Register as an overseas company

You must register an overseas company with Companies House if you want to set up a place of business in the UK.

Who must register

You must register if you set up a place of business in the UK or if you usually carry out business from somewhere in the UK.

Some types of company cannot register as an overseas company in the UK, including partnerships and unincorporated bodies. Contact the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) if you need advice.

If you do not have a base in the UK

You do not need to register with Companies House.

You may still need to register for Corporation Tax with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

How to register

You must fill in form OS IN01 and send it to Companies House within 1 month of opening for business. The address is on the form along with what documents you need to send.

You must send a £71 registration fee with the form. You can pay by cheque or postal order.

Changes to company details

You must tell Companies House within 14 days if your company details change. This includes:

  • name
  • address
  • what the business does
  • details of directors, secretaries or people authorised to represent the company
  • company information, for example accounting requirements or the powers of directors or secretaries
  • company constitution (one of the documents made when you formed the company)

Contact Companies House for help.

Companies House
Telephone: 0303 1234 500
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Help from the Department for Business and Trade

Overseas companies looking to set up a business in the UK can get help from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). You can get information about how business works in the UK, analysis of market opportunities, and access to business and academic networks.

Department for Business and Trade
Telephone: 020 4551 0011
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Setting up in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

You can get help from Scottish Development International (SDI) if you’re looking to set up a business in Scotland.

Scottish Development International
Telephone: 0800 917 9534
Find out about call charges

You can also get help from:

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