Launch Your Business in the UK Quickly

An LTD is incorporated through Companies House. We prepare the filing and stay on it through HMRC registration and the bank account.

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24 hrs Average Setup
Apex Global
Active Process

UK Company Formation Process

Application received · Companies House process is being prepared

Completion 75%
Initial Consultation
Completed
Document Preparation
Approved
Companies House Application
Processing...
HMRC & Next Steps
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UK LTD Formation ready for a global business structure
Process

How to Set Up a Company in the UK in 4 Steps?

Four steps, from company type selection through the Companies House filing and HMRC registration to the bank account. At each one you know exactly what we need from you.

1

Needs Analysis & Company Type Selection

Most foreign founders in the UK incorporate an LTD. In this conversation we settle how many shareholders there will be, how the shares split, and who acts as director. Companies House asks for all three by name.

2

Companies House Application

We check that the company name is available, set the business activity with a SIC code, and file through Companies House. Once it clears, your Certificate of Incorporation comes through.

3

Tax Registration & Official Processes (HMRC)

HMRC is the UK tax authority. Corporation Tax registration happens here. If your turnover is going to cross the threshold, VAT registration comes in at this stage too.

4

Bank Account & Operational Setup

Bank account and payment infrastructure get set up. Alongside the high street banks there are digital options like Wise and Revolut, and we work out together which suits you.

Company Structure Comparison

Key Differences Between LTD and LLP

Short version: LTD if you work alone or want a share structure, LLP if you are forming a service firm with at least two partners. The details are in the table.

Comparison Criteria
LTD
LLP
Ideal Use Case
Suitable for solo entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized businesses
Suitable for partnerships and professional service firms
Taxation
Subject to corporate tax
Partners are taxed individually (pass-through taxation)
Ownership Structure
Can be owned by one or multiple shareholders
Requires at least 2 partners
Investment Potential
Suitable for raising investment and scaling
More limited in terms of attracting investment
Equity Structure
Has a share structure that can be transferred
No share system; partnership-based ownership
Management Structure
Managed by directors
Managed collectively by partners
Regulatory Requirements
Standard corporate compliance obligations
Fewer formal regulatory requirements
Flexibility
Offers high flexibility
Provides flexibility through partnership structure
Growth Potential
Ideal for high growth and scalability
Better suited for service-oriented growth
Suitability for Foreign Entrepreneurs
The most common and practical option
Available but less commonly preferred

Which structure is right for you: LTD or LLP?

Contact us to determine the most suitable company structure for your business.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Company Formation in the UK

The questions we get most often about LTD incorporation, the Companies House filing, HMRC registration and bank accounts.

Do I need to travel to the UK to set up a company?
No. The Companies House filing and HMRC registration are both done online. Some providers ask for extra verification when the bank account is opened, and we talk that through before you apply.
What documents are required to set up a company in the UK?
Passport, proof of address, a preferred company name, a SIC code for the business activity, and director and shareholder details. The UK also requires a registered office address, which we provide.
Which company type is most commonly preferred in the UK?
The LTD, or private limited company. It can be incorporated by one person, shareholder liability is limited to the capital they put in, and the share structure leaves room to take on partners later.
What is Companies House and why is it important?
Companies House is the UK register of companies. Incorporation is filed there, and so are the annual confirmation statement and accounts. The records are public.
How long does it take to set up a company in the UK?
Online incorporations at Companies House usually clear within one business day. Once HMRC registration and the bank account are added, getting the company to the point where it can take payments can run into a few weeks.
What is HMRC registration?
HMRC is the UK tax authority. Once the company exists it is registered for Corporation Tax. If turnover crosses the threshold, VAT registration becomes mandatory too.
What is the difference between LTD and LLP?
An LTD is built on a share structure and can be incorporated by one person. An LLP needs at least two partners, profit is taxed at partner level, and it tends to be used by professional partnerships such as law and accountancy firms.
Can I open a bank account after setting up my company?
Yes. You can apply with the Certificate of Incorporation and director ID. High street banks generally take longer, while digital providers such as Wise and Revolut tend to resolve faster.
What are the advantages of setting up a company in the UK?
Fast and low cost incorporation, a public register anyone can verify, Stripe and PayPal access, and running sterling and euro collection through the same structure.
Are there ongoing obligations after the company is formed?
Yes. Each year a confirmation statement and annual accounts go to Companies House, and a Corporation Tax return goes to HMRC. Miss those and penalties apply, so we keep track of them.