How to Start a Company in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Start a Company in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide

A beginner-friendly walkthrough of forming a UK company, including paperwork, timelines, and best practices.

The United Kingdom is a highly attractive destination for entrepreneurs across the world. With a transparent registration system, affordable setup costs, and global trust in UK businesses, forming a company here can open doors to both local and international markets.

At iFiler, we help simplify the company formation process for both UK residents and international founders. Below is a complete step-by-step guide for registering a business in the UK with confidence.

📍 Step 1: Choose the Right Company Structure

In the UK, your company’s legal structure defines how it operates, is taxed, and how much liability you carry.

🔹 Common UK Business Structures:

  • Private Limited Company (Ltd) – Most popular. Offers liability protection, tax efficiency, and credibility.

  • Sole Trader – Simplest form but doesn’t protect your personal assets.

  • Partnership – For businesses with two or more people sharing responsibility.

👉 Recommended: Private Limited Company (Ltd) — flexible, professional, and scalable.

📍 Step 2: Choose Your Company Name

Your business name must be unique and follow UK regulations.

► Guidelines:

  • Cannot be identical to or too similar to an existing company.

  • Must end with “Limited” or “Ltd.”

  • Should not contain offensive or sensitive words without approval.

✅ iFiler checks your business name instantly to ensure it’s available.

📍 Step 3: Prepare Your Company Details

Before registering, gather and decide on the following:

► You Will Need:

  • Company address (UK-based)

  • At least one director (can be you)

  • At least one shareholder (can be the same person)

  • Share structure – typically £1 per share

  • SIC code – defines your business activity

  • People with significant control (PSC)

📌 Don’t worry—iFiler walks you through every step of this during the registration process.

📍 Step 4: Provide a UK Registered Office Address

All UK companies must have a Registered Office Address located in the UK.

► Important Notes:

  • It will be publicly listed on Companies House.

  • You can use your own office or home address.

  • Or use a virtual office address via iFiler for privacy.

📌 We provide UK Registered Office Services for local and international clients.

📍 Step 5: Register with Companies House

Now it’s time to officially form your company by filing with Companies House, the UK’s registrar of companies.

► What’s Filed:

  • Company name

  • Business address

  • Director(s) and shareholder(s) info

  • Share details

  • Articles of association (rules of running the company)

⏱ Timeline:

  • Registration usually takes 3–24 hours when filed electronically via iFiler.

📍 Step 6: Get Your Company Documents

Once registered, you’ll receive:

  • Certificate of Incorporation

  • Memorandum & Articles of Association

  • Share Certificate(s)

  • Company Number (CRN)

📁 These are official legal documents—iFiler provides digital copies instantly.

📍 Step 7: Apply for a UK Business Bank Account

Having a business bank account is essential for running your company professionally.

► Requirements:

  • Company formation documents

  • Proof of ID and address

  • Business description and expected transactions

📌 iFiler partners with digital-friendly UK banks and fintechs like Wise, Tide, Revolut, and Payoneer—perfect for non-residents and online businesses.

📍 Step 8: Register for Taxes (if needed)

Not all companies need to register for VAT or PAYE immediately—but some do.

► Tax Obligations May Include:

  • VAT Registration (if turnover exceeds £90,000/year or voluntarily)

  • PAYE Registration (if hiring staff)

  • Corporation Tax – HMRC automatically registers you after formation

  • Self-Assessment – if you’re taking dividends or income personally

📌 iFiler helps ensure your tax setup is compliant from the beginning.

📍 Step 9: Open a Stripe, PayPal, or Amazon Seller Account

If you’re running an e-commerce or service business, you’ll likely need:

  • Stripe or PayPal for payments

  • Amazon UK, Walmart, or TikTok Shop accounts

  • UK-based billing and identity verification

✅ iFiler provides Stripe/PayPal support, including business verification setup for international users.

📍 Step 10: Maintain Compliance & File Annual Reports

UK companies must keep up with regular filings and reports to stay active and avoid penalties.

► Annual Requirements:

  • Confirmation Statement (annually)

  • Company Accounts (due annually after 12 months)

  • Corporation Tax Return (filed with HMRC)

  • Maintain statutory records

📆 iFiler offers annual compliance services—reminders, filing support, and more.

🌍 Who Can Register a UK Company?

✅ UK Residents
✅ Non-UK Residents
✅ Foreign Entrepreneurs
✅ E-commerce Sellers Worldwide

You don’t need to live in the UK to open a company here. All you need is a UK address and compliant documents—iFiler takes care of the rest.

🔐 Best Practices for Success

  • Use a professional formation agent to avoid common delays or mistakes.

  • Keep all records and documents organized.

  • Separate personal and business finances.

  • Use a virtual address for privacy and professionalism.

  • Stay on top of deadlines with compliance services.

📦 How iFiler Can Help You

We specialize in UK company formation for founders worldwide:

✅ Private Limited Company Registration
✅ UK Registered Address & Mail Forwarding
✅ VAT & PAYE Setup
✅ Business Bank Account Setup
✅ Stripe, Amazon, PayPal Guidance
✅ Annual Filing & Tax Compliance

Whether you’re forming a UK company for e-commerce, consulting, or international trading—iFiler makes it fast, secure, and stress-free.

💬 Ready to Start Your UK Company?

 

Visit iFiler.uk to begin your registration today.
🚀 Form. Launch. Grow—with iFiler.