Effortlessly incorporate and manage your company in the U.K. with Vepapu—offering all-in-one services from registration to compliance, banking, and visa support.
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Unlock Growth Opportunities in an Emerging Market
Widely known to have the strongest financial infrastructure.
Simplified compliance requirements and regulatory processes.
A large qualified population provides a dynamic workforce.
Allows for foreign shareholding up to 100% in the company.
Everything You Need for Seamless Company Formation
Experience seamless company formation from anywhere with Vepapu. Our digital incorporation services ensure you can register your company online without the need to travel or submit paperwork in person.
We guide you through each step of the process, ensuring compliance with local regulations and providing support for any incorporation-related queries.
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Meet the local requirements online with Vepapu. Having a local registered office address is mandatory for your company's registration and we will help you meet this requirement. We will receive, scan, and email you if any mail is received from the authorities at your address.
You can also build a physical presence in the country by opting for our nominee director services, who will act as your company's director while you retain total control over your company.
You can capitalise on our strong banking relationships with traditional banks as well as digital-first banking providers.
You would need to physically visit the bank's location if you opt for a traditional brick-and-mortar bank, while modern digital banking providers welcome you with an online onboarding process.
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Leverage Vepapu’s expertise to navigate the visa application process for your business needs. Whether you require work visas for your team or investor visas to secure your investment rights, we facilitate the entire process.
Our services include comprehensive guidance on meeting eligibility criteria, preparing necessary documentation, and submitting applications efficiently to minimize wait times and complications.
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Mandatory documents and information required for your company formation
A certified true copy (scanned version) of the passport (valid for at least 6 months)
A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (C.V.), Resumé, or Linkedin profile.
One of the scanned copies of a bank reference, bank statement, Utility bill, or Driver license.
It should clearly show the holder's full name along with a physical address written in English (P.O. Box addresses are not accepted).
It must be the most recent version and dated within the last 3 months.
Please provide us with certified true copy (scanned version) of the following company documents:
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum and Articles of Association / Constitution
Register of Director
Register of Shareholder / UBO
Extract of the company’s details from the Registrar of Companies, which can include any of the following: Business Profile / Certificate of Incumbency / Certificate of Good standing (valid for within 6 months if any).
All members of the corporation, including Directors, Shareholders, Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs), and Contact persons, must provide identity and address proofs as mentioned above.
From Paperwork to Approval: Making Company Formation Fast and Straightforward
Click here and fill out the short form to let us know your requirements.
Afterwards, our team will get in touch with you to guide you through the process.
Begin the company incorporation process by sharing the requested documents, as listed here. This enables us to begin the mandatory KYC and due diligence procedures to comply with local and international laws.
During the process of due diligence, our team might request additional information, documents, or clarification as needed.
If you ever feel lost while organising the documents, please contact us, as your dedicated manager from Vepapu will guide you through it.
Our team will now have the required information and documentation in hand to proceed with completing the required paperwork involved in incorporating your company.
We will complete one or multiple application forms as required and coordinate with the registry to submit them for their official approval.
We will do timely follow-ups with the registry and actively work with them if they require any further clarification or documentation before their approval.
If there are any other registrations with different government departments that are generally required before commencement of any business, required for your specific business industry, or that you have chosen voluntarily, we will promptly complete them.
As Vepapu strongly believes that company incorporation is just the first step in any business journey, we will accompany you throughout your business's life cycle by keeping it in good standing with local rules and regulations.
We will take care of monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, or annual reports and return filings with the authorities. We will timely inform you of the upcoming compliance deadlines, such as conducting an annual general meeting, for your prompt action.
Get in touch and ask us anything. We'd love to help.
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A private limited company is a separate legal entity from its owners, providing limited liability protection to its shareholders. It requires at least one director and one shareholder, and the company’s profits are subject to corporation tax. Shares cannot be sold to the public, making them ideal for small to medium-sized businesses.
A PLC is a type of company that can offer its shares to the public and is usually listed on a stock exchange. It requires a minimum share capital of £50,000, and shareholders enjoy limited liability. PLCs are subject to more stringent regulatory requirements, making them suitable for larger businesses seeking to raise capital publicly.
An LLP combines the flexibility of a partnership with the limited liability features of a company. Partners in an LLP are not personally liable for the business’s debts beyond their investment in the partnership. This structure is popular among professional services firms like law and accounting practices.
An unlimited company is a rare type of business structure where the owners have unlimited liability for the company’s debts. Unlike a limited company, there is no cap on liability, making it a high-risk option, often used for specific business purposes where limited liability is not required.
A branch office is an extension of a foreign company that operates in the UK, conducting business activities such as sales and contracts on behalf of the parent company. It is not a separate legal entity, meaning the parent company is fully liable for the branch’s debts and obligations. The branch must be registered with Companies House and comply with UK tax and regulatory requirements.
A representative office is a type of establishment set up by a foreign company in the UK primarily for non-commercial activities, such as market research, promotional activities, or liaison purposes. It cannot engage in direct business transactions or generate revenue in the UK. As it’s not involved in trade, the representative office is not subject to UK corporate taxes but must still comply with local regulations regarding its activities.
A CIC is a special type of limited company designed for businesses that aim to benefit the community rather than private shareholders. Profits are reinvested into the community or used for social objectives, and the company must meet specific criteria to maintain its status.
A CIO is a legal structure for charities in the UK, providing limited liability protection to its trustees and members. Unlike traditional charities, a CIO has a legal personality, allowing it to enter into contracts and own property in its name, simplifying the management of charitable activities.
Foreigners can indeed incorporate a company in the UK, with the most common and accessible structure for foreign investors being the Private Limited Company (Ltd). The UK government imposes no restrictions on foreign shareholding, meaning that a company can be 100% foreign-owned. Foreign individuals and entities can act as both directors and shareholders, making the UK an attractive destination for foreign entrepreneurs and businesses. The company's shares are privately held and cannot be publicly traded, ensuring that control remains with the owners.
The UK has a strong framework for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), actively encouraging foreign investment through various reforms and incentives. The country offers a stable and transparent legal system, competitive tax rates, and access to a large domestic and international market. The UK’s corporation tax rate is relatively low compared to other European countries, making it appealing to foreign investors. Additionally, the UK has numerous double taxation treaties with other countries, reducing the tax burden on foreign-owned companies. In recent years, the UK has also introduced reforms aimed at simplifying the business environment, such as digital company registration processes and reduced bureaucracy, further enhancing the ease of doing business for foreign investors.
A Pvt. Ltd. company in the UK requires at least one director, who must be a natural person (an individual rather than a corporate entity). While a company can appoint corporate directors (another company serving as a director), at least one director must always be a natural person. There are no restrictions on the nationality of the directors, meaning they can be of any nationality and reside anywhere in the world. However, directors are legally responsible for running the company and ensuring it complies with statutory requirements. The concept of a nominee director is allowed, where someone acts on behalf of another person, but the nominee must still fulfill all the legal responsibilities of a director.
A Pvt. Ltd. company must have at least one shareholder, who can be an individual or a corporate entity. Like directors, shareholders can be of any nationality and can reside anywhere globally. There is no maximum limit on the number of shareholders, and a single person can hold both the director and shareholder positions. Nominee shareholders, who hold shares on behalf of another person, are also permitted. Shareholders have ownership of the company proportional to their shareholding and are entitled to receive dividends based on the company’s profitability.
There is no minimum share capital requirement for a Pvt. Ltd. company in the UK, making it accessible for small businesses and startups. The company must issue at least one share, typically with a nominal value, such as £1. Share capital represents the equity stake of the shareholders and determines the level of control and profit entitlement within the company.
A Pvt. Ltd. company in the UK is required to have a registered office address within the country. This address is where official communications and legal documents are sent and must be a physical location, not just a P.O. Box. The registered office does not necessarily have to be where the company conducts its business, but it must be an address where official mail can be received. Many companies opt to use the address of a formation agent, solicitor, or serviced office provider to meet this requirement.
To incorporate a company in the UK, you need to prepare and submit various documents. These documents are essential to complying with the UK's regulations and ensuring your business operates legally. The documents will be used in KYC due diligence procedures, application preparation, and document submission to the authorities.
The first step in incorporating a company in the UK is selecting a unique and appropriate company name. The name must not be identical or too similar to an existing company name, and it should avoid using any sensitive words or expressions unless specific permission is obtained. You can check the availability of your chosen name through the Companies House website. It’s important to ensure the name reflects your business identity while complying with the UK's naming regulations.
To incorporate a company in the UK, you’ll need to prepare a few key documents. These include the Memorandum of Association, which is a legal statement signed by all initial shareholders agreeing to form the company, and the Articles of Association, which outlines how the company will be run, including rules about decision-making and management. The standard Articles provided by Companies House are often sufficient, but you can tailor them to fit your specific business needs.
The next step is to officially register your company with Companies House, the UK’s registrar of companies. You can do this online, by post, or through an agent. If you’re registering online, the process is quick and usually completed within 24 hours. You’ll need to provide details such as the company name, registered office address, details of the directors and shareholders, and share capital information. The incorporation fee is relatively low, and once your application is processed, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation, which confirms that your company legally exists.
After incorporation, your company must register for Corporation Tax with HMRC within three months of starting business operations. This can be done online using your company’s Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), which HMRC sends to your registered office shortly after incorporation. Registering for Corporation Tax is essential for compliance, as your company will need to pay taxes on its profits and submit annual tax returns.
After incorporating a company in the UK, several compliance requirements must be met to maintain its legal status and ensure ongoing operations run smoothly. These obligations apply to both UK residents and foreign business owners alike:
Every private limited company must prepare and file annual financial statements with Companies House. These accounts must provide a true and fair view of the company’s financial performance and position over the financial year. The financial statements typically include a balance sheet, profit and loss account, and notes to the accounts. Companies must file their accounts within nine months of the financial year-end.
A confirmation statement (formerly known as the annual return) must be submitted to Companies House at least once a year. This statement confirms that the information held about the company is accurate and up-to-date. The confirmation statement includes details such as the registered office address, details of directors and shareholders, share capital, and the SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) code describing the company’s business activities.
After incorporation, your company must register for Corporation Tax with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and file a Company Tax Return annually. The return details the company’s profits, allowable expenses, and Corporation Tax due. The deadline for filing the Company Tax Return is 12 months after the end of the company’s accounting period, and the tax payment is due within nine months and one day after the accounting period ends.
If your company’s taxable turnover exceeds the VAT threshold (currently £85,000 per year), you must register for Value Added Tax (VAT) with HMRC. Once registered, your company must charge VAT on its products or services, submit regular VAT returns, and pay any VAT owed to HMRC. VAT returns are typically filed quarterly, and timely submission and payment are crucial to avoid penalties. Even if your turnover is below the threshold, you may choose to register for VAT voluntarily to reclaim VAT on business expenses.
Companies must maintain up-to-date statutory registers, including registers of members (shareholders), directors, secretaries (if applicable), and people with significant control (PSC). These records are essential for legal compliance and must be kept at the company’s registered office or another location notified to Companies House. The PSC register, which lists individuals or entities with significant control over the company, is particularly important and must be updated whenever there are changes.
Companies must keep accurate records of all financial transactions, including invoices, receipts, payroll records, and bank statements. These records must be kept for at least six years and are essential for preparing annual accounts, tax returns, and VAT returns.
If your company has employees, you must comply with UK employment laws, which include paying at least the national minimum wage, providing a workplace pension, adhering to working time regulations, and ensuring health and safety standards. You must also register as an employer with HMRC, operate PAYE (Pay As You Earn) to deduct income tax and National Insurance contributions from employees’ wages, and file regular payroll reports with HMRC.
Companies that handle personal data must comply with the UK’s data protection laws, including the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This includes ensuring that personal data is collected, processed, and stored securely, obtaining consent where necessary, and providing individuals with access to their data.
If there are any changes to your company’s details, such as a change of registered office, appointment or resignation of directors, or changes to the company’s share structure, these must be reported to Companies House. Many of these changes must be reported within 14 days, and some may require the filing of specific forms. Keeping Companies House informed of any changes ensures that your company’s public record is accurate and up-to-date.
While private limited companies in the UK are not required to hold Annual General Meetings (AGMs), many choose to do so to discuss and approve the company’s financial statements, dividends, and other key decisions. If your company’s articles of association require AGMs, or if shareholders request one, it’s important to comply with these provisions.
The Innovator Founder visa is designed for experienced entrepreneurs with an innovative and scalable business idea that is distinct from anything else in the UK market. To qualify, the business idea must receive approval from an endorsing body such as Envestors Limited, Innovator International, The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP), or UK Endorsing Services. This visa allows the entrepreneur to establish their business in the UK. The visa is initially granted for three years, with the option to extend or apply for permanent residency.
The Global Talent visa is aimed at individuals who are recognized leaders or potential leaders in the fields of digital technology, arts and culture, or academia and research. Unlike other visas, it does not require a specific job offer, allowing these talented individuals to work in their field or set up a business in the UK. The application process includes an endorsement by a relevant industry body unless the applicant has won an approved prestigious award. The visa is valid for up to five years and provides a pathway to permanent residency.
The High Potential Individual visa is intended for recent graduates from eligible universities who have earned a qualification equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher within the last five years. This visa allows them to live and work in the UK, including setting up a business, for up to three years. While the visa does not lead directly to permanent residency, it provides an opportunity for talented individuals to establish themselves in the UK and potentially transition to another visa type that offers a longer-term stay.
The UK Expansion visa is for senior managers or specialist employees of overseas companies that do not yet have a trading presence in the UK. This visa allows these key personnel to enter the UK to establish and run a branch or subsidiary of their existing business. A sponsor licence is required for the parent company before the visa can be granted. The visa is initially valid for one year, with the option to extend for up to two years, but it does not provide a direct route to permanent residency. This visa is ideal for businesses looking to expand into the UK market while retaining close ties to their home country operations.
The Self-Sponsorship Visa Route is a pathway for individuals who want to set up or run a business in the UK without the need for a traditional job offer. This route involves the incorporation of a UK business, obtaining a sponsor licence, and sponsoring oneself as a skilled worker. It requires genuine business intent, sufficient funds to cover start-up and operational costs, and relevant skills and experience.
VAT is a tax that companies must charge on most goods and services provided in the UK. The standard VAT rate is currently 20%, though reduced rates of 5% and 0% apply to specific goods and services. Companies must register for VAT if their taxable turnover exceeds the VAT threshold, which is currently £85,000 per year. However, businesses can voluntarily register for VAT even if their turnover is below this threshold, which can be beneficial for reclaiming VAT on business expenses. Once registered, companies must charge VAT on their sales, submit VAT returns to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and pay any VAT owed.
Corporation Tax is the tax levied on a company's profits. The current Corporation Tax rate in the UK is 25% (as of 2024). Companies must register with HMRC for Corporation Tax within three months of starting business operations. The tax is calculated based on the company’s taxable profits, which include income from trading, investments, and the sale of assets.
In addition to VAT and Corporation Tax, companies in the UK may be subject to other taxes, such as:
The UK has numerous double taxation treaties with other countries, which help prevent the same income from being taxed twice. These treaties are particularly important for foreign companies and investors, as they can reduce the overall tax burden by allowing tax paid in the UK to be offset against taxes due in their home country. It’s advisable to consult with a tax advisor familiar with international tax law to ensure compliance with both UK tax obligations and any applicable treaties.
