UK Expansion FAQ: Setting Up in the UK From Overseas

Straight answers for overseas businesses

Setting up in the UK? Start with the questions everyone asks.

Setting up in the UK raises the same questions for almost every overseas business. Who can register a company? Does a director need to live here? What does it really cost? Should you open a branch or a subsidiary?

This page answers the questions we hear most from businesses in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA and South Africa. Each answer is short and current for 2026, with a link to the full service page when you need more detail.

No UK residentDirector is required by law. Your whole board can sit overseas.

£100Companies House fee to register a company online, since February 2026.

ID firstEvery director must verify their identity with Companies House before appointment.

Book a free video call → Browse the questions ↓

Company registration

Registering a UK company

1Can a non-UK resident register a company in the UK?YesRead answer → 2Can a non-UK resident be a UK company director?YesRead answer → 3How much does it cost to register a company in the UK?From £100Read answer → 4How much money is required to register a company in the UK?No minimum capitalRead answer → 5Is it easy to register a company in the UK?Registering, yesRead answer → 6Can I have a limited company in the UK and live abroad?YesRead answer →

Branches and visas

Branches, trading and visas

7What are the requirements for an overseas company to register a UK establishment?Within one monthRead answer → 8What are the disadvantages of registering as an overseas company in the UK?LiabilityRead answer → 9Can I run a business without registering in the UK?SometimesRead answer → 10Can I get a visa if I buy a business in the UK?NoRead answer →

Client stories

Companies we have helped set up in the UK

Real overseas businesses and real UK set-ups. See how we handled structure, banking, tax and hiring for each one.

Free video call

Question not here? Ask us directly.

A short video call with our international expansion team is often the fastest way to plan your UK entry. Answer a few quick questions and pick a time that suits you.

Prefer to talk now? London +44 20 7183 8786 · Auckland +64 9 875 3755 · info@paulbeare.com