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Major financial center with common law and extensive treaty network
Region
WESTERN EUROPE
Corporate Tax
19-25%
Setup Time
1 weeks
Currency
GBP
The United Kingdom, a major global economy, combines financial services leadership with post-Brexit regulatory independence. The country's efficient company registration supports substantial business setup in a premier commercial environment.
With a population of 67 million, the UK offers diverse living from London's global hub to regional cities. English is the primary language. The maritime climate is temperate and variable.
Healthcare is provided through the National Health Service. Safety is generally good. The cost of living is high, particularly in London.
The cultural richness, diversity, and global connectivity define UK appeal.
Corporate tax rate stands at 25% (19% for smaller companies). Personal income tax reaches 45% on higher incomes. VAT applies at 20% standard rate.
Sterling is a major global currency. Financial services, professional services, and tech are significant. Post-Brexit, the UK operates independent regulatory frameworks while maintaining substantial EU trade.
Company registration through Companies House is highly efficient. Private limited companies (Ltd) can be registered within hours online. Foreign ownership faces no restrictions.
Company formation is among the world's fastest and cheapest. Minimum capital is £1. Annual compliance includes filing accounts and confirmation statements.
The Financial Conduct Authority registers crypto asset businesses under AML regulations. The UK is developing comprehensive crypto regulatory frameworks with consultation ongoing.
The UK Gambling Commission operates one of the world's most developed online gambling license regimes. The framework is comprehensive, compliance-intensive, and provides premium credibility for licensed operators.
Post-Brexit, EU market access requires separate consideration. High operating costs in London suit high-value activities. Competition for talent is intense.
Banking access is excellent through major global banks. Professional services are world-class.
The UK suits financial services, professional services, and businesses seeking global positioning for their business setup.
Local: Ltd
Local: PLC
Local: LLP
Local: Branch
| Corporate Tax Rate | 19-25% |
| Personal Income Tax Rate | 45% |
| VAT / Sales Tax | 20% |
| Capital Gains Tax | 20% |
| Withholding Tax | 0% |
| Reduced Corporate Tax Available | Yes |
| Non-Resident Withholding Exempt | No |
| Tax Treaty Network | Yes |
| Banking Access | EXCELLENT |
| Financial Privacy | LOW |
| Currency Controls | NONE |
| Local Bank Account Required | No |
| Non-Resident Bank Account Allowed | Yes |
| Physical Presence for Banking | No |
| Banks Restrictive (High Risk) | No |
| AML Officer Required | No |
| MLRO Required | No |
| Compliance Officer Required | No |
| Data Protection Officer Required | No |
| Bookkeeping Frequency | Annual |
| Local Bookkeeping Required | No |
| Mandatory Audit | No |
| License Required | Yes |
| Local Director Required | No |
| Local AML Director Required | Yes |
| Local Legal Address Required | Yes |
| Local Physical Office Required | No |
| Required Share Capital | $0 |
| Capital Maintained in Account | No |
| Compliance Program Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule Compliance | UK Travel Rule (MLTFR 2022) - mandatory since September 2023 |
| Business Plan Required | Detailed business plan with risk assessment, AML/CTF policies, governance structure, and 3-year financial projections required |
| Personnel Required | MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer), Compliance Officer, senior management with fit and proper assessment |
| Insurance Required | No |
| Remote Incorporation Possible | Yes |
| 100% Foreign Ownership | Yes |
| Min. Shareholders | 1 |
| Min. Directors | 1 |
| Shareholder/Director Same Person | Yes |
| Registry Public | Yes |
| Registry Access | https://register.fca.org.uk/s/search?predefined=CA |
| Renewal Period | Annual |
| Accounting Filing Required | Yes |
| Accounting Filing Frequency | Annual |
| Financial Statement Required | Yes |
| Financial Statement Frequency | Annual |
| Accounting Audit Mandatory | No |
| Compliance Audit Mandatory | No |
| Technical Audit Mandatory | No |
| Corporate Income Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Dividend Tax Applicable | No |
| Capital Gains Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Territorial Tax Regime | No |
| VAT Applicable | Yes |
| Regulators | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) |
| Licensing Fee | $2,000 |
| Licensing Fee Details | Current MLR registration fee varies; full FSMA authorization gateway opens September 2026 with new fee structure TBD. Current application processing times 3-6 months. |
| Permitted Business Models | Crypto exchanges (fiat-to-crypto, crypto-to-crypto), custodian wallet providers, OTC brokers, crypto ATMs, payment processors |
| Permitted Activities | Exchange services, custody, trading platforms, payment services |
| Restricted Activities | Financial promotions require FCA approval or authorized firm sign-off |
| Cross-Border Service Allowed | Yes |
| Physical Inspection Required | No |
| Derivatives Allowed | No |
| RWA Tokenization Allowed | Yes |
| App Store Listing Allowed | Yes |
| Crypto Custody Allowed | Yes |
| License Required | Yes |
| Local Director Required | No |
| Local AML Director Required | Yes |
| Local Legal Address Required | Yes |
| Local Physical Office Required | No |
| Required Share Capital | $0 |
| Capital Maintained in Account | No |
| Compliance Program Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule Compliance | N/A |
| Business Plan Required | Comprehensive business plan, financial forecasts, operational policies, responsible gambling policies, AML procedures |
| Personnel Required | Personal Management License holders required for key positions (directors, compliance), Personal Functional License for certain operational roles |
| Insurance Required | No |
| Remote Incorporation Possible | Yes |
| 100% Foreign Ownership | Yes |
| Min. Shareholders | 1 |
| Min. Directors | 1 |
| Shareholder/Director Same Person | Yes |
| Registry Public | Yes |
| Registry Access | https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-register |
| Renewal Period | Annual |
| Accounting Filing Required | Yes |
| Accounting Filing Frequency | Annual |
| Financial Statement Required | Yes |
| Financial Statement Frequency | Annual |
| Accounting Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Compliance Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Technical Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Corporate Income Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Dividend Tax Applicable | No |
| Capital Gains Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Territorial Tax Regime | No |
| VAT Applicable | No |
| Regulators | false |
| Licensing Fee Details | 370 |
| Permitted Business Models | Application fee £370 (non-refundable). Annual fees based on gross gambling yield (GGY) - ranging from £1,055 to £2,367,800+ depending on category. Personal Management License £185, Personal Functional License £185. |
| Permitted Activities | Remote (online) and non-remote (land-based) gambling, B2C and B2B |
| Restricted Activities | Casino games, betting, bingo, lottery, gaming machines, software development, gambling intermediary services |
| Cross-Border Service Allowed | No |
| Physical Inspection Required | Yes |
| Player Fund Segregation | Yes |
| License Required | Yes |
| Local Director Required | No |
| Local AML Director Required | Yes |
| Local Legal Address Required | Yes |
| Local Physical Office Required | Yes |
| Required Share Capital | $350,000 |
| Capital Maintained in Account | Yes |
| Compliance Program Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule Compliance | FATF compliant |
| Business Plan Required | 3-year business plan with financial forecasts, risk management framework, compliance policies, operational procedures |
| Personnel Required | Directors and senior management with fit and proper assessment, MLRO, Compliance Officer with relevant experience |
| Insurance Required | Yes |
| Insurance Details | Professional indemnity insurance required; safeguarding insurance or segregated accounts for client funds |
| Remote Incorporation Possible | No |
| 100% Foreign Ownership | Yes |
| Min. Shareholders | 1 |
| Min. Directors | 1 |
| Shareholder/Director Same Person | Yes |
| Registry Public | Yes |
| Registry Access | https://register.fca.org.uk/s/ |
| Renewal Period | Annual |
| Accounting Filing Required | Yes |
| Accounting Filing Frequency | Annual |
| Financial Statement Required | Yes |
| Financial Statement Frequency | Annual |
| Accounting Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Compliance Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Technical Audit Mandatory | No |
| Corporate Income Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Dividend Tax Applicable | No |
| Capital Gains Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Territorial Tax Regime | No |
| VAT Applicable | Yes |
| Regulators | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) |
| Licensing Fee | $5,000 |
| Licensing Fee Details | EMI authorization fee £5,000; Small EMI registration £500; PI authorization £1,500-£5,000 depending on services. Annual fees based on business volume. Processing time 3-6 months. |
| Permitted Business Models | Electronic Money Institution (EMI), Payment Institution (PI), Registered Account Information Service Provider (RAISP) |
| Permitted Activities | E-money issuance, payment services, money remittance, payment initiation, account information services, currency exchange |
| Restricted Activities | Deposit taking and lending require banking license; investment services require separate authorization |
| Cross-Border Service Allowed | Yes |
| Physical Inspection Required | No |