How to Register Your Company in the UK Without a UK Address: A Complete 2025 Guide

Setting up a UK company as a non-resident?

You’re probably wondering if a local address is mandatory.

Here’s the good news: you can register a UK company without a UK residential address, as long as you meet certain Companies House requirements.

Whether you're an international entrepreneur, digital nomad, or expanding globally, this guide explains the exact steps to take, what address rules apply, and how to remain compliant. We’ll also explore professional services that solve this issue for you.

Let’s get started!

Can I register a UK company without a UK address?

Yes and no.

You don’t need a UK residential address to start a company, but a UK-registered office address to complete the formation process. This requirement applies to all UK companies, regardless of whether the founders live in the UK or abroad.

So, what does registering a UK company without a UK address really mean?

In most cases, it refers to company formation for foreigners who don’t have a personal or business address in the UK. While you can serve as a director or shareholder from anywhere worldwide, your company must still have a UK-based office address listed with the Companies House search service, the UK’s official company registrar.

The good news?

That address doesn’t need to be one you own, rent, or physically operate from, and we’ll explain your options next.

What is a registered office address, and why is it required?

A registered office address is the official location of your company as recorded by Companies House, and it must be a physical address in the UK.

Even if you're setting up a company without a UK address, this requirement still applies. It’s not just a formality; this address serves as the legal home of your business for government, compliance, and tax-related purposes.

Here’s what a registered office address is used for:

• Receiving official letters from HMRC, Companies House, and legal authorities
• Serving as your company’s legal point of contact for compliance matters
• Displaying on the public register for transparency and accountability
• Meeting statutory obligations under UK company law

Can I register without ever visiting the UK?

Yes, registering a UK company remotely is 100% possible.

UK company formation is designed to be accessible, even for foreign founders who have never set foot in the UK. There are no nationality or residency restrictions for directors or shareholders, and the entire process can be completed online through a trusted company formation agent.

You’ll need to provide valid identification, choose a UK-registered office address, and submit your details to Companies House. But none of that requires travel or in-person meetings.

This makes the UK one of the easiest countries in the world for international entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and remote teams to set up a fully legitimate business, fast.

At Your Company Formations, we’ve helped thousands of non-UK residents do exactly that, with expert support, address services, and full compliance handled for you.

What are your options if you don’t have a UK address?

If you’re trying to set up a company without a UK address, your biggest hurdle isn’t legal residency; it’s meeting the registered office requirement. Fortunately, there are several legitimate and fully compliant workarounds that thousands of non-UK residents use every year.

Here are five trusted options that allow you to register your business without needing your own UK property:

1. Use a professional registered office address service: The most common and reliable option, ideal for non-residents needing a compliant UK presence.
2. Choose a formation agent offering non-resident packages: These packages often include address services, filings, and ID verification in one setup.
3. Rent a virtual office in London: A premium option that gives your business a central London presence and optional mail forwarding.
4. Use your UK accountant or solicitor’s address: With their consent, professionals can act as your registered address in some cases.
5. Appoint a nominee director with a UK address (rare and advanced): Typically used in special cases; must be managed carefully for legal transparency.

Can I use my home address instead of a UK office address?

Yes, but only if you live in the UK.

UK residents are allowed to use their home address as their company’s registered office address, provided it meets the legal requirements. But if you're a foreign founder trying to set up a company without a UK address, this option isn’t available unless you personally own or rent property in the UK.

Even for UK residents, using a home address has downsides, including privacy concerns, limited credibility, and public exposure on the Companies House register.

Final checklist: What you’ll need to register from abroad

Before you start the process to set up a company without a UK address, it’s smart to gather everything you’ll need in one place. Here's a simple checklist to help you get organised, especially if you're registering remotely from outside the UK:

This list ensures your remote UK company registration runs smoothly, without back-and-forth delays.