The United Kingdom is viewed as an attractive market for foreign investors and overseas businesses – particularly those in the financial services market.
A report published by MAS and UKTI revealed that 46% of UK financial services companies were owned by non-UK residents at that time. Bearing that in mind, it’s safe to assume many overseas directors of UK companies will wish to open a business bank account in the UK.
There are very few barriers prohibiting non-residents from forming limited companies in the United Kingdom, and it’s an incredibly easy process.
Key takeaways
- Non-residents can easily form limited companies in the UK with minimal barriers and quick online registration.
- Opening a UK business bank account as a non-resident requires navigating specific banking options or legalising documents.
- Legalising incorporation documents with an Apostille Certificate is essential for overseas account openings in non-Hague countries.
All limited companies and LLPs must be registered through Companies House (The UK Registrar of Companies), with most incorporations being carried out entirely online.
In as little as 24 hours, you can register a ready-to-trade company in the UK through a company formation agent like Quality Company Formations. Opening a business bank account, on the other hand, is not so straightforward.
If you are an overseas owner of a UK-registered company, you have two options: apply to open an account with one of the select few banks offering services to foreign owners, or legalise your company documents to open an account in your own country of permanent residence. There is no right or wrong option, it’s entirely up to you.
Let’s take a closer look:
UK banks offering account services to non-residents
Quality Company Formations has teamed up with WorldFirst to provide a UK business banking referral to non-UK residents.
A WorldFirst business account referral, provide non-UK residents with a UK business bank account number and sort code, as well as the ability to open over 10 local currency accounts. You will be able to receive money for free, and spend money in over 40 currencies. Account openings are subject to approval.
Quality Company Formations’ Non-Residents Package, which has been tailored to suit the needs of non-UK residents, includes a WorldFirst business bank account referral.
Legalising company documents for overseas use
If you are unable to open an account in the UK or would prefer to open one in your country of residence, you’ll have to present your official incorporation documents (the certificate of incorporation and the memorandum and articles of association) in order to prove your company exists.
For these documents to be accepted overseas, you must have them legalised by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). You will be issued with an Apostille Certificate* for each incorporation document to verify their legitimacy.
*Please note: Apostille certificates are only valid in countries that are party to the 1961 Hague Convention.
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