Enter the UK market for business

Consulting and organisational support for entrepreneurs planning to operate in the UK market. We help prepare for starting a business in the United Kingdom, understand the company formation process, and organise the required documentation

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WoBorders is an independent private consulting company. We provide advisory and administrative support and are not affiliated with any government authority or official registry

countries where we support company formation and international business growth

8 years of consulting experience in international business and European markets

+100

clients who successfully launched their businesses abroad with our support

We work with international payment and SaaS services. WoBorders – official Payoneer partner

Which businesses are the UK market suitable for

Companies in the United Kingdom operate under different business models. The LTD format is often chosen for operational businesses, e-commerce, or working with international clients when a clear corporate structure is required. The LLP format is suitable for partnership structures, consulting companies, and international service businesses where flexible profit distribution between partners is important.

LTD for IT, SaaS, and international business

IT companies, SaaS projects, digital agencies, and service businesses often use a British Private Limited Company (LTD). This structure is clear for international clients and partners and works well for operating in the global market

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LTD for startups and raising investment

UK LTD companies have a strong reputation among investors and venture funds. For this reason, the structure is often used to launch startups, raise investment, and build international holding models

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LTD structure for selling or transferring a business

The UK Ltd structure is often used for the future sale or transfer of a business or startup. The transparent corporate system in the UK makes it easier to work with company shares, attract partners, and structure investment agreements

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LLP for partnerships and consulting businesses

A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is suitable for consulting companies, agencies, and partnership-based business models. This structure allows flexible profit distribution between partners and can also be used for international business activities

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Why entrepreneurs choose the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is one of the most recognised jurisdictions for international business. Clear corporate governance rules, high trust from partners and contractors, and convenient conditions for investment agreements make it a popular choice. UK companies are often used for working with international clients or for preparing a business to attract investment

Easy company management

UK Ltd is known for relatively simple administrative procedures. Many corporate actions can be managed online. It is also important to keep company data up to date and complete the required annual formalities

Trusted by partners and banks

A company in the United Kingdom is often perceived as having a clear, transparent structure by international clients, contractors, and financial service providers — especially when working with partners from Europe or the United States

Investment and scaling

UK LTD companies are often used in structures to attract investment or build international holding companies

Suitable for selling a business

A UK Ltd structure can be convenient for a future business sale or transferring company shares. Clear corporate rules simplify due diligence and investment agreement preparation

Need advice about doing business in the United Kingdom?

We will help you understand which company format in the UK may suit your business model

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Taxes and reporting for businesses in the United Kingdom

A brief overview of the basic tax rules and reporting requirements for companies in the United Kingdom. More detailed information about tax rates, taxation regimes, and practical aspects is available in a separate article:

Taxes in the United Kingdom for Business 2025“

Corporate income tax

The basic corporate tax rate in the United Kingdom can reach 25%, depending on a company’s profits. For businesses with lower profits, reduced rates or a marginal tax regime may apply

VAT

The standard VAT rate in the United Kingdom is 20%. VAT registration is usually required once a company reaches the established annual turnover threshold. In some cases, companies choose to register for VAT voluntarily depending on their business model

Dividends

In most cases, the taxation of dividends depends on the recipient’s status and their country of tax residency. For international structures, it is important to assess the taxation rules in the shareholder’s country separately

Financial statements

Companies in the United Kingdom submit regular financial statements and maintain up-to-date corporate records. Reporting deadlines depend on the company’s incorporation date, financial year, and current status

Accounting support for companies in the United Kingdom

UK companies regularly update corporate records, submit financial reports, and comply with ongoing administrative requirements. For newly established companies, the deadlines for the first reporting period may differ depending on the start date of operations.

Proper accounting support and timely updates to company information help reduce risks related to delays and maintain the company's good standing.

What business structures are used by foreign entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom?

For international business in the United Kingdom, two structures are most commonly considered: Private Limited Company (Ltd) and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). The choice depends on the business model, ownership structure, tax approach, and profit distribution.

LTD

LLP

LTD (Private Company Limited by Shares).

One of the most common corporate structures in the United Kingdom. It is often used for IT companies, consulting businesses, e-commerce projects, and international service companies.

– Thecompany operates as a separate legal entity
– Liability of shareholders is usually limited to their participation in the company
– Corporation tax: 19–25% depending on profit
– Profits can be distributed to owners as dividends
– No minimum share capital requirement (often set symbolically, e.g., £1)

LLP (Limited Liability Partnership).

A partnership structure is commonly used for international businesses and joint ventures.

– Profits are generally not taxed at the LLP level
– Taxation takes place at the partner level, depending on their tax residency
– Minimum of 2 partners required
– No minimum capital requirements

Minimum information required to start a business in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is considered a jurisdiction with relatively clear requirements for starting a business. To prepare the company setup, basic information about the owners or partners is usually required, along with contact details, a UK company address, and a brief description of the business activity.

Information about owners and directors

Full name, date of birth, and citizenship
Country of residence and contact details
Directors and shareholders (shareholders/partners)

Organizational requirements

Company address in the United Kingdom
Several company name options
Description of the business activity or business model

Estimated timeline for starting a business in the United Kingdom

The timeline depends on the chosen structure, the completeness of the prepared information, and the specifics of each case. In many situations, the basic process does not take much time, but additional stages related to banking or operational matters may influence the overall timing.

Help you choose the optimal business structure in the United Kingdom

We explain the difference between UK Ltd and LLP, help determine which structure best fits your business model

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How the process of starting a business in the United Kingdom looks

The process of starting a business in the United Kingdom consists of several organisational stages — from the initial consultation and preparation of information to company setup, obtaining a tax number, and opening a business account

Initial consultation

We conduct a free 30-minute consultation, during which we discuss the business structure, the company format (UK Ltd or LLP), and key aspects of starting a business in the United Kingdom

Preparing the information

We help choose a company name, check its availability in the register, and determine the ownership structure. The process also includes founder verification and preparation of the required information for company setup. Estimated time: about 1–3 business days

Company setup

The prepared information is submitted to the company register in the United Kingdom, and we support the company setup process. Upon completion, the official confirmation of the company's formation is issued. Estimated time: about 1–3 business days

Registered office address

A registered office address for the company in the United Kingdom is arranged, and the necessary organisational details for the company’s operation are prepared

Support with opening an account

After the company is created, a tax reference number (UTR) is issued. A business account with a bank or payment system can then be opened, and accounting support may be arranged if needed. Estimated time: up to 5 business days

Business support options in the UK

The cost of support for launching a UK Ltd or LLP in the United Kingdom starts from €1,000. The final price depends on the company structure, address format, ownership structure, and additional services required at the start. After a short briefing, we select the optimal package and provide a transparent cost estimate with no hidden fees.

BASIC

Best for entrepreneurs exploring international operations

Initial consultation (30 min)
Company setup
Registered office address in the UK for 1 year
Assistance with opening an account in Payoneer

STANDARD

Frequently asked questions about business in the UK

Can a non-resident start a company in the United Kingdom?

Yes. A non-resident can set up a UK Ltd or LLP in the United Kingdom. In practice, the main complexities usually arise not during the company setup itself, but at the stage of arranging banking services and compliance procedures. That is why the company format and related solutions should be chosen with the country of residence and ownership structure in mind.

Can a UK Ltd or LLP be set up remotely without travelling to the United Kingdom?

Yes. A UK Ltd or LLP can usually be set up remotely: the required information is prepared, the company name is agreed, and the necessary organisational steps are completed online. In most cases, travelling to the United Kingdom is not required.

Is a UK director or shareholder required?

No, this is not mandatory. A company in the United Kingdom can have non-resident directors and/or shareholders. In some cases, local presence may simplify certain operational matters, including interaction with financial institutions.

Is a UK legal address required?

Yes. A company in the United Kingdom uses a registered address for official correspondence. In some cases, a service or virtual address may be used if it matches the business model and can receive the necessary mail.

What is a UTR and when is it issued?

A UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) is a tax number used in the United Kingdom for a company’s tax records. It usually appears after the company is created and is sent separately. If it does not arrive within the expected period, it is worth checking the current status and the delivery details.