How to Incorporate a Limited Company in the UK

After you have submitted the  name of your limited company to us, approval of the company name can be obtained within minutes. You can carry out a free name check now using our Company Name check service.

We then present the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company to the Registrar, a certificate of incorporation will be issued and your new company is incorporated. The incorporation of a UK company usually takes one day but we can often incorporate in less than four hours.

What you need to set up a Limited Company in the UK

To begin incorporation of your limited company we will require the following:

• Your company name
• The full name, date of birth, address and nationality of all directors
• The full name and address of all shareholders

Documents you are required to provide:

• Proof of identity (passport, national identity card, photographic driving licence).
• Proof of residential address (gas/electricity bill or credit/debit card bank statement dated within the last three months)

Registered Office

All limited companies in the UK  must have a registered office. The registered office is where documents may be legally served on the company and where the statutory books of the company must be kept. The registered office must be a physical address in the UK– we can provide this for you as part of our Corporate Administration Package.

Shares and Share Capital requirements

• There are no minimum share capital requirements for a limited company (Ltd)
• For a Public Limited Company (PLC), the company’s shares may be offered for sale to the public and they have a minimum share capital of around £50,000.

Ready Made Companies

• We have shelf companies in the UK currently available, with standard Memorandum and Articles designed to permit most general activities; making it possible to commence business at very short notice. Our ready made companies are in good standing, are not the subject of any insolvency proceedings and have not entered into any contracts or engaged in any business activities.
• We have an extensive stock of ready made companies, all of which are ready to trade and can be transferred to you within hours.

Services included in our incorporation Fee

Our UK service includes but not limited too:

• Preparing your Memorandum and Articles of Association and other mandatory documents required to register your limited company.
• Paying all capital duties and registration fees.
• Lodging documentation with Companies House.

What you receive after setting up your new business

1. Certificate of Non-Trading (for UK ready made companies only). This guarantees that your company has not traded or incurred any liabilities prior to having been transferred to you.
2. Combined Company Register. To record the issue of shares, the transfer of shares, the appointment and resignation of officers, minutes of board meetings etc.
3. 24 Share Certificates. A share certificate or stock certificate is a written instrument evidencing the legal title to shares in the company

Additional documentation may include share transfer forms or declarations, special powers of attorney, additional corporate resolutions.

Once your new company is incorporated we will happily assist you with any company secretarial advice you may require and we can also carry out certain company secretarial duties on your behalf. Please refer to our Corporate Administration Package for more information,.

5 Advantages to Setting up a Limited Company in the United Kingdom (UK)

1. For foreign investors, a UK Limited Company gives you access to the lucrative UK market. The UK is the world’s sixth largest economy and as a member of the EU, enjoys strong trade links across Europe.
2. A Limited Company gives a greater degree of business credibility. Operating your business as a limited company is more credible and prestigious than operating as a sole trader. Furthermore, the company’s name is protected and incorporation protects the name from use by another limited company.
3. A Limited Company limits the risk to which all stakeholders are exposed. A company is a legal form of a business organisation, which is classed as a separate legal entity and, therefore, is separate and distinct from those who run it; for sole traders and in partnerships, the individuals’ personal assets are at risk if there is a claim against the organisation but shareholders in a limited liability company are only liable to lose the value of the share capital to which they subscribe.
4. A Limited Company has a greater ability to raise finance. Limited companies have flexible borrowing powers, can raise capital by selling shares, and can apply for finance under the Business Expansion Scheme. Employees can also acquire shares and their rights as shareholders are clearly defined and protected.
5. A Limited Company has a less brittle management structure. The company can continue to trade despite the death, resignation or bankruptcy of members. The appointment, retirement or removal of a director is straightforward.

Important Information about setting up a Limited Company in the UK

• Incorporating in the UK requires at least one director and one shareholder of any nationality , with no residency requirements.  This can be the same person. Corporate shareholders are permitted.
• You can incorporate your company in the UK even if you don’t intend to trade in the UK.
• UK companies are the easiest and most flexible of companies to incorporate within the European Union.
• The Limited Company is entitled to take legal actions in its own name (as opposed to the name of its owners) and the company may enter into legal contracts and own property.