United Kingdom Companies
The United Kingdom, which consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, lies off the Western Coast of Europe. It has a total landmass of approximately 241,590 sq km.
Principal Corporate legislation
Companies Act 1985(As amended). The Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.
Corporate feature of UK companies
GENERAL
Type of Company
Political Stability
Common or Civil Law
Disclosure of Beneficial Owner
Migration of Domicile Permitted
Tax on Offshore Profits
Language of Name
Private Limited
Excellent
Common
Owner No
No
Yes
Latin Alphabet
CORPORATE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Number of Shareholders
Minimum Number of Directors
Bearer Shares Allowed
Corporate Directors Permitted
Company Secretary Required
Standard Authorised Share Capital
One
One
No
Yes
Yes
£ 1,000
LOCAL REQUIREMENTS
Registered Office/Agent
Company Secretary
Local Directors
Local Meetings
Government Register of Directors
Government Register of Shareholders
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
ANNUAL REQUIREMENTS
Annual Return
Submit Accounts
Yes
Yes
UK COMPANY FORMATION
London Registry
As long as a client is prepared and able to wait for seven days a “custom-made” new UK company formation may not only be preferable but also more economical. Custom-made companies are set up with a client’s own choice of name (subject to availability) and with the required share capital.
The intended situation of the registered office can be stated from the outset. Clients can be named as the first director and secretary.
Procedure to incorporate
Submission of Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, Declaration of Compliance and Statement of the First Directors and Secretary and notification of the situation of the Registered Office with the requisite fee to Companies House.
Powers of company
A Company incorporated in the United Kingdom has the same powers as a natural person.
Language of legislation and corporate documents:
English.
Time to incorporate
Ten to fifteen working days
Registered office required
Yes, must be maintained in the United Kingdom.
Disclosure of beneficial ownership to authorities:
No.
Authorised and issued share capital
Private Company – The minimum issued capital is one share, but further capital is usually issued to reflect the stability and strength of the company. A private company is normally incorporated with an authorised share capital of £ 1,000.
Classes of shares permitted
Ordinary shares, preference shares, deferred shares, redeemable shares and shares with or without voting rights.
Bearer shares permitted:
No.
Double taxation agreements
The United Kingdom is party to more double tax treaties than any other sovereign state.
Financial statement requirements
All UK Companies are required to file accounts with the Registrar of Companies. There is an exemption given in favour of limited liability companies where they have a small turnover, which is defined as being below £ 350,000. In those circumstances the directors must self-certify the accounts without the requirement to have a formal audit.
STRUCTURE OF MANAGEMENT
Directors
Private Companies – One. They may be natural persons or bodies corporate. They may be of any nationality and need not reside in the United Kingdom.
Company secretary
A company secretary must be appointed. The company secretary may be a natural person or a body corporate. They can be of any nationality and need not reside in the United Kingdom.
Shareholders
Private Companies – the minimum number of shareholders is one.
Important note :
International tax planners are able to utilise UK structures to minimise taxation for international business.
To learn more information about Company formation in UK then use this form to contact us
