01
Form and capital
International business commonly compares a private company limited by shares, LLP, UK establishment of an overseas company and a regulated vehicle; the choice depends on ownership, tax residence, activity, investors, licensing and banking
02
Formation process
A company registers with Companies House using its name, registered office, directors, shareholders, articles and control information; Corporation Tax, bookkeeping, annual accounts, confirmation statements and mandatory identity verification follow incorporation
A company should be built around its activity, tax and banking route. International business commonly compares a private company limited by shares, LLP, UK establishment of an overseas company and a regulated vehicle; the choice depends on ownership, tax residence, activity, investors, licensing and banking.
03
Management and substance
Fast incorporation does not replace effective management. Board decisions, directors' authority, people, premises, contracts, IP, expenditure and performance should support the tax, transfer-pricing and banking position
04
Banking launch
A bank, payment institution, e-money institution, investment firm or wealth manager is checked in the Financial Services Register and against its precise Scope of Permission; corporate accounts, private banking, custody, acquiring and safeguarding are distinct products. The institution reviews the company and controllers, tax residence, business model, source of wealth and funds, counterparties, countries, currencies, projected turnover, sanctions exposure and a credible UK connection.
05
Working checklist
The Corporation Tax main rate is 25%, the small-profits rate is 19%, and marginal relief applies between the thresholds; associated companies reduce those thresholds, while residence, permanent establishments, withholding, transfer pricing and sector regimes need separate review. The standard VAT rate is 20%; the registration threshold, place of supply, reverse charge, imports, exports, exempt financial supplies and input recovery depend on the chain and customer status.
FAQ
FAQ
Where should a company formation project in United Kingdom start?
International business commonly compares a private company limited by shares, LLP, UK establishment of an overseas company and a regulated vehicle; the choice depends on ownership, tax residence, activity, investors, licensing and banking
Can formation or account opening be guaranteed?
This material is general information. Formation, licensing, tax outcomes and account opening depend on the facts and the decision of the competent authority or financial institution.
Why are tax and banking reviewed together?
The Corporation Tax main rate is 25%, the small-profits rate is 19%, and marginal relief applies between the thresholds; associated companies reduce those thresholds, while residence, permanent establishments, withholding, transfer pricing and sector regimes need separate review. The institution reviews the company and controllers, tax residence, business model, source of wealth and funds, counterparties, countries, currencies, projected turnover, sanctions exposure and a credible UK connection.
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Related routes
- Bank accounts and private banking
- Open primary source
- Private wealth: foundations and trusts
- Open primary source
- Tax strategy
- Open primary source
- UK payment institution and EMI licence
- Open primary source