What are current requirements for a foreigner to register a UK limited company?

[Moses3d]

Hello all,

I'm a foreign national and I would like to register a UK limited company. What are current requirements if anyone knows? Can I register a company myself online following the steps on the Companies House website (being a UK national it is a fairly straightforward process, I know)? Or do I have to employ services of a registrar? My understanding is that to register online I need to create an account with Companies House first, and for that I need to receive an access code sent to my registered address by Companies House. This logically makes me think that first I will need to get a registered office address (like purchase this service from one of the companies offering such). And then sign up with Companies House to continue with company registration. Will this be a correct order to start with? What specific requirements (if any) are there for a foreign national to register a company in the UK?

Thank you all for your input, much appreciated in advance.

 

[fisicx]

The process is the same for UK residents as it is for overseas residents.

You need a UK address from which you apply and to which all correspondence is sent. There are loads of businesses in the UK that will provide this service.

However, because they offer this service to anyone the address can become blacklisted and affect your credit score which can prevent you getting a bank account.

Which means it’s worth paying more and use a reputable registration company.

 

[Ozzy]

As mentioned, you must have a UK address where documents can be served for your company. If you do not have a UK address then you can pay a company to provide this service for you. Other than that, it is pretty straight forward.
Getting a bank account for the company may be more challenging though, but that is a separate issue.

There is a banner at the top of this page for one of our sponsors, 1st Formations, who does provide this service so feel free to check them out.

 

[Moses3d]

Ozzy, fisicx, thank you both very much for taking time to respond. Much appreciated. This was my guess, actually, after having gone through the Companies House step-by-step guide. Do I understand it correctly that having established the UK address I then (and only then) can sign up for the Companies House account to proceed with the company formation procedure? What I mean is that I read on their page that a certain account confirmation code would be sent to my UK address to continue with the signup process. Or they do it digitally now and I will receive this code to my email inbox rather than a physical envelope? If you could clarify this one for me please. I mean, of course a local UK address requirement will definitely be met, but does this matter for signing up? Thank you again.
P.S. Ozzy, thanks, I will use the link and check them out.

 

[fisicx]

You will be sent physical letters. There are emails as well but all the important documents are sent as a letter. Which means you need someone at the UK address to respond to the mail.

 

[Moses3d]

You will be sent physical letters. There are emails as well but all the important documents are sent as a letter. Which means you need someone at the UK address to respond to the mail.

Thank you, fisicx. Yes, I do understand this: this is exactly what you need for a US LLC – the address where they send the official mail. What I refer to, however, is the INITIAL letter (or message) from Companies House with (supposedly) a confirmation code to enable one to sign up. I'm afraid I wasn't quite clear when asking my question: my thinking is this – first I obtain a UK address, then I start the signup procedure with Companies House, and then I receive the confirmation code to continue with the signup process to that very physical UK address. I hope I've managed to convey the idea . If you know, please clarify this very part for me. Thank you!

 

[eteb3]

first I obtain a UK address, then I start the signup procedure with Companies House, and then I receive the confirmation code to continue with the signup process to that very physical UK address.

That's more or less correct. A company can't be formed without an address, which becomes its registered office. All CH confirmation codes are always sent there, and all tax letters until you tell HMRC to send them somewhere else.

The confirmation code is merely administrative, allowing you to file online (as we're now required to do) for the newly-born company - the company already exists at its registered office when they despatch the code. You won't need the code until you want to file a document, perhaps 21 months later.

Fun fact: Scots law is subtly different from the law of England and Wales. It'll only make a difference in edge cases, but worth being aware (bearer instruments and formalities of granting security spring to mind). If you think it'll make any difference to you, site your company in the right jurisdiction - it can't move later. I'd go with E&W because there's so much more support for the larger jurisdiction.

 

[Moses3d]

That's correct. A company can't be formed without an address, which becomes its registered office. All CH confirmation codes are always sent there, and all tax letters until you tell HMRC to send them somewhere else.

Fun fact: Scots law is subtly different from the law of England and Wales. It'll only make a difference in edge cases, but worth being aware (bearer instruments and formalities of granting security spring to mind). If you think it'll make any difference to you, site your company in the right jurisdiction - it can't move later.

Thank you, eteb3, much appreciated. So my reasoning was correct: first the address, then signup with the signup confirmation code LETTER (not e-message) sent to that address (so the company/person at that address should be able to either scan or simply text me the confirmation code to complete the signup process). Thank you!

 

[eteb3]

I edited mine for clarity, didn't spot you'd replied before edit. To restate more clearly:

1. Register your company, probably online but you can use paper, to include nominating an address.
2. CH forms said company and sends certificate of incorporation to that address.
REGISTRATION COMPLETE, COMPANY NOW EXISTS
3. Unbidden, CH sends confirmation code to new company at its registered address.
4. Company uses code to sign up to a different CH system, which allows it to make routine filings online.

 

[fisicx]

@Moses3d - it all comes down to how reliable the person at the UK is. They will be getting letters every year that you need to action. Miss any of them and you could be in all sorts of trouble.

 

[Moses3d]

I edited mine for clarity, didn't spot you'd replied before edit. To restate more clearly:

1. Register your company, probably online but you can use paper, to include nominating an address.
2. CH forms said company and sends certificate of incorporation to that address.
REGISTRATION COMPLETE, COMPANY NOW EXISTS
3. Unbidden, CH sends confirmation code to new company at its registered address.
4. Company uses code to sign up to a different CH system, which allows it to make routine filings online.

I see, so I DON'T need any confirmation code BEFORE the company is formed (formally registered by CH)! The code comes to play AFTER the registration is over, to file, say, an amendment or other sorts of stuff. My fear was that after I obtain the address, then will start the signup process and then will have to wait for that code to arrive at that address to finish up the registration (signup process was perceived by me as synonym to the initial step in the company formation process). My apologies for all this mess I've created , poor foreigner. Now it is clear and I will proceed (with caution, of course, as suggested by many of you, paying attention to details).

Again, may thanks.

Have a good evening.

 

[Moses3d]

@Moses3d - it all comes down to how reliable the person at the UK is. They will be getting letters every year that you need to action. Miss any of them and you could be in all sorts of trouble.

fisicx, you're correct, it does. Reliability is key, so I will be choosing wisely . Thank you!

 

[va80647]

you send for registration, if they see no problem they will register you, if they find any problem you will see the new requirements

 

[Moses3d]

you send for registration, if they see no problem they will register you, if they find any problem you will see the new requirements

Thank you!