Europe · Private Limited Company (Ltd)
United Kingdom Company Formation 2026
Filing $15 · Annual $17 · Corp tax 25% · Banking 9/10
The numbers
| Entity type | Private Limited Company (Ltd) |
|---|---|
| Filing fee (one-off) | $15 |
| Annual government fee | $17 |
| Registered agent / corp. secretary | Not required |
| Headline corporate tax | 25% |
| Effective tax notes | 19% on profits ≤ £50k, 25% on profits > £250k; marginal relief between. |
| VAT / GST / sales tax | 20% |
| Minimum paid-up capital | Nominal |
| Processing time | 1 business days |
| Remote formation | Yes |
| UBO public | Yes (public register) |
| Banking accessibility | 9/10 |
| Privacy score | 4/10 |
| Stripe | ✅ Available |
| PayPal Business | ✅ |
| Wise Business | ✅ |
Why people choose United Kingdom
- Lowest registration fee globally (£12)
- 24-hour formation
- World-class banking
Trade-offs to know
- PSC register is public
- High top corporate tax (25%)
Who United Kingdom is best for
- European market
- Brand credibility
- EU-adjacent trading
Annual Confirmation Statement £13. Now £50 first-year and £34 ongoing as of 2024 fee increase.
Authoritative sources
United Kingdom official business registry / authorityFees last verified against the source: 2026-05-15
Other commonly compared Europe jurisdictions
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to form a company in United Kingdom?
The state/registry filing fee is approximately $15. Annual maintenance is approximately $17.
What is the corporate tax rate in United Kingdom?
United Kingdom's headline corporate income tax rate is 25%. 19% on profits ≤ £50k, 25% on profits > £250k; marginal relief between.
Can a non-resident form a company in United Kingdom?
Yes, remote formation is generally possible in United Kingdom.
Is Stripe available for United Kingdom companies?
Yes, Stripe supports businesses incorporated in United Kingdom.
What is the minimum paid-up capital?
Effectively none — companies can be formed with a nominal $1 of share capital.