Limited Company or LLP – Full Ownership, Full Access
The UK is a global business gateway — offering a stable legal system, world-class infrastructure, strong IP protection, and straightforward incorporation. Whether you’re a UK resident or an overseas founder, setting up a business in the UK is fast, digital, and investor-friendly.
The most common options are the Private Limited Company (Ltd) and the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). Both offer liability protection, flexible structures, and access to the UK market, financial system, and talent pool.
Private Limited Company (Ltd)
The default choice for most entrepreneurs and startups. A Ltd company is a separate legal entity and can be fully owned and operated by foreign nationals.
Advantages:
- 100% foreign ownership allowed
- Limited liability protection for shareholders
- Fast online registration (usually within 24 hours)
- Low setup cost and minimal share capital requirement (£1)
- Professional reputation and credibility
- Access to UK banking, payment gateways, and accounting systems
- Eligible for government grants, R&D tax credits, and SEIS/EIS funding
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Best for professional services firms (consultants, legal, accounting, etc.) or joint ventures. Combines partnership flexibility with limited liability protection.
Advantages:
- Limited liability for partners
- Flexible profit-sharing and internal structure
- Tax transparency – profits taxed as personal income
- No minimum capital
- Simple compliance model
- Especially attractive for small firms or multi-party collaborations
Why Set Up a Company in the UK?
- Strong legal and financial systems
- Gateway to Europe and global markets
- Access to UK’s double taxation treaties
- 19% corporate tax (reducing for SMEs with small profits relief)
- No currency controls – full profit repatriation allowed
- Digital-by-default company management via Companies House
- Trusted jurisdiction for raising capital and scaling
Our Services
At Lapras Business Consultants (LBC), we guide you through every step — from choosing the right jurisdiction and business structure to managing documentation, registration, licensing, and compliance.
Your global business journey starts here — with clarity, efficiency, and the expert support of LBC. Let’s build it right, wherever you choose to grow.
01
Company Formation & Legal Setup
- Companies House Registration (Ltd or LLP)
- Company Name Availability Check & Reservation
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Registered Office Address (UK-based)
- Shareholder & Director Appointment
- Articles of Association Drafting
- Share Certificate Issuance
- PSC (Person with Significant Control) Registration
02
Tax & Regulatory Setup
- Corporation Tax Registration (HMRC)
- VAT Registration (if applicable)
- PAYE (Pay As You Earn) Registration for Employees
- Self-Assessment Registration (for directors/shareholders)
- UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) Setup
- Business Bank Account Support
- Digital Tax Account Setup (MTD compliance)
03
Accounting & Compliance
- Bookkeeping & Chart of Accounts Setup
- Corporation Tax Filing (CT600)
- Annual Confirmation Statement Filing
- Dormant Company Accounts (if applicable)
- VAT Returns
- Payroll Processing & RTI Submissions
04
Legal & Advisory Services
- Director Service Address Privacy Protection
- Contract Templates (NDAs, employment agreements, etc.)
- Trademark Registration Assistance
- Share Transfer Guidance
- HMRC Correspondence Handling
- UK Business Structuring for Non-Residents
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-UK resident set up a UK company?
Yes. Non-UK residents can own and manage UK companies without any residency requirement. LBC provides UK registered office, director service address, and compliance support.
Do I need to visit the UK to incorporate?
No. All documents can be submitted online. LBC handles the entire setup remotely, including digital signatures and filings.
What’s the difference between a Ltd and an LLP?
- Ltd is ideal for product-based, tech, ecommerce, or scalable startups
- LLP suits professional firms and partnerships
- Ltd pays corporate tax, LLP profits are taxed as personal income
- Both offer limited liability but different compliance formats
Do I need a UK business bank account?
Yes, and LBC can assist. You can open accounts with traditional banks or fintech platforms (Wise, Revolut, Mercury, etc.) — subject to KYC and other bank specific needs.
What taxes do I need to consider?
- Corporation Tax (CT): 19% on profits
- VAT: 20% if turnover > £90,000
- Payroll Taxes: National Insurance, PAYE if you have staff
- Dividend Tax: Applies when profits are distributed to shareholders
Incorporate in the UK – Fast, Compliant, and Scalable.
With LBC, your UK business is set up right, right from the start.