You don’t need to be a UK citizen or resident to register a company in the UK. Many international entrepreneurs register UK companies to expand into the UK or global market. Here’s how to do it:

✅ Step 1: Choose Your Company Type
The most common structure is a Private Limited Company (Ltd). Benefits:

Separate legal identity

Limited liability protection

Credibility with customers and partners

✅ Step 2: Pick a Company Name
Your company name must:

Be unique in the UK (use the Companies House name checker)

Not include sensitive words (e.g., “bank”, “government”)

End with “Limited” or “Ltd”

✅ Step 3: Appoint Directors and Shareholders
You need at least one director (no residency or citizenship requirement)

A shareholder can be the same person as the director

Details will be published publicly by Companies House

✅ Step 4: Choose a UK Registered Office Address
You must have a physical UK address for your registered office. This:

Will be visible to the public

Is where official government and legal documents are sent

You can use:

Your accountant’s address

A UK-based friend or associate’s address

A virtual office provider

🔹 Note: It must be in the same country where your company is registered (e.g., England & Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland).

✅ Step 5: Select a SIC Code
A Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code defines your company’s nature of business. You can choose more than one if needed. Find the full list here:
🔗 SIC Codes List

✅ Step 6: Submit Incorporation Documents
You’ll need to prepare:

Memorandum of Association

Articles of Association (default “model articles” are often used)

Company details: name, address, director(s), shareholder(s), share structure

✅ Step 7: Register with Companies House
There are three ways to register:

Online via Companies House – Register a company

Using a UK company formation agent

By post (form IN01 – slower and more complex)

🕒 Registration usually takes 1 working day online.

💰 Cost: £12 via Companies House online, more with agents (includes extras like address services or bank help)

✅ Step 8: Register for Corporation Tax
After your company is registered, you must register for Corporation Tax within 3 months of starting business activity:
🔗 Register for Corporation Tax

✅ Step 9: Set Up a Business Bank Account (Optional but Recommended)
Opening a UK bank account can be tricky without UK residency. Consider:

International business bank accounts

Fintech options like Wise, Payoneer, Revolut Business, etc.

Some formation agents offer help with this step.

✅ Step 10: Comply with Ongoing Obligations
Annual accounts to Companies House

Confirmation statement (once a year)

Corporation tax return to HMRC

Source Link: https://businassist.com/