| You are… | Options open to you | Key condition |
|---|---|---|
| UK resident | Private Limited Company · LLP · Sole trader · Partnership | Directors and owners verify identity with Companies House |
| Indian resident individual | Private Limited Company · LLP | Investment from India goes through the LRS route and ODI reporting |
| Indian company | Wholly owned subsidiary · Joint venture · UK establishment (branch) | ODI filing through your bank before or at the time of investment |
| NRI or other non-resident | Private Limited Company · LLP | No UK residency needed; UK registered office address required |
Every director and person with significant control must now verify their identity before the company can be formed. We guide you through it remotely.
The most common choice. One director and one shareholder is enough, and neither needs to live in the UK. Limited liability and a separate legal identity.
Best for: most businesses, including Indian founders selling to UK clients.
At least two members, taxed as a partnership rather than a company.
Best for: professional firms and partners sharing profits.
A UK Ltd owned by your Indian company. Keeps UK liabilities separate from the Indian parent.
Best for: Indian companies with UK clients, staff or contracts.
Registers your existing foreign company to trade from a UK place of business, without forming a new company. The parent stays fully liable.
Best for: short-term or project-based UK presence.
Registered with HMRC only, no Companies House filing.
Best for: UK residents starting small.
When an Indian resident or Indian company puts money into a UK company, India's Overseas Investment rules apply. Most providers abroad don't handle this. We do it alongside the UK setup, so your bank remittance goes through first time.
| Who is investing | Route | What's filed in India |
|---|---|---|
| Indian resident individual | Liberalised Remittance Scheme, within the US$250,000 yearly limit | Form FC with your bank before remitting; Annual Performance Report (APR) by 31 December each year |
| Indian company or LLP | Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) | Form FC through your bank; APR every year; Foreign Liabilities and Assets return |
| Founder type | Documents |
|---|---|
| Individual (any country) | Passport, proof of residential address, date of birth, nationality, occupation |
| Indian company as shareholder | Certificate of incorporation, board resolution, details of the authorised person, ownership details |
| For India-side filings | PAN, bank details, valuation where needed |
Once identities are verified, Companies House usually incorporates within 1–2 working days. Bank accounts and HMRC registrations take longer; we'll give you a timeline for your case.
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Within 3 months of starting to trade | Register for Corporation Tax |
| Before first payday | Register as an employer (PAYE) |
| When taxable turnover passes £90,000 | VAT registration (voluntary earlier) |
| Every year | Confirmation statement to Companies House |
| 21 months after incorporation (first year) | First annual accounts |
| Every year | Corporation Tax return; India-side APR by 31 December |
Questions we hear
Yes. UK directors and shareholders don't need to live in the UK. You need a UK registered office address and to verify your identity with Companies House.
Not to incorporate. Identity verification is done online. Some banks may ask for a video call.
Traditional banks can be slow for non-resident owners. Digital business banks are often faster. We suggest options that fit your profile.
File Form FC with your bank and remit under LRS (individuals) or ODI (companies). We prepare it with the UK setup.
A subsidiary keeps UK liabilities separate and is the usual choice. A branch suits short, project-based work.
Tell us a little about your business and we will get back to you shortly.