Registering a Company in the UK

Registering a company in the UK has never been easier. Thanks to digitalization and simplified procedures, you can set up your business from the comfort of your home, without the need to travel or deal with complicated bureaucratic processes. In this guide, we will explain step by step how registering your company in the UK work, quickly and efficiently.

registering a company in the UK

Why Register a Company in the United Kingdom?

The United Kingdom is one of the most attractive countries for entrepreneurs due to its competitive tax system, economic stability, and ease of doing business. Additionally, registering a company in this country offers benefits such as:

Low corporate taxes.
Access to international markets.
Ease of opening business bank accounts.
Transparency in legal processes.

Prerequisites

Before starting the process, make sure you meet these requirements:

Choose your company name: It must be unique and not already registered with Companies House.
Define the legal structure: You can choose a limited company (Ltd), a public limited company (PLC), a limited liability partnership (LLP), among others.
Have a UK address: A physical address in the United Kingdom is mandatory for receiving official correspondence.
Appoint a director and a shareholder: This can be yourself or include other individuals.

Step-by-Step Process to Register Your Company in the United Kingdom

1. Check the Availability of the Name

Before registering your company, check if the chosen name is available. You can do this on the Companies House website, the official company registration entity in the UK.

For more information, you can visit https://www.ukstartcompany.com/

2. Choose the Business Structure

If you are an independent entrepreneur, the best option is usually a limited company (Ltd), as it offers personal liability protection and is easy to manage.

3. Register the Company with Companies House

The registration can be done online and takes only a few hours. You will need to provide:

Company name.
Registered office address.
Director and shareholder details.
Business activity description.

The online registration fee is approximately £12.

4. Obtain a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)

Once registered, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will assign your company a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). This number is necessary for managing your taxes.

5. Open a Business Bank Account

Although not mandatory, it is highly recommended to have a UK business bank account to manage your company’s finances efficiently.

6. Register for VAT if Necessary

If your annual turnover exceeds £85,000, you must register for VAT (Value Added Tax). This can be done on the HMRC website and allows you to reclaim VAT on business purchases.

You can visit Max Sociedades or Mega Sociedades for more information.

7. Comply with Tax and Accounting Obligations

Every company must submit financial reports and tax returns annually. You can do this yourself or hire an accountant to ensure compliance with all regulations.