Can I move my company from another country to the UK?
Under current UK company law, you cannot transfer your company registration from another country to the UK. However, the UK Government plans to introduce a corporate re-domiciliation regime in the future, which would allow foreign companies to move their registration to the UK while retaining the same legal identity.
In the meantime, overseas companies looking to establish a presence in the UK have several options:
- Set up a UK subsidiary
- Register a UK establishment for an overseas company
- Incorporate a new UK company and transfer the business
- Sell through a UK website or online marketplace
Each of these options offers a different way for foreign companies to operate in the UK. Before deciding, it’s important to seek professional advice to determine the best course of action for your business.
1. Set up a UK subsidiary
One option to consider is setting up a UK subsidiary, with your existing company acting as the parent or holding company. In this structure, you would incorporate a UK company, and your overseas company would own all or most of the shares.
The subsidiary will operate as a separate legal entity, able to trade directly with UK customers and suppliers. It will also have its own tax and reporting obligations in the UK. However, your overseas company will maintain control over the subsidiary’s business operations and decision-making.
Setting up a UK company is straightforward. You can register a new company online in just a few hours, and it will be ready to trade immediately. Since the new company is part of the same group as your existing firm, you can use the same company name.
Startxpress offers UK company formation services tailored for international customers looking to establish a UK limited company. These packages include:
- Simple online company registration
- Companies House filing fee
- UK business banking solution
- Central London company address services
- Next-generation company operating system to help manage and grow your company
However, restructuring your existing business as an overseas parent or holding company with a UK subsidiary requires careful planning. There are significant legal and tax considerations to address, so it’s essential to seek expert guidance before proceeding.
2. Register a UK establishment of an overseas company
Another popular option for foreign companies looking to expand into the UK is to establish a branch or place of business, known as a ‘UK establishment,’ and register with Companies House as an overseas company.
In this case, the UK establishment does not exist as a separate legal entity. It is simply an extension of the overseas company, creating a physical presence in the UK.
To open a branch or place of business in the UK, you must file the necessary documents to register the UK establishment with Companies House within one month of establishing your presence here.
How to register
The required documents to file with Companies House include:
- Form OS IN01, along with the appropriate filing fee
- A certified copy of your overseas company’s constitutional documents (e.g., charter, statute, memorandum, and articles of association)
- A copy of your company’s most recent set of accounts (if the company is required to prepare and deliver accounts under the parent law)
- If applicable, a copy of the most recent accounts disclosed by the opening date of the UK establishment
- If the documents are in a language other than English, include a certified translation of each document
The cost to register a UK establishment of an overseas company is £71. Companies House will reject your application if you do not include the correct fee with your form.
3. Incorporate a UK company and transfer your existing business
If your goal is to relocate your entire business operation to the UK, you can do so by:
- Registering a UK company in your preferred jurisdiction (England & Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland)
- Transferring your existing business assets from your overseas company to the new UK company
- Dissolving (closing) your overseas company
This approach is complex and costly, but it could be a viable option if you want to make a permanent move to the UK. We recommend seeking legal advice before proceeding.
4. Sell through a UK website or online marketplace
The simplest way to establish a UK presence and reach a customer base is by selling your goods online. If your business already operates online, this may be a familiar approach.
To effectively target a UK audience, consider setting up a new website with a UK-specific domain (e.g., .co.uk) or creating an international website that caters to users in multiple countries. Another option is to sell goods through online marketplaces. While this can be more expensive, it offers several potential benefits:
- Your overseas company gains an immediate online presence on an established platform
- It provides an efficient route to reach the UK market
- Online marketplaces can open new sales opportunities and drive higher profits
- These platforms help build trust between businesses and customers
- You are not responsible for maintaining the technical aspects of the platform
- Integrated payment solutions, shipping, and delivery options are often available
- Many marketplaces offer 24/7 help and support for setting up and managing your online store
However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider, such as commission fees, restrictive terms and conditions, limitations on branding, waiting periods for payments, and increased competition. Despite these challenges, selling through an online marketplace in the UK can be an effective way for overseas companies to establish a UK presence and grow their customer base.
FAQs about moving a company to the UK
Can I move my company registration from another country to the UK?
Currently, you cannot directly transfer your company registration from another country to the UK. However, the UK Government plans to introduce a corporate re-domiciliation regime in the future, which would allow foreign companies to transfer their registration while retaining the same legal identity.
What are the options for foreign companies to establish a presence in the UK?
Foreign companies can choose from several options:
- Set up a UK subsidiary
- Register a UK establishment for an overseas company
- Incorporate a new UK company and transfer the business
- Sell through a UK website or online marketplace
Each option has its unique benefits and considerations.
How can I set up a UK subsidiary?
You can set up a subsidiary by incorporating a UK company, where your existing overseas company acts as the parent. The subsidiary will be a separate legal entity with its own tax obligations and business operations in the UK.
What is a UK establishment of an overseas company?
A UK establishment is a branch or physical presence of your overseas company in the UK. It is not a separate legal entity. To register it, you must file Form OS IN01 and other documents with Companies House within one month of establishing your presence.
How do I incorporate a UK company and transfer my business?
To incorporate a UK company, register it in your chosen jurisdiction, transfer assets from your overseas company, and dissolve the overseas company. This process can be complex and costly, so it’s advisable to seek legal guidance.
Can I sell my products through a UK website or marketplace?
Yes, selling through a UK-specific website or online marketplace can be an effective way to reach UK customers. You can use a .co.uk domain or sell through platforms like Amazon or eBay. This method provides immediate online presence but may come with costs like commission fees and limitations on branding.
What is the cost to register a UK establishment?
The cost to register a UK establishment with Companies House is £71. You must also provide the necessary documents, including a certified copy of your overseas company’s constitutional documents and recent financial statements.
Do you have any other questions?
In this article, we covered the options available for foreign companies looking to establish a presence in the UK, as well as the limitations on transferring company registrations. We explored the process of setting up a UK subsidiary, registering a UK establishment, incorporating a new company, and selling through online platforms. Each option comes with its own set of requirements, and careful consideration is needed to determine the best fit for your business.
For more details, check out the Startxpress Help Center and Startxpress Blog.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us via support@startxpress.io. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
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