Europe · Jurisdiction profile
🇬🇧 Doing business in United Kingdom
Foreign founders most often use a Private Limited Company. United Kingdom follows common law, with corporate tax of 25% (19% small profits) and personal income tax of Up to 45%.
Entity at a glance
| Typical vehicle | Private Limited Company |
|---|---|
| Foreign ownership | 100% |
| Minimum capital | GBP 1 |
| Time to incorporate | 1–3 days |
| Corporate tax | 25% (19% small profits) |
| VAT / GST | 20% |
| Dividend withholding | 0% |
| Resident director | Not required |
| Physical office | Virtual accepted |
| Annual running cost | USD 1,500–5,000 |
| Audit | Threshold-based |
| Legal system | Common law |
| Currency controls | None |
Regulatory profile
- Data transfers: UK GDPR — IDTA / adequacy (residency approach: open).
- Employment termination: protective regime.
- Beneficial ownership register: public.
- Economic substance test: no general regime.
- Information exchange: CRS + FATCA IGA Model 1.
Compare United Kingdom with
United Kingdom vs Qatar (QFC)United Kingdom vs Qatar (Mainland)United Kingdom vs UAE (DIFC)United Kingdom vs UAE (ADGM)United Kingdom vs Saudi ArabiaUnited Kingdom vs BahrainUnited Kingdom vs SingaporeUnited Kingdom vs United States (Delaware)United Kingdom vs India
Figures are indicative and change often. Verify with qualified local counsel. Xc.legal is not a law firm.