Can a non-resident open a UK Limited Company?
Yes. There is no residency, nationality or immigration requirement to become a director or shareholder of a UK Limited Company. Founders in the UAE, India, Nigeria, the EU and elsewhere routinely incorporate UK companies and operate them from abroad. What matters at Companies House is that each director and Person with Significant Control (PSC) completes identity verification, provides a valid passport, a verifiable residential address and a service address that appears on the public register.
How long does UK company incorporation take?
Once we have complete information and identity verification is passed, most incorporations are approved by Companies House within 24 to 48 hours. Elite package clients are usually incorporated within 24 hours; Prestige typically 48 hours. Delays are almost always caused by identity verification, name rejections, or missing PSC information.
What is the minimum share capital?
There is no minimum. Most small companies issue 1, 100 or 1,000 ordinary shares of £1 each. Share capital represents the funds shareholders commit to the company and can influence banking, credit and investor perceptions later — we advise most founders to issue 100 ordinary shares of £1 as a sensible default.
Can I be both director and shareholder?
Yes. This is the standard structure for a single-founder Limited Company. You act as director (running the company) and as shareholder (owning it). You must still complete identity verification in both capacities and declare yourself as a PSC.
Do I need a UK address to incorporate?
Yes — every UK company must have a UK registered office address filed at Companies House. Non-UK residents typically use a professional London registered office service (included in our Prestige and Elite packages). Your personal residential address can remain abroad and is protected from public disclosure by using a director service address.
Can two non-residents be directors together?
Yes. A UK Limited Company can have any number of directors, of any nationality, resident anywhere in the world. Each individual completes identity verification and appears on the public register with their service address (not their home address).