COMPANY FORMATION · UNITED KINGDOM
A London company, properly established.
The UK remains one of the fastest and most respected places to incorporate. Since 2025, every director must verify their identity, and since February 2026 the incorporation fee is £100.
AT A GLANCE
The essentials, October 2026.
Indicative figures checked against official and specialist sources. Always confirm with licensed advisers.
- Typical structure
- Private company limited by shares (Ltd)
- Registry
- Companies House
- Incorporation fee
- £100 online since 1 February 2026
- Identity verification
- Mandatory for directors and people with significant control since 18 November 2025
- Corporation tax
- 19% for small profits up to £50,000; 25% above £250,000, with marginal relief between
- VAT
- 20%; registration above the VAT threshold
STRUCTURES
Key requirements
| Type | What it is | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Director | At least one individual director | No UK residency requirement; identity must be verified with Companies House |
| Registered office | An appropriate address in the UK | Must be able to receive post and be where documents can be delivered |
| People with significant control | Disclosed on the public register | Identity verification also applies |
| Shareholders | From one | No nationality restrictions |
The right structure, in the right place.
ATLAS MAISON · Business concierge
COSTS
What to budget for.
Indicative only. Packages and government fees change; your advisers confirm the exact figures.
- Companies House: £100 for online incorporation since 1 February 2026.
- Registered office and identity verification services through authorised agents, if needed.
- Accounting, annual accounts and confirmation statements every year.
- UK bank accounts for non-resident founders can take time; we coordinate introductions.
THE PROCESS
Four clear steps.
- 1
Identity verification
Directors and people with significant control verify their identity.
- 2
Incorporation
File online with Companies House; often completed within a day.
- 3
Tax registration
Corporation tax and, where needed, VAT and payroll registration.
- 4
Banking & office
Bank account, office or registered address, and accounting.
IMPORTANT
This guide is general information, checked in October 2026, and not legal, tax or immigration advice. Fees, thresholds and rules change; licensed professionals confirm what applies to you. ATLAS MAISON coordinates the process and introduces licensed corporate service providers, lawyers and accountants.
Questions, answered
How much does it cost to set up a UK company?
The Companies House fee is £100 online since 1 February 2026. Registered office, accounting and identity verification services are separate.
Can a non-UK resident set up a UK company?
Yes. Directors and shareholders can live abroad, but every director must verify their identity and the company needs a registered office in the UK.
What is the UK corporation tax rate?
19% on profits up to £50,000 and 25% on profits above £250,000, with marginal relief in between.
How long does UK incorporation take?
Often within 24 hours once identity verification is complete. Bank accounts usually take longer.
COMPANY FORMATION
Continue exploring.
BUSINESS CONCIERGE
Set up with the right people.
Tell us what you are planning. We introduce licensed providers and coordinate every step. Confidentiality agreement on request.