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HPT Group
London and the River Thames from the air

Europe · Jurisdiction

United Kingdom

We advise on company formation, structuring and related work in United Kingdom, and coordinate local formation agents, banks and counsel where the matter requires them.

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Our work in United Kingdom

What clients most often ask us for here

Other HPT services are available in United Kingdom where the matter calls for them.

  • UK Ltd company formation (resident and non-resident)
  • Real estate structuring (SDLT, ATED, NRCGT)
  • Fintech licensing (FCA: EMI, PSP, AISP)
  • UK tax residency and exit planning
  • Private and corporate banking

Key facts

Headline corporate tax
25%
Typical formation
1 to 2+ days
Formation, first year
From £900, government fees included
Annual renewal
From £700, government fees included
Classification
Onshore
Region
Europe

Headline tax rates and formation times are indicative and change. We confirm the current position in writing for each matter.

Talk to us

Sheung Wan and Mayfair

Hong Kong and London. Meetings by appointment only

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We aim to reply within 48 hours.

Advisers in discussion at a meeting table

Common questions

United Kingdom: questions we are often asked

Is United Kingdom suitable for my structure?
That depends on where you and the other owners are resident, where the business operates, where it will bank and how counterparties will view United Kingdom. We review those points before recommending any jurisdiction.
Can a United Kingdom entity open a bank account?
Often, but it depends on the activity, the owners and the bank. We consider banking before anything is formed and will tell you if we think an account is unlikely.
What substance is required?
Substance rules differ by jurisdiction and by activity. We set out what applies to your structure, and what it costs to meet, in the written recommendation.
What will it cost?
We agree our fee in writing before work begins. Formation and annual renewal fees include the standard government fees and the registered agent. Other third-party costs, such as local counsel, are set out separately in the same document.

Compare

Other Europe jurisdictions

Other Europe jurisdictions
JurisdictionClassificationHeadline corporate taxTypical formation time
IrelandHybrid12.5%2 to 3+ weeks
LuxembourgOnshore23.87%3 to 6+ weeks
SwitzerlandHybrid11.9 to 21%4 to 6+ weeks
MaltaHybrid5% effective2 to 4+ weeks
Europe overview

Insights

Further reading

All insights
Aerial view of the City of London financial district skyline along the River Thames, with boats on the water

Asset Protection

Leaving the UK does not end a trust's IHT exposure

Com Head, Pentire and The Mouls, near Polzeath, United Kingdom.

Tax Strategy

UK Non-Dom Reform 2025: What Really Changed

Yamagata Prefecture office, United Kingdom.

Tax Strategy

Split-Year Treatment: Leaving the UK Cleanly Mid-Year

We do not give legal or tax advice in jurisdictions where we are not qualified to do so; where needed, we coordinate local counsel and tax advisers.

Fees agreed in writing before work begins. Where a bank or provider pays us for an introduction, we tell you before the introduction is made.

See also what we will not do and prohibited and restricted matters.

Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong, at night

Next step

Considering United Kingdom?

Tell us about the structure you have in mind. A senior adviser will review it and reply with the questions we would need answered.

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