# Complete FAQ: UK Company Formation
## General Questions
**Q: How long does UK company formation take?**
A: 24-48 hours for standard online applications. Same-day service available for £30 extra.
**Q: How much does it cost to register a UK company?**
A: £50 Companies House fee. With services: £90-£330 depending on package.
**Q: Can I form a company myself for £50?**
A: Yes, but you’ll need UK address, time to complete forms, and knowledge of requirements.
**Q: What’s included in your packages?**
– Basic (£14.99): Formation + registered office + email support
– Standard (£49.99): Basic + service address + priority support
– Premium (£96.00): Standard + VAT setup + banking assistance
## Director & Shareholder Questions
**Q: Can I be the only director and shareholder?**
A: Yes. Minimum is 1 director and 1 shareholder (can be same person).
**Q: Do I need a UK resident director?**
A: No (as of 2026). Non-UK residents can be directors.
**Q: What’s the minimum age for a director?**
A: 16 years old.
**Q: Can a company be a director?**
A: No. Only individuals can be directors (since 2016).
**Q: Can my company have foreign shareholders?**
A: Yes. No restrictions on shareholder nationality.
## Address Questions
**Q: Can I use my home address?**
A: Yes for registered office, but it becomes public record.
**Q: What’s a registered office address?**
A: Official company address where legal documents are sent. Must be UK address.
**Q: What’s a service address?**
A: Where personal correspondence is sent. Can be different from registered office.
**Q: Do you provide addresses?**
A: Yes. Registered office included in all packages.
## Name Questions
**Q: Can I use any company name?**
A: No. Must be unique, not offensive, avoid restricted words (Bank, Royal, etc.).
**Q: Can I change my company name later?**
A: Yes. Costs £10 at Companies House.
**Q: Can I have same name as my US LLC?**
A: Only if not identical to existing UK company.
## Share Capital Questions
**Q: What’s minimum share capital?**
A: £1 (yes, one pound!).
**Q: Do I have to pay the full share capital immediately?**
A: No. Can be “unpaid” shares.
**Q: What’s the difference between share capital and investment?**
A: Share capital is nominal value. Investment can be any amount.
## Tax Questions
**Q: When do I register for Corporation Tax?**
A: Within 3 months of starting business activity.
**Q: What’s UK Corporation Tax rate 2026?**
A: 25% for profits over £250,000; 19% for under £50,000 (tapered between).
**Q: Do I need to register for VAT?**
A: Only if turnover exceeds £85,000/year or you choose to voluntarily register.
**Q: Can I reclaim VAT before registration?**
A: Yes, on certain pre-registration expenses (up to 4 years for capital goods).
## Banking Questions
**Q: Do I need a business bank account?**
A: Not legally required, but strongly recommended for clear separation.
**Q: Which banks are best for new companies?**
A: Traditional: NatWest, Barclays, Lloyds. Fintech: Tide, Revolut, Wise.
**Q: How long does bank account opening take?**
A: 1-4 weeks (varies by bank).
## Compliance Questions
**Q: What are annual requirements?**
A: Confirmation Statement (£13/year) + Annual Accounts filing.
**Q: When are accounts due?**
A: 9 months after financial year end (21 months for first accounts).
**Q: What happens if I miss deadlines?**
A: Late filing penalties: £150-£1,500 depending on delay.
**Q: Do I need an accountant?**
A: Not required, but recommended (costs £300-£2,000/year).
## International Questions
**Q: Can non-UK residents register UK companies?**
A: Yes! Very common for international entrepreneurs.
**Q: Do I need UK visa to own a company?**
A: No. Company ownership doesn’t require visa.
**Q: Can I work for my UK company as a non-resident?**
A: Ownership ≠ work authorization. Check visa requirements separately.
**Q: What about US citizens forming UK companies?**
A: Fully allowed. Must report to IRS (Form 5471).
## Post-Formation Questions
**Q: Can I start trading immediately?**
A: Yes, as soon as you receive Certificate of Incorporation.
**Q: Do I need business insurance?**
A: Not legally required (except employers’ liability if you hire), but recommended.
**Q: Can I hire employees immediately?**
A: Yes, but must register as employer with HMRC first.
**Q: What’s a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)?**
A: 10-digit tax ID from HMRC. Issued after Corporation Tax registration.
## Package-Specific Questions
**Q: What if company name is rejected?**
A: Full refund if name unavailable.
**Q: Can I upgrade packages later?**
A: Yes. Pay difference.
**Q: Do packages include annual renewals?**
A: First year included. Renewals billed separately.
**Q: What support do you provide?**
A: Email support (all packages). Phone support (Standard+). Dedicated account manager (Premium).
## Have more questions?
Contact us:
– Email: support@ukltdregistration.com
– Phone: +44 [number]
– Live Chat: [Available 9am-6pm GMT]
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