The United Kingdom runs a centralised, mostly online incorporation system under the Companies Act 2006, administered by Companies House, the registrar for England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. For technology and fintech founders the draws are a private company with no minimum capital, English-language filing that usually completes within 24 hours, and a deep investor base — incorporation itself is separate from any Financial Conduct Authority authorisation.
Most founders use the private company limited by shares ("Ltd") under the Companies Act 2006, where liability is capped at the unpaid amount on shares. Alternatives include the public limited company ("PLC") for public share offers, the limited liability partnership ("LLP") under the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2000, and a registered UK establishment (branch) for a foreign parent.
A private Ltd needs no minimum share capital — a single £1 (≈ $1.30) share suffices — and there is no residency or nationality requirement for directors or shareholders, though at least one director must be a natural person aged 16 or over. From 18 November 2025, new directors and people with significant control ("PSC") must complete identity verification under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Registration is filed online through Companies House (or formation software) with a UK registered office and registered email. From 1 February 2026 digital incorporation costs £100 (≈ $130) (same-day £156 (≈ $205)), and standard applications are usually processed within 24 hours.
HM Revenue & Customs ("HMRC") administers corporation tax at a main rate of 25% (small profits rate 19% up to £50,000 (≈ $65,500)), and VAT is charged at 20% once turnover exceeds £90,000 (≈ $118,000). Every company files an annual confirmation statement and accounts, with audit exemption for companies meeting two of three small-company tests (turnover ≤ £15 million (≈ $19.7 million), balance sheet ≤ £7.5 million (≈ $9.8 million), ≤ 50 employees). Companies must keep their PSC (beneficial-owner) information current and, where carrying on regulated business, comply with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017.