2025 Update: Register a UK Company in 2 Hours for Just £50
Why Choose a UK Company?
US companies come with high costs and complicated tax requirements, so they're generally not worth it. UK company registration is straightforward, fast, and inexpensive.
Registration Process
1. Register Directly on the Official Website
1stFormations is a registration agent, and their fees have gotten quite expensive lately. Go straight to the official UK Companies House website instead — the process is simple, and you can fill everything in based on your actual personal details.
2. Purchase a Registered Address
At some point during the process, you'll need to buy a UK registered address on Taobao for around ¥400.
3. Pay and Complete Registration
Pay the £50 filing fee and your company registration is done.
Cost Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Official registration fee | £50 |
| UK registered address (Taobao) | ~¥400 RMB |
| Total | ~¥800 RMB |
Things to Keep in Mind
- The entire process takes about 2 hours
- Just fill in your real, accurate information
- Once registered, consider opening an overseas business bank account
FAQ
How much does it cost to register a UK company?
£50 for the official registration fee + ~¥400 on Taobao for a UK registered address, coming to roughly ¥800 RMB total. The whole process takes about 2 hours.
Do I need to use an agent to register a UK company?
No. Just go directly to the UK Companies House website and fill in your real details. Agents like 1st Formations have become quite pricey. The only thing you need to source externally is a UK registered address.
Can Chinese citizens register a UK company?
Yes — fill in your genuine personal information and you're good to go. No UK identity or residency is required. Once registered, you can open a Wise business account to receive payments.
UK Company Series for Indie Developers
A complete, first-hand walkthrough covering everything from registration to annual filing — every post is based on real experience:
- Open a Wise Business Bank Account: No Monthly Fees, Multi-Currency Payments
- Wise Address Verification: Your Document Must Include the Company Name
- Data Protection Fee: Required £40/Year Compliance for SaaS Businesses
- Annual Filing for £148: DIY vs. Taobao Services — an Apples-to-Apples Comparison
- Annual Filing + Dormant Accounts: Do It Yourself and Cut the Cost in Half
- Annual Filing Timeline in Practice: £228 Full Walkthrough + Tax-Saving Tips
Author: 饼干哥哥AGI | Original Post
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Jason Zhu
Ex-AI Engineer | AI Blogger