A UK address is one of the first obstacles overseas founders encounter when registering a company. You may be able to complete the entire formation online, but Companies House will still ask for specific UK address details before the company can be incorporated.
The good news is that you do not need to move to the UK, rent an office or use your personal address. You simply need to understand which address is legally required, what makes it acceptable and which services can provide one on your behalf.
This guide walks you through the available options, the remote registration process and the key compliance, identity verification, banking and tax points to consider before you apply.
Can I register a UK company without a UK address?
Yes. You do not need a UK residential address to form a UK company, but the company must have an appropriate UK registered office address before it can be registered with Companies House.
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.
Further reading: How to register a company in the UK?
What is a registered office address, and why is it required?
A registered office address is the company’s official address recorded by Companies House. It must meet the Companies House registered office requirements, including being an appropriate physical address in the part of the UK where the company is registered: England and Wales, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Documents delivered there must reach someone acting for the company, and the sender must be able to obtain an acknowledgement of delivery.
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
See also: Can I start a business in the UK as a foreigner?
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.
See also: How much does it cost to register a limited company in the UK?
How to Set Up a UK Company Without a UK Address: Step by Step
You can complete the UK company formation process remotely, but you need to have the required company, address and identity information ready before you submit the application. Here is how the process works for a typical private limited company.
Step 1: Choose your company name and structure
Start by choosing a company name that complies with Companies House rules and is not the same as an existing registered name. You will also need to decide whether the company will be limited by shares or guarantee. Most trading companies are private companies limited by shares.
Step 2: Arrange your UK registered office and registered email address
Before registering, choose an appropriate registered office address in the same part of the UK where the company will be incorporated. If you do not have your own suitable UK address, you can use a professional registered office service with permission.
You must also provide a registered email address. Companies House uses this to contact the company, but the email address is not displayed on the public register.
Step 3: Appoint the directors and decide who owns the company
A private limited company must have at least one director. You will also need to provide details of the shareholders if the company is limited by shares and identify any people with significant control (PSCs).
Directors and shareholders do not need to live in the UK, so overseas founders can manage and own the company from abroad.
Step 4: Complete Companies House identity verification
Proposed directors must complete Companies House identity verification and obtain their personal code. For a new company, each director's personal code is required as part of the incorporation filing.
People with significant control must also verify their identity and provide their personal code within the deadline that applies to their role. Identity verification can be completed through GOV.UK One Login or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
Step 5: Prepare your share, company and business activity details
If the company is limited by shares, decide how many shares will be issued, their value and who will own them. You will also need articles of association setting out how the company will be run and a SIC code describing the company's main business activity.
When a company is registered online using the standard Companies House service, the memorandum of association can be created automatically as part of the application.
Step 6: Submit the incorporation application
You can register directly with Companies House or use a company formation agent to handle the application for you.
The filing will include information such as your company name, registered office, registered email address, directors, shareholders, PSCs, share structure, SIC code and the required identity-verification details.
Companies House currently charges £100 for standard online incorporation and usually processes an application within 24 hours, although complex applications can take longer.
Step 7: Complete the post-incorporation setup
Once Companies House approves the application, you will receive a certificate of incorporation confirming that the company legally exists, together with its company registration number.
You should then check your Corporation Tax setup, arrange appropriate business banking and accounting records, and make sure you understand the company's ongoing filing and compliance deadlines. If Corporation Tax services have not already been activated, they should be added when the company starts doing business.
What Documents Do Non-Residents Need to Register a UK Company?
Non-residents can register a UK company remotely, but they should have the required identification and company information ready before applying. The exact supporting documents can vary depending on the identity-verification method and whether you register directly or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
You should generally be prepared to provide:
- A valid identity document: Usually a passport or another accepted photo ID for Companies House identity verification.
- Proof of your residential address: An ACSP or formation agent can request a recent bank statement, utility bill or another accepted document as part of its anti-money laundering and customer due diligence checks.
- Your Companies House personal code: Directors must complete identity verification and obtain their personal code for the incorporation filing.
- Director, shareholder and PSC details: This includes the required personal information for the people who will manage, own or control the company.
- Registered office details: You need an appropriate registered office address in the same part of the UK where the company is incorporated.
- Registered email address: Companies House requires a private email address that it can use to contact the company.
- Share and company information: If the company is limited by shares, you will need details of the shareholders, number and value of shares, share allocation, SIC code and the company’s constitutional information.
Not every supporting document above is necessarily submitted directly to Companies House. For example, proof of residential address can be requested by an ACSP or formation agent to complete its own compliance checks.
Check the provider’s document requirements before starting the application, particularly if you are applying from overseas.
Do I need to verify my identity to register a UK company from abroad?
Yes. Since 18 November 2025, identity verification has been a mandatory part of UK company formation under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
Every director and person with significant control must confirm their identity, whether they live in the UK or abroad. Non-residents can verify online through GOV.UK One Login or through an authorised formation agent (an ACSP), so no UK visit is needed. Existing directors must complete verification during the transition period ending 18 November 2026.
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 four trusted options that allow you to register your business without needing your own UK property:
- Use a professional registered office address service: The most common and reliable option, ideal for non-residents needing a compliant UK presence.
- Choose a formation agent offering non-resident packages: These packages often include address services, filings, and ID verification in one setup.
- Rent a virtual office in London: A premium option that gives your business a central London presence and optional mail forwarding.
- Use your UK accountant or solicitor’s address: With their consent, professionals can act as your registered address in some cases.
See also: What legal documents do I need to set up a limited company?
Can I use my home address instead of a UK office address?
You can use a residential address as the registered office if you have permission to use it, it meets Companies House registered office requirements, and it is in the same part of the UK where the company is registered. A residential address outside the UK cannot be used as the registered office of a UK company.
The registered office appears on the public Companies House register, so founders who do not want a residential address published can use an eligible address service instead.
Even for UK residents, using a home address has downsides, including privacy concerns, limited credibility, and public exposure on the Companies House register.
See also: Mistakes to Avoid When Registering a Company in the UK
What Banking Options Are Available to Non-UK Residents?
You do not need a UK business bank account to incorporate a UK company, but you will normally want a separate business account once the company starts trading.
Non-resident directors generally have three practical options:
- A traditional UK business bank account: Some banks accept overseas directors, but eligibility varies, and the bank may require additional evidence, a UK connection or an in-person appointment.
- A digital bank or fintech account: Providers offering remote onboarding can be more practical for international founders, although country availability, account features and eligibility differ between providers.
- A business account in your country of residence: You may be able to operate your UK company through an overseas business account, particularly where you mainly trade internationally. Your bank may request certified or apostilled UK company documents.
Bank-account approval is separate from Companies House incorporation, so forming a UK company does not guarantee that a particular banking provider will accept your application.
For a detailed comparison, see our guide to opening a UK business bank account as a non-resident.
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:
| Requirement | What It’s For? |
|---|---|
| Companies House identity verification | Directors and PSCs must verify their identity and provide their personal code when required. |
| Chosen Company Name | Must be unique and compliant with Companies House |
| UK Registered Office Address | Required for legal correspondence and registration approval |
| Registered Email Address | A private email address that Companies House can use to contact the company |
| Share Structure | Define how ownership is split and shares are issued |
| Director & Shareholder Info | Full names, addresses, and roles of each person involved |
| Payment Method | To complete the formation and pay for any service or gov fees |
This list ensures your remote UK company registration runs smoothly, without back-and-forth delays.
See also: How long does it take to open a new company in the UK?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a UK business bank account as a non-resident?
Yes, but it may require extra documentation or the use of a fintech platform. Some UK banks offer remote onboarding, while others may still require an in-person visit. Formation agents can assist by introducing you to banking partners. There are also business bank accounts available that do not require proof of address, making them suitable for non-residents.
Will my UK company be taxed if I don’t live in the UK?
If your company is UK-resident for tax purposes, it pays Corporation Tax on taxable profits from the UK and abroad under HMRC's Corporation Tax guidance. Your personal tax position and any tax due in your country of residence depend on your circumstances and the applicable tax rules or treaties.
Can I use a P.O. Box as my registered office address?
No. You cannot use a Royal Mail P.O. Box or a similar service from another provider as your company’s registered office address. You must use an appropriate physical address in the part of the UK where the company is registered, following the Companies House registered office address rules.
Is it legal to run a UK company entirely online from abroad?
Yes. Many non-resident founders operate UK companies remotely using virtual address services, online banking, and cloud-based tools. Just ensure all statutory requirements are still met from wherever you operate.
Do I need a UK phone number to register my company?
No, a UK phone number is not required for company registration. However, having one can improve credibility, especially if you're targeting UK clients. Some formation agents offer virtual phone line services.
