Setting up a business in the UK: your essential guide
Welcome to your essential guide to setting up a business in the UK
The UK is a great place to do business. If you are considering establishing and maintaining a branch or a subsidiary in the United Kingdom, this guide provides a useful introduction to the main legal issues that you will face. You will benefit from help and guidance on a range of subjects.
We've broken this up into nine parts to make it easier for you to navigate →
This section guides overseas companies on setting up a trading operation in the UK. It covers three main options: forming a subsidiary, establishing a branch office or appointing a local agent. It also highlights key accounting requirements, the importance of accurate transfer pricing, and the benefits of share schemes for employees.
This section provides an overview of business taxation in the UK. It covers corporate tax rates based on profits, VAT registration requirements, and the PAYE system for employee payments. It also emphasises the importance of consulting an expert for personalised advice and highlights key reliefs such as capital allowances and trading losses.
This section covers immigration controls for non-UK nationals, including entry clearance and key visa routes like Skilled Worker and Innovator Founder. It covers employee rights in England and Wales, such as working hours, paid leave, sick pay, and discrimination protection. It also covers the legal duty for UK employers to enroll jobholders into a pension scheme, as well as re-enrollment requirements.
This section explains property ownership in the UK, detailing freehold and leasehold options. It covers essential planning permissions for property changes and highlights key fees like Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), Land Registry fees, and business rates. It also outlines tenant responsibilities for commercial leases, including rent, repairs, insurance, and service charges.
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