Aside from a few exceptions, almost anyone can register a company in the UK. This includes individual people and corporate bodies, minors between the ages of 16 and 18 years old, and non-UK residents.
This post will briefly overview company registration requirements and restrictions – specifically, who can and cannot register, own, and manage a UK limited company.
Minimum requirements to register a limited company
You must have at least one shareholder and one natural (human) director to lawfully form a limited company. These two roles can be filled by the same person, meaning one individual can register, own, and manage a company singlehandedly.
You do not have to live in the UK to be a director or shareholder of a UK company. However, the company must provide and maintain a registered office address in the UK.
Who can be a company director?
Anyone can be a company director, apart from individuals who are:
- under the age 16
- disqualified directors
- undischarged bankrupts
- subject to a debt relief order (DRO)
- auditors of the company
Corporate bodies (e.g. companies) can also be directors of other companies, but there must always be at least one other director who is a natural person. You can’t have a corporate body as the sole director.
Who can be a company shareholder?
None of the restrictions that apply to directors apply to company shareholders. Absolutely anyone (natural or corporate) can own shares in a company, including minors. A corporate body can even be the sole shareholder.
However, disqualified directors must exercise caution if they are also shareholders. If their shares provide voting rights and/or they are a person with significant control (PSC), certain actions they perform as a shareholder or PSC could violate the conditions of their disqualification order.
Can one person register a limited company?
Yes, one person can register a limited company by appointing themselves as the sole shareholder and sole director. This means they will own the whole company and have total control over its management.
Nevertheless, if you set up a company on your own, there is nothing to stop you from bringing in new shareholders or appointing new directors later. The limited company structure is flexible, so you always have that option.
Can I register a limited company as a non-UK resident?
Yes, you can register a limited company in the UK even if you’re a non-UK resident. This is really common and not as difficult as you may think.
Our recent post on UK company formation for non-residents explains how the process works in detail.
Moreover, our specialist Non-Residents Company Formation Packages provide everything you need to register a company in the UK.
So there you have it…
Hopefully, this post has given you a better understanding of who can and cannot register a company in the UK.
If you are ready to register a company, visit Rapid Formations’ homepage. There, you can check if your company name is available to use at Companies House.
Please note that the information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. While our aim is that the content is accurate and up to date, it should not be relied upon as a substitute for tailored advice from qualified professionals. We strongly recommend that you seek independent legal and tax advice specific to your circumstances before acting on any information contained in this article. We accept no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage that may result from your reliance on the information provided in this article. Use of the information contained in this article is entirely at your own risk.
I would like to open a company here in UK and I am looking for a reliable firm who gives end to end support and advise.
Thank you for your comment. We provide a Non-Residents package specifically for people who wish to set up a company in the UK – https://www.1stformations.co.uk/package/non-residents/. Please contact our support team on 020 3897 2233 or contact or via our live chat function on our website, to learn more about this package.
Kind regards,
The Rapid Formations Team
Hello. A lot of councils are asking allotment sites to become self-managed. This is putting the onus on a group of people who probably have never made up accounts or managed property etc etc. I always tell them that when they sign a self-management agreement or a lease that they will be joint and severally responsible for the company/association. I advise them to set up a Limited by Guarantee company and just leave it dormant. My question is, does a Limited Company still provide ‘limited liability’ even though it s not trading?
Thanks
Thank you for your kind enquiry, David.
The status of a limited company – as long as it is in existence – has no bearing of limited liability, which always applies. Therefore, if a company is dormant, the shareholders or guarantors in this instance would have limited liability up the amount they have guaranteed to pay in the event of the company winding up.
We trust this information is of use to you.
Kind regards,
The QCF Team