UK Private Limited Company (Ltd)
Incorporate with Companies House from the US. No UK residency required. London registered office, director filings, and compliance calendar included.
All-inclusive — no hidden fees
What Is a UK Ltd?
A UK Private Limited Company (Ltd) is the most common business structure in the United Kingdom, roughly equivalent to a US LLC in terms of liability protection. Shareholders' liability is limited to the value of their shares, shielding personal assets from business debts.
Unlike a US LLC, a UK Ltd has a formal share structure and is governed by the Companies Act 2006. It must file annual accounts and a Confirmation Statement with Companies House, the UK's corporate registry. The company's directors, shareholders, and registered office address are part of the public record.
For US founders, a UK Ltd provides a legitimate legal presence in the United Kingdom and the broader European market — critical for businesses selling to UK consumers, contracting with UK enterprises, or operating in regulated industries like fintech and e-commerce.
Requirements
Directors
Minimum 1 director. No UK residency requirement. US citizens and residents of any country are eligible. Must be at least 16 years old.
Shareholders
Minimum 1 shareholder. Can be the same person as the director. Corporate shareholders are permitted. No maximum limit.
Registered Office
A physical address in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland is required. We provide a London registered office address included in your package.
SIC Code
Every UK company must declare at least one SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) code describing its business activity. We help you identify the correct code during the formation process.
What's Included
How It Works
Purchase
Select the UK Ltd formation package and complete checkout.
Complete Your Form
Fill out the activation form with company name, director details, SIC code, and share structure.
We Incorporate
We prepare and file your incorporation documents with Companies House and register with HMRC.
Receive Documents
Certificate of Incorporation, company number, and all formation documents delivered to your portal. Typically 1 to 5 business days.
Pricing
All-inclusive formation package. No hidden fees. Government filing fees, registered office, and HMRC registration are all included in the price.
UK-based domestic agents typically charge between 12 and 70 GBP for the filing itself, but that does not include a registered office, mail forwarding, HMRC registration, or any guidance on compliance obligations. By the time you source each component separately and navigate the Companies House portal, you will spend hours of research and coordination. Our package handles everything end-to-end.
Who Should Incorporate in the UK?
E-Commerce Sellers
Selling to UK or EU consumers? A UK Ltd provides the legal presence required for VAT registration, UK payment processors, and consumer trust.
Fintech & SaaS
UK-based financial services and SaaS companies benefit from the UK's regulatory framework, access to London's financial ecosystem, and proximity to the EU market.
UK Client Contracts
Many UK enterprises prefer or require contracting with a UK-registered entity. A Ltd makes procurement straightforward for your UK clients.
International Credibility
A Companies House registration carries weight globally. It signals that your business is established, regulated, and operating under a well-understood legal framework.
Important Tax Considerations
UK Corporation Tax rates range from 19% (for profits under 50,000 GBP) to 25% (for profits over 250,000 GBP), with marginal relief in between. Companies must register with HMRC and file an annual Corporation Tax return (CT600).
If your UK Ltd exceeds the VAT registration threshold (currently 90,000 GBP in taxable turnover), you must register for VAT and charge it on UK sales.
For US citizens and tax residents, owning a foreign corporation triggers additional US tax obligations. You may be subject to GILTI (Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income), Subpart F income rules, and must file Form 5471 (Information Return of US Persons With Respect to Certain Foreign Corporations) annually.
Tax Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute tax advice. US founders forming international entities should consult with an international tax advisor or CPA experienced in cross-border taxation before incorporating. Tax obligations vary based on individual circumstances, entity structure, and applicable tax treaties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a US citizen be the sole director of a UK Ltd?
Do I need a UK bank account?
What are the ongoing compliance obligations?
How much does a UK Ltd cost to maintain annually?
Can I use my US address as the company address?
What happens after incorporation?
Ready to incorporate in the UK?
London registered office, Companies House filing, and compliance calendar — all handled for you.
Form Your UK Ltd — $1,299