Based in the Gulf or Arab world? You can own a UK company, entirely remotely

What can be done entirely remotely

• Incorporate a UK limited company
• Obtain a UTR number from HMRC
• Register for Corporation Tax
• Complete Director ID Verification (ACSP route)
• File annual accounts
• Submit Corporation Tax return
• File confirmation statement
• Open a digital business bank account (Wise, Revolut, Tide)
• Set up and run PAYE for employees
• Add or remove directors and shareholders
• Change your registered office address
• File at Companies House through an authorised agent

Guide by your country

Each country has its specifics, from the local accounting body, to the accepted ID document, to the double tax treaty.

Frequently asked questions

Can I own a UK company if I live outside the UK?

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Yes. There is no residency requirement to incorporate or own a UK limited company. Directors and shareholders can be based anywhere in the world. You will need a registered office address in England, Wales or Scotland, but that can be provided by a service like Fileminder.

Do I need to pay UK tax if I live in the UAE?

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Your residence and the company's residence are separate questions. UK incorporation normally makes the company UK tax resident, and while it remains resident UK Corporation Tax generally applies to worldwide chargeable profits. Living in the UAE does not automatically make you non-UK resident for income tax; the UK Statutory Residence Test and any applicable treaty must be checked. Salary, directors' fees and dividends have different rules, and UAE company tax obligations may also arise. Ask a qualified cross-border tax adviser to review your facts.

Do I need to visit the UK to run my company?

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No. Incorporating, filing accounts, submitting tax returns, managing payroll, verifying your director identity, and changing company details can all be done remotely through an authorised UK accountant and agent. Fileminder handles all of this without requiring you to visit the UK.

Can I open a UK bank account for my company without visiting the UK?

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Many UK banks require in-person branch visits and UK-issued documents, making them inaccessible for non-resident directors. Some regulated e-money institutions and digital banks, such as Wise Business, Tide and Airwallex, consider applications from eligible non-resident directors, but the rules differ by country of residence, company and provider: Revolut's UK-company route, for example, accepts applicants only from the countries of residence on its list, and Tide needs a UK mobile number. Where an application succeeds, these accounts provide a UK sort code and account number. No provider guarantees an account. Fileminder can help you prepare your documents and identify the right provider.

What is Director ID Verification and do I need it?

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Identity verification became mandatory on 18 November 2025. New directors verify before appointment, while existing directors provide their personal code with the company's next confirmation statement during the transition. Non-resident directors can use GOV.UK One Login with a current biometric passport from any country or choose an authorised ACSP such as Fileminder.

What annual filings does my UK company need?

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Every UK limited company must file: (1) a Confirmation Statement with Companies House once a year (fee: £50); (2) Annual Accounts with Companies House within 9 months of the accounting year end; (3) a Corporation Tax return (CT600) with HMRC within 12 months of the accounting year end; and (4) Corporation Tax payment within 9 months and 1 day of the accounting year end. For companies with employees, PAYE and National Insurance reporting is also required. Dormant companies still need to file accounts and the confirmation statement.