Registration fee: GBP 12 online (24-hour processing)
Registered address service: GBP 30-100/year
Corporation tax: 19-25% on profits (small profits rate 19%)
Annual confirmation statement: GBP 34/year
Primary source: Companies House (companieshouse.gov.uk) + HMRC (gov.uk/hmrc)
A UK Limited Company is one of the most credible business structures for African entrepreneurs serving international clients. UK companies are trusted globally, can receive payments in GBP, EUR and USD, and can be registered in 24 hours for GBP 12. Here is what you actually need to know.
Registering the company - Companies House
Process:
- Choose a company name (check availability at
https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/) - Appoint at least one director (can be you, based in Nigeria)
- Provide a registered address in the UK (required - use a registered agent service)
- Define share structure (typically 1 share at GBP 1 for a simple structure)
- Submit to Companies House online - GBP 12, processed within 24 hours
Registered address: You need a UK address for official correspondence. Registered agent services cost GBP 30-100/year and provide a UK address plus mail forwarding.
Primary source: https://www.gov.uk/register-a-company-online
Opening a UK business bank account
The traditional bank problem: Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and other traditional UK banks require in-person visits and proof of UK residence. They are not practical for non-UK residents.
The fintech solution:
| Provider | Account type | Monthly fee | Key feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise Business | Multi-currency | GBP 0 (transaction fees) | Best for international transfers |
| Revolut Business | Multi-currency | GBP 0-25/month | Good for card payments |
| Airwallex | Multi-currency | GBP 0 (transaction fees) | Good for high-volume businesses |
| Tide | GBP only | GBP 0-9.99/month | Simple, UK-focused |
What you get: A UK sort code and account number that works like a real UK bank account. Clients can pay you by bank transfer. You can pay UK suppliers and HMRC.
Tax obligations - what HMRC requires
Corporation tax: UK companies pay corporation tax on profits. The rate is 19% for profits up to GBP 50,000 (small profits rate) and 25% for profits above GBP 250,000. Profits between GBP 50,000 and GBP 250,000 are taxed at a marginal rate.
Annual accounts: You must file annual accounts with Companies House and a corporation tax return with HMRC. Deadline: 9 months after your accounting year end.
Annual confirmation statement: Filed with Companies House annually. Fee: GBP 34.
VAT: If your UK turnover exceeds GBP 90,000/year, you must register for VAT. Below this threshold, VAT registration is optional.
The Nigeria tax question: If you are resident in Nigeria and your UK company's management and control is exercised from Nigeria, HMRC may consider the company to be UK-resident for tax purposes but you may also have Nigerian tax obligations. Consult a tax adviser in both jurisdictions.
What a UK company does and does not give you
Does give you:
- A credible business structure trusted globally
- Ability to receive GBP payments
- Access to UK business banking (via fintechs)
- A UK business address
- Potential access to UK government contracts
Does not give you:
- UK immigration status or visa
- UK tax residency
- The right to work in the UK
- A UK personal bank account
Evidence note
All figures sourced from Companies House at https://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/ and HMRC at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs, retrieved October 2026. Tax rates and registration fees are subject to change. Consult a qualified UK accountant and a Nigerian tax adviser before making any structural decisions.