The United Kingdom Limited Company

A UK Limited Company has the following characteristics:

1. Shareholders:
   A minimum of one shareholder is required to set up a UK Limited Company and shares may be in bearer or registered form. Capital may be in any currency and there is no minimum capital requirement. Details of the shareholders appear on the public file and register of shareholders must be kept at the registered office address of the company in UK.
2. Directors:
   A minimum of one natural director is required to set up a UK Limited Company and additional directors can be individuals or corporate entities. Details of the directors do appear on the public record. Annual meetings of directors is not mandatory but meeting may be held anywhere in the world.
3. Officers/Secretary:
   There is no requirement to appoint a company secretary for a UK Limited Company but the duties of the company secretary remains. Director of the company can serve as the Officers.
4. Restrictions on Name and Activity:
   Names of a UK Limited Company must end with Limited. It may be in any language but stated in Latin alphabets. Words like British, UK, National, International, European etc. require special approval.
   Special approvals & licenses are required to undertake business of banking, insurance, assurance, reinsurance, fund management, investment funds, mutual fund etc.
5. Local Requirements:
   As a matter of local company law the UK Limited Company must maintain a registered office in England, Wales or Scotland. We would generally provide these services as part of the domiciliary service fee.
6. Timescale:
   Incorporation of a UK Limited Company can be achieved within 2 to 4 days. Apostile may take additional days.
7. Annual Reporting:
   An annual return and annual financial statements have to be filed with Companies House. Also UK Limited Companies are required to file annual tax returns.
8. Taxation of a UK Limited Company:
   Tax is applicable on worldwide income of UK Limited Companies irrespective of where those profits may arise. Profits do not include dividends or other distributions received from UK companies. VAT also will be applicable on goods sold in & services provided in UK.
9. Confidentiality:
   Information on shareholders / directors / officers of a UK Limited Company are on public record.
10. Company Renewal:
    Renewal of a UK Limited Company, to be paid on anniversary date of incorporation. Failure to do so results in penalties and could result in the striking-off of the company from the Registry.
    Latest valid passport copy and recent utility bill for address proof of shareholder/director are required to be submitted at every renewal as a part of enhanced due diligence. If shareholder is a corporate entity, then latest certificate of incumbency and above stated docs of directors would be required.