UK Entity Set Up

UK Subsidiary Entity Set Up

Global expansion into the UK generally means that you need to set up an in-country entity. However, by partnering with us you create the possibility to bypass this process and utilize our UK entity. By using our PEO service we take care of the complicated paperwork. Expanding into a new country is always an adventure, but we believe this adventure should be exciting instead of just frustrating and time-consuming. Therefore, we have been supporting companies in over a hundred countries with their expansion plans.

In this guide, we will share which documents you need to establish an entity in the UK, but also where you will need to register your business address and company’s name. We will also break down the advantages and disadvantages of setting up an entity in Britain.

Setting up an entity in the UK

In the UK, foreign subsidiary entities act as an extension of the parent company, but enjoys the same company standing as domestic businesses, and are subject to all national laws. The registration process in the UK comes with some variation (depending on the company type), but it is generally straightforward and can be done with little difficulty. Tax processing, filing accounts, law compliance, workforce management, payroll, recruitment all these matters must be managed effectively, which can eat up your time, money, and resources. You can lighten this load by partnering with Bradford Jacobs, an Employer of Record (EOR) company. Use our services and be up-and-running with a presence in your new territory within days, rather than months.

How to set up a UK Subsidiary

Setting up a subsidiary requires these steps:

Decide on the company type that suits the nature of your business, your business goals and matches your own capabilities to meet establishment requirements. Common company types include:

• the Limited Liability Company
• the Public Limited Company
• the Company Limited by Guarantee
• Limited Liability Partnership
• Branch Office
• Representative Office

Obtain a business address in the UK. The business address must be in the same country that the company is being registered in –for example, a company registered in Wales must have a business address in Wales.

• Decide on a company name and check on its availability.
• Appoint a company secretary.
• Prepare the appropriate registration documents.
• Open a local business bank account in the UK and deposit the appropriate share capital.
• Notarize registration documents at a notary’s office.
• Register your company at the Companies House.
• Register with the UK’s HM Revenue & Customs.
• Register for a VAT Number.
• Receive Certificate of Incorporation.
• Register with National Insurance to pay social security contributions from employers and employees.
• Registration Times & Fees
• Open a bank account – Depends on bank
• Application: Electronic Software Filing – £10 (£30 for same-day applications)
• Application: Web Services – £12
• Application: Paper Filing – £40

Overall, the company registration process takes less than a week (without delays). Registration for a corporate bank account, however, may take more time – any time between 4 weeks to 3 months, depending on the bank’s registration process.