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Whether you are an existing business looking to incorporate or a professional adviser acting on behalf of your client, we're here to help ensure that your company formation is right the first time. Most businesses will opt for a private limited company, which can have one or multiple share classes. But if this type of company doesn't work for you, there are other options. A company limited by guarantee a limited liability partnership, professional practice company, or plc might be a better fit for your business. Or perhaps you're looking to set up a property management or community interest company.
Company formation
Check the availability of your chosen company name and then select the UK company type that suits your needs.
UK Company Formations
Welcome to the Vistra UK Formations Portal
To choose from our range of company types and packages select from the table below.
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Offshore companies If you are looking to set up a company outside the UK, we can help you incorporate in a range of jurisdictions. |
BVI
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Jersey
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Cyprus
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Seychelles
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Hong Kong
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General appellation of typical private investment vehicle |
British Virgin Island Business Company (BVIBC) |
Zero tax rated |
Private Company |
International Business Company (IBC) |
Private Company |
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Governing corporate legislation |
British Virgin Islands Business Companies Act, 2004 |
Companies Jersey Law 1991 (as amended) |
Companies Law, Cap 113 |
International Business Companies Act 1994 |
Companies Ordinance (Ord. No. 28 of 2012) |
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Time-scale for incorporation |
2 – 3 days |
Fast track 24 hours, otherwise 3-4 working days. |
10 days |
24 hours |
7 - 10 working days |
| Availability of ready-made companies | – subject to due diligence | ||||
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Minimum and maximum number of shareholders |
Minimum one. No maximum |
Minimum one for a private company and two for a Plc. |
Minimum one. Maximum 50. |
Minimum one. No maximum. |
Minimum one. Maximum 50. |
| Statutory minimum paid-up capital requirements |
None |
None |
Euros 1 |
None |
None |
| Standard authorised capital |
50,000 shares |
£10,000 |
Euros 10,000 |
US$100,000 (licence fee is US$100 irrespective of authorised share capital) |
HK$10,000 |
| Residency requirement on shareholders or shareholders' meetings |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
| Information published relating to shares and shareholders |
Share register at the registered office address; available for inspection by members. Not publicly available |
Registered shareholders published |
Registered shareholders published |
None |
Registered shareholders published. |
| Minimum and maximum number of directors |
Minimum one, no maximum |
Minimum one, no maximum |
Minimum one |
Minimum one, no maximum |
Minimum one, no maximum |
| Are corporate directors permitted? |
Yes |
Yes. The company must be licensed and regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission |
Yes |
Yes |
Must have st least 1 individual director, corporate directors are permitted to act alongside the individual unless it is publically listed or limited by guarantee |
| Information published relating to directors |
Directors register at the registered office address. Not available to the public |
None |
Directors' details published. |
None |
Directors' details published. |
| Nationality and residency requirements of directors |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
| Must accounts be filed publicly? |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Must accounts be audited, and if so by whom? |
No |
No |
Yes, by Cyprus-Registered auditors |
No |
Yes, Auditors must be qualified under the Professional Accountant |
| Must the company have a registered presence in the territory of incorporation? | Yes, Registered office and agent | Yes, Registered Office | Yes, Registered Office. | Yes, Registered Office and Registered Agent | Yes, Registered Office. |
| Information published relating to shares and shareholders |
No |
Not mandatory |
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| Company seal |
Required |
Optional |
Required |
Optional |
Required |
| More info | More info | More info | More info | More info |
Professional practice companies - from £POA + vatProfessional practices across many sectors are increasingly recognising the benefits of operating as a limited company. Community Interest Company - from 495.00 + vatThe CIC model is designed to provide an effective legal form for social enterprises that want to use their profits and assets for the public good. Their aim is to provide benefit to the community or to trade with a "social purpose," rather than to make a profit. Unlimited Company - from 495.00 + vatWhilst it must be a mobile company, an unlimited liability company may or may not have a share capital. There is no limit to the liability of members in the event of the company being wound up. Otherwise, members are liable only for whatever sums remain unpaid on their shares. |
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