Register a UK LTD from France: The 2026 Complete Guide

France has one of Europe's largest and most diverse economies — from Paris's fintech and tech ecosystem to Lyon's growing startup scene and Bordeaux's digital corridor. But French founders expanding beyond the Hexagon often face a common problem: the French SARL or SAS is a great domestic structure but a poor vehicle for international trade.

A UK Limited Company (LTD) gives French founders a far more flexible international business structure:

• A prestigious UK legal entity recognised across Europe and globally
• GBP, USD, and EUR bank accounts accessible from France
• A London registered office that signals European credibility
• Access to Stripe UK, PayPal UK, and Wise Business from a French address
• Corporation Tax efficiency — potentially lower total tax burden than a French SARL/SAS for international businesses

And the entire process is 100% remote — you never need to visit the UK.

Why French Founders Choose a UK LTD

1. Faster and Simpler Than a SARL or SAS

Forming a French SARL requires €1 minimum capital (but realistically more for banking), a notary (for most cases), and infogreffe registration — taking weeks and costing €300-800+. A SAS is similar but more complex legally. By contrast, a UK LTD costs €220-360, takes hours, and requires no notary.

For French founders testing international markets, the UK LTD is dramatically faster and simpler.

2. UK LTD vs French SARL/SAS for International Business

For French founders trading with the UK, US, or globally, the UK LTD is often the better vehicle.

3. Access to British and American Banking

French founders struggle to open UK or US business bank accounts from France. Wise, Revolut, and Airwallex solve this — they accept French directors with biometric verification and provide real UK and US bank details.

4. UK Market Access and London Prestige

Despite Brexit, the UK remains Europe's second-largest economy and a global finance and tech hub. A UK LTD with a London address gives French founders direct access to British clients, suppliers, and banking infrastructure — with a credibility boost that a French SARL or SAS cannot match internationally.

Step-by-Step: Registering a UK LTD from France

Step 1: Choose Your Company Name

Check name availability on the Companies House register. Your name must end in "Limited" or "Ltd" and cannot be identical to an existing registered name.

Many French founders choose English names for international appeal, or bilingual names that work in both French and English markets.

Step 2: Prepare Your ACSP Identity Verification

Under the ECCTA 2026 rules, every director and person with significant control (PSC) must undergo identity verification through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

French applicants need:

• Valid French passport (preferred) or Carte d'identité
• Justificatif de domicile (utility bill, tax notice, or bank statement — dated within 3 months)
• Biometric verification — done remotely via webcam or smartphone

The verification process takes 2-5 minutes and is fully digital.

Step 3: Decide on Directors and Shareholders

A UK LTD requires:

• At least one director (can be the same person as the shareholder)
• At least one shareholder (can be the same person as the director)
• A Person with Significant Control (PSC) — usually the same person

French founders can be both director and sole shareholder. There is no requirement for a UK-resident director.

Step 4: Choose Your Registered Office Address

Options for French founders:

• London virtual office — prestigious WC1, W1, or EC1 address from £99/year
• Director's service address — keeps your French home address off the public record
• Physical UK office — if you have one (rare for remote founders)

Important: You cannot use a PO Box as your registered office.

Step 5: File Your Incorporation

Your ACSP provider (that's us) files with Companies House online. Timeline:

• Same day for straightforward applications
• Up to 24 hours on busy days
• Typically 3-6 hours

Documents received:

• Certificate of Incorporation (PDF)
• Company number
• Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Share certificates (digital)

Step 6: Register for Corporation Tax

Within 3 months of starting business activity, register for Corporation Tax with HMRC. Your LTD receives a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) by post within 14 days.

French founders should also consider:

• VAT registration if taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 (2026 threshold)
• PAYE registration if hiring UK employees
• Dividend strategy — post-tax profit distributions

Banking for French Founders: Wise, Revolut, and Airwallex

Wise Business (Recommended for Most)

Wise Business gives your UK LTD:

• GBP account with UK sort code and account number
• EUR, USD, and GBP accounts — receive in local currency
• Borderless debit card for spending globally
• Integration with Stripe, Shopify, and PayPal

Setup takes 2-3 days with remote verification from France.

Open a Wise Business Account →

Revolut Business

Revolut Business offers:

• Multi-currency accounts in 20+ currencies
• Unlimited corporate cards for team expenses and ad spend
• Built-in accounting tools — expense tracking, invoicing, tax pots
• Fast approval — many UK LTDs approved within 48 hours

Open a Revolut Business Account →

Tax Considerations for French Founders

UK Corporation Tax vs French Impôt sur les Sociétés

A UK LTD pays Corporation Tax on profits (19-25%). A French SARL or SAS pays Impôt sur les Sociétés (IRES) at 25% plus potentially social charges on distributed profits. For many French founders with international revenue, the UK LTD structure can deliver a lower effective tax rate, especially when combined with the France-UK Double Taxation Agreement.

France-UK Double Taxation Agreement

The France-UK Double Taxation Agreement prevents double taxation. Key points:

• Dividends paid from a UK LTD to a French resident are typically subject to a withholding tax (5-15% depending on the structure)
• Business profits are generally taxable only in the country where the company is managed and controlled
• French founders should consult a cross-border tax professional (expert-comptable)

"Siège social" and Place of Management Risk

French tax law may treat a UK LTD as a French tax resident if its "siège social" (registered office/head office) is effectively in France or its "place of effective management" is in France. If all your directors make decisions from Paris, Lyon, or Marseille, the French tax authorities could argue the company is French for tax purposes.

Mitigation:

• Hold board meetings outside France when possible
• Document decision-making processes clearly
• Consider having at least one director based outside France
• Seek professional French tax advice (expert-comptable)

Costs for French Founders (2026)

Common Questions from French Founders

Can I register a UK LTD from France without visiting the UK?

Yes. The entire process is 100% remote. You never need to visit the UK.

What's the difference between a UK LTD and a French SARL?

A SARL requires notarisation, infogreffe registration, and takes weeks. A UK LTD costs €220-360, takes hours, and is fully remote. For international business, the UK LTD is typically more flexible and cost-effective.

Can I open a UK bank account from France?

Traditional UK banks (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds) usually require a UK resident director. But Wise, Revolut, and Airwallex accept French directors remotely and provide real UK GBP account details.

Do I need to pay French tax on my UK LTD's profits?

This depends on your specific situation. The France-UK Tax Treaty and French place-of-management rules are complex. Consult an expert-comptable for your specific circumstances.

Ready to Register Your UK LTD from France?

Start your UK LTD registration today from €220 →

All packages include the £100 Companies House fee, ACSP identity verification, and digital incorporation documents. Upgrade to Standard Plus for a London registered office address and banking fast-track.

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