Maxim Stepanenko
Managing partner of Crystal.tax
A wide range of legal services from Crystal Tax: registration of offshore companies in all world jurisdictions, solving issues related to taxation, opening bank accounts and many others.
The United Kingdom remains the "gold standard" of corporate law: predictable courts, advanced fintech, and a reputation that boosts investor confidence. Since 2024, Companies House has implemented a major reform: mandatory director identity verification, enhanced PSC control, and a new "personal data hidden" filter. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to register a UK Ltd online, complete ID verification, and avoid common penalties.
Online Registration via Companies House: Step by Step
Go to GOV.UK → Set up a private limited company – the IN01 form takes 10–15 minutes to complete: company name, SIC code, address, director(s), PSC. Data is automatically submitted to the registry.
Secret #1: Same-day incorporation via "XMLLoader"
After the 2024 reform, service agents can submit the IN01 XML file directly to the Companies House API and receive CertInc in 2–3 hours – twice as fast as the standard form.
New 2025 Director ID Rules
Every director must verify their identity via GOV.UK One Login: a video selfie + passport photo. Without ID verification, the Director Not Verified status will block the company’s bank account.
Secret #2: "Privately Protected" Address
Directors can hide their home address: the IN01 form lists a service address, while the residential address is stored in a separate private registry.
Tax Model: 19–25% & MTD for Corporation Tax
Small businesses pay 19% on profits up to £50K; higher profits face a sliding scale up to 25%. Starting in 2026, HMRC introduces MTD for CT: digital quarterly submissions of tax returns and supporting documents.
Secret #3: Group Companies & "Marginal Relief"
If the owner has other active UK Ltd companies, the £50K/£250K thresholds are divided among affiliated firms. Overlooking this could mean an extra 6% tax.
Accounting & Reporting in 2025
Minimum requirements: Confirmation Statement annually and Micro-entity accounts if turnover ≤ £632K. From 2025, Companies House only accepts digital iXBRL format.
Bank Account: Compliance for Non-Residents
Fintechs like Wise Business and Revolut Business open accounts in 1–2 days after CertInc and ID checks. Traditional banks require in-person visits but accept video calls with notarized documents and a utility bill.
Common UK Ltd Founder Mistakes
-
Leaving the PSC register empty – fines up to £5K.
-
Missing the Confirmation Statement (CS01) – the company is marked dormant and forcibly closed.
-
Using a home address as the registered office – it becomes public and hard to change.
FAQ
Can UK Ltd be registered remotely?
Yes. The IN01 form is submitted online, and director ID is verified via video selfie.
Is a UK-resident director required?
No. Only a registered address and a service agent for correspondence are needed.
What’s the corporate tax rate?
19% on profits up to £50K; 25% above £250K.
Submit Your Request – Launch Your UK Business Turnkey
We’ll register your UK Ltd in one day, complete director ID checks, set up MTD digital reporting, and open a bank account – all with no hidden fees or bureaucracy.
Order service
Our advantages
We provide a wide range of legal services, including the registration of companies in foreign jurisdictions, legal support for activities, opening bank accounts, consultations and much more. others
Crystal Tax employs a team of highly qualified professionals, experts in all matters related to offshore. We have many years of successful experience.
We offer only the best solutions for your business - the best jurisdiction and type of company for offshore registration.
We register a company in any jurisdiction as quickly as possible. We guarantee confidentiality of data for each client
An individual approach to clients, solving non-standard tasks and the vast experience of our lawyers can lead your business to success.
The cost of services is agreed between us and the client. You pay only for the work done, which allows you to minimize costs. We work without intermediaries and overpayments.