder Visa: £1,036 (outside UK), £1,292 (inside UK)
• Skilled Worker Visa: from £719 to £1,500 depending on duration
• Global Business Mobility – Expansion Worker Visa: £298
• Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 per year (if applicable)
• Priority processing: Additional £500–£1,000 for faster decisions

Fees may vary based on visa type, duration, and applicant location.

When your company is registered, Companies House issues a Certificate of Incorporation. This is an official document proving your company legally exists. It includes important information like your company’s name, registration number, and the date it was formed.

You’ll need this certificate to open business bank accounts, sign contracts, and for other official purposes. It also acts as formal proof of compliance with UK company law and is often requested by financial institutions, investors, and government authorities. Having this certificate on hand helps build trust with clients and partners, especially when doing business internationally.

How to Download the UK Company Registration Certificate?

To download your Certificate of Incorporation online:

1. Go to the Companies House service at companieshouse.gov.uk.
2. Search for your company using its name or registration number.
3. Open the company’s profile and click on the “Filing History” tab.
4. Find the incorporation documents, usually filed on the registration date, and download the PDF file.
5. Save the certificate safely for future use.

How to Check Company Registration Status in the UK?

To find out if your company is officially registered in the UK, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Companies House website at companieshouse.gov.uk.
2. Use the “Search the register” feature to look up your company.
3. Enter your company name or registration number.
4. The system will show your company’s current status, such as whether it is active or dissolved, along with other details.
5. If you need help, you can contact Companies House by phone, email, or live chat.