Registration
Set up a business in the UK - quickly and hassle-free.
The UK business registration system is straightforward and fast, but it does require knowledge of local regulations. We help you choose the best business structure, guide you through the entire registration process, and take care of all tax formalities - so you can focus on growing your business, not on paperwork.
Limited Company
Ltd Company - the most popular business structure
A Limited Company (Ltd) is the UK equivalent of a Polish sp. z o.o. It is registered with Companies House and gives the business its own legal identity - your personal assets are separated from company liabilities. This is the most common choice among Poles running a business in the UK.
- Limited liability - your personal assets are protected
- Registered with Companies House (online, by post, or through an agent)
- At least one director and a unique company name required
- Corporation Tax on company profits - favourable tax rates
- Private Limited Company (Ltd) or Public Limited Company (PLC)
- Full accounting and annual filings required
Self-Employed
Sole trader - the simplest way to work for yourself
Self-employment is the simplest way to run a business in the UK. There is no need to register with Companies House - you just notify HMRC. You keep full control of the business and all its profits, but you are personally liable for any debts. An ideal solution for freelancers, tradespeople, and anyone starting out.
- No registration fee - register online with HMRC
- National Insurance Number (NIN) and Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) required
- Annual Self Assessment tax return due by 31 January
- National Insurance contributions: Class 2 and Class 4
- Allowable expenses: office, equipment, travel, accountancy fees
- Personal liability for business debts
Partnership
Partnership - running a business together
A Partnership is the UK equivalent of a Polish spółka cywilna. Two or more people run the business together, sharing risk, costs, and profits. Each partner registers as self-employed and pays tax on their share of the profits. A good option when you want to go into business with a partner.
- General Partnership - all partners share joint liability for debts
- Limited Partnership (LP) - some partners have limited liability
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) - personal assets of partners are protected
- One partner submits the Partnership Tax Return for the whole firm
- Each partner files their own Self Assessment individually
- The business can trade under its own name
Comparison
Which business structure is right for you?
The right business structure depends on many factors: the scale of your operations, the number of partners, your risk tolerance, and your plans for the future. The table below will help you compare the three main options at a glance.
| Ltd Company | Self-Employed | Partnership | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liability for debts | Limited to capital invested | Full - all personal assets | Depends on partnership type |
| Registration | Companies House + HMRC | HMRC only | HMRC (each partner) |
| Registration cost | From £12 (online) | Free | Free |
| Tax on profits | Corporation Tax (19-25%) | Income Tax (20-45%) | Income Tax (each partner) |
| Accounting | Full accounts + annual filings | Simplified records | Records + Partnership Return |
| Legal personality | Yes | No | LLP only |
Thinking of starting a business in the UK?
Talk to our advisor.
We will help you choose the best business structure, handle the registration, and explain all your obligations. Free consultation, no strings attached.