- A UK private limited company can be incorporated with just one director and one shareholder — no UK residency required.
- Incorporation via Companies House online is typically approved within 24 hours; postal filings can take 8-10 working days.
- You must maintain a registered office address in the UK and file a People with Significant Control (PSC) register.
- Annual compliance covers a Confirmation Statement, annual accounts, and Corporation Tax return with HMRC.
The UK is one of the most accessible incorporation jurisdictions globally. No residency requirement, no minimum share capital, and Companies House processes online applications in about 24 hours. This guide walks through what non-resident founders actually need, the annual compliance stack, and the decisions that catch people off-guard.
Who can form a UK limited company?
Anyone over 16. The UK places no nationality or residency restrictions on directors or shareholders. What you do need:
- At least one director (natural person, age 16+)
- At least one shareholder (individual or corporate entity)
- A registered office address in the UK (physical address, not a PO Box)
- A People with Significant Control (PSC) register — details of anyone owning more than 25% of shares or voting rights
Share capital — keep it simple
The default 100 shares at £1 pattern is the path of least resistance. It’s easy to add founders, employees on share options, or investors later without restructuring the base capital.
The Companies House filing process
Incorporation is submitted through Companies House’s Web Incorporation Service. You’ll file Form IN01 with the company’s Articles of Association. Online applications are usually approved within 24 hours. Sleek’s UK company formation service handles the whole package including registered office.
After incorporation — your annual compliance stack
Once your company is live, annual obligations cover: the Confirmation Statement to Companies House (details of directors, shareholders, PSC), annual accounts (statutory or micro-entity depending on size), and a Corporation Tax return to HMRC. Sleek’s UK accounting service covers all of these on a single monthly retainer.
Ready to form your UK company?
Sleek handles the Companies House filing, registered office, PSC register, and your first year of accounting so compliance is done from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to live in the UK to form a UK company?
No. There’s no residency requirement for directors or shareholders. However, you do need a UK-registered office address (not a PO Box) — Sleek provides this as part of the incorporation package.
How much share capital do I need?
The UK has no minimum share capital. Most new companies issue 100 ordinary shares at £1 nominal value, which is administratively simple and easy to restructure later.
How quickly can I incorporate?
Online incorporations via Companies House are usually approved within 24 hours. Same-day service is available for an additional fee if you need it approved by 3pm.
