How to incorporate with Companies House, complete identity verification and the PSC register, register with HMRC for Corporation Tax, VAT and PAYE, and stay current with confirmation statements — as a UK founder or an overseas operator entering the market.
Most founders register a private company limited by shares. Alternatives include an LLP, a sole trader registration, or a UK establishment of an overseas company. Your name must be unique on the Companies House register and avoid sensitive or restricted words without approval.
Every company must declare at least one SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) code describing its activity, and a registered office address in the part of the UK where it is registered. This address is public and receives official correspondence — a virtual or agent address is common for overseas founders.
Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, directors and People with Significant Control must complete identity verification directly with Companies House or through an authorised agent. Incorporation itself is filed online with a memorandum and articles of association; approval is typically same day to 24 hours.
Companies must identify and file details of any Person with Significant Control (PSC) — generally anyone holding more than 25% of shares or voting rights, or with the right to appoint/remove a majority of directors. The PSC register is public and must be kept current.
Within three months of starting to trade, register with HMRC for Corporation Tax using your company registration number. HMRC issues a Unique Taxpayer Reference and sets your accounting period, which determines filing and payment deadlines.
VAT registration is mandatory once taxable turnover exceeds the current threshold in any rolling 12-month period, and optional (often beneficial) below it. Registered businesses must charge VAT, file returns under Making Tax Digital, and reconcile input and output tax.
Before paying any employee (including a director), register as an employer for PAYE and operate income tax and National Insurance deductions through payroll. Auto-enrolment pension duties apply from an employee's first day, subject to eligibility rules.
Every company must file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months confirming registered details, plus annual accounts with Companies House and a Company Tax Return with HMRC. Missing deadlines risks penalties and, ultimately, strike-off.
Ranges reflect typical experience with complete documentation.
Yes. Non-residents can be directors and shareholders of a UK company. You still need a UK registered office address and must complete identity verification for directors and PSCs under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
You must register for VAT once your taxable turnover exceeds the current HMRC threshold in a rolling 12-month period. Thresholds change periodically, so confirm the current figure with HMRC or your advisor before relying on it.
It is an annual filing confirming that the information Companies House holds about your company — directors, registered office, PSCs, and share capital — is accurate. It does not replace annual accounts, which are filed separately.
Most organisations that process personal data must pay the data protection fee and register with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) unless a specific exemption applies.
Paulina coordinates incorporation, HMRC registrations, and identity verification end to end. Book a free 30-minute consultation on the UK market page.
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