Setup Your UK Subsidiary with our Joined up Accountancy and Legal Services
Dragon Argent is an award winning regulated legal and accountancy firm in London who have built a strong reputation for assisting offshore clients set up operations in the UK.
Whether you’re looking to enter the UK market for the first time, grow your business or scale your operation in the UK, we can provide the following support:
Dragon Argent have a full turnkey solution for international business looking to establish operations in the UK.
TRUSTED BY FOUNDERS, STARTUPS & SMEs
What Are the Essential Steps to Setting Up a UK Subsidiary?
Correctly setting up a UK subsidiary involves navigating a comprehensive legal process under UK subsidiary laws. Begin by selecting an official name if your UK entity will differ in title from your main office. You'll need to secure a registered office address and designate at least one Director, providing both a residential and service address for them. Additionally, you must prepare a statement of capital and other relevant documentation.
To ensure compliance, verify your company’s Standard Industrial Classification of Economic Activities (SIC) code, which identifies your business sector. You’ll also be required to maintain a "Persons of Significant Control" (PSC) register, detailing the subsidiary’s shareholders; this register must be updated annually.
For incorporation, submit essential documents to the Companies House, the agency responsible for registering UK companies, with the Articles of Association being one of the most critical documents.
Following incorporation, you’ll need to register for VAT, which is mandatory if your taxable turnover exceeds £85,000. Additionally, register for Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax through His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to cover national insurance. Lastly, secure an employer’s liability insurance policy with a minimum coverage of £5 million. Get in touch and speak to one of our specialist advisors today.
Hear what our clients think:
“Dragon Argent have supported us since inception and been fundamental to establishing firm foundations for our business. They’re experienced, straightforward, founder-friendly, and deliver a breadth of services in a joined-up way that inspires confidence.”
Griffin Parry | Founder & CEO, m3ter
OUR KEY UK SUBSIDIARY SERVICES
Dragon Argent offers a full turnkey solution for overseas businesses looking to establish a UK presence through the incorporation of a UK subsidiary, which includes:
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UK Subsidiary Company Formation
- Incorporation of UK Subsidiary at Company's House
- Provision of a Registered Address
- Company Secretarial Support
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UK Subsidiary Legal Compliance
- Shareholder Agreements
- Articles of Association
- Corporate Structure
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Outsourced UK Accountancy Services
- Outsourced Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Bookkeeping
- Management Accounts
- Statutory Accounts
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UK Tax Advice & Services
- Corporation Tax Calculation
- Quarterly VAT Submission
- Payroll and Pension
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Investment Related Services
- (S)EIS Advanced Assurance Application
- (S)EIS Advanced Subscription Agreement
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UK Employment Services
- UK HR Guidance
- Immigration Support
- Employment Contract Template
- Directors Service Agreement
- Staff Handbook
- EMI Option Scheme
We also offer other ad hoc accountancy, tax and legal support. For pricing information and further, please schedule a discovery call
BENEFITS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Setting up a UK subsidiary offers numerous advantages for businesses looking to expand internationally. Here are some of the key benefits:
Favorable Tax Environment
Competitive Corporate Tax Rates: The UK offers lower corporate tax rates compared to other major economies, making it cost-effective for businesses.
Tax Treaties: The UK has an extensive network of tax treaties with other countries, helping businesses avoid double taxation.
R&D Tax Credits: Generous tax credits for companies involved in research and development activities.
International Expansion Opportunities
Gateway to Europe: While no longer an EU member, the UK retains strong trade relationships with European countries, making it a strategic base for further expansion across Europe.
Global Presence: Having a subsidiary in the UK enhances a company's global presence, improving its reputation and market positioning.
Legal and Regulatory Advantages
Separate Legal Entity: A subsidiary is a distinct legal entity from the parent company, limiting the parent company's liability in case of financial or legal issues.
Well-Established Legal Framework: The UK follows common law, which is familiar to many international businesses, offering legal certainty and protection.
IP Protection: Strong intellectual property protection and enforcement systems make it ideal for innovation-driven companies.
Funding and Investment Opportunities
Access to Capital: The UK is home to one of the world’s leading financial markets, providing numerous avenues for raising capital through loans, venture capital, or stock market listings.
Government Incentives: Various government grants and programs are available to encourage investment, innovation, and business development in specific sectors.
MEET THE TEAM
Advisory | Accountancy | Tax | Legal
Our team of accountants, tax and legal advisors deliver technically robust advice across a range of subject areas, never losing sight of our clients objectives when you setup your business in the UK.
Founder & Head of Advisory
Corporate Finance Advisor
Head of Corporate & Commercial
Head of Litigation, IP & Art Law
Data & Privacy Consultant
Head of Employment & Immigration
Head of Client Success
Head of Accountancy
Tax Advisor
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
If you are either seeking to operate a separate business and already have a company or a foreign company and are looking to enter into the UK market, you could set up a subsidiary company. Let Our Experts Guide You Every Step of the Way.
Contact Us Today for Tailored Solutions
or send your enquiry to ask@dragonargent.com
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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A subsidiary company is only necessary in a few scenarios. You need to think about setting up a subsidiary company if:
You are Operating Overseas – Foreign companies will always opt to setup a subsidiary company in the UK if their main company is based overseas. There are many tax and administrative advantages to doing this.
Two Different Businesses – Sometimes you may have different arms of your business that are so radically different that they need to be formally separated.
Team Differences – Some companies create a subsidiary if they have a team working on a different project at another office. The project is likely not relevant to the business’s primary purpose, so a subsidiary can allow them to make a formal separation.
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Broadly, there are two main options available when doing business in the UK either a form of limited company (subsidiary) or a branch.
A subsidiary is an incorporated body (i.e. a company) and has a separate legal entity from the overseas parent.
A branch, which is an extension of the parent company, requires you to register the overseas entity as having a UK establishment with Companies House.
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The most significant benefit of setting up a UK subsidiary is that you can grow your company beyond your home base. It also helps you avoid liability.
In any subsidiary situation, the parent company typically has control over an entity location’s behavior — which means any compensation issues or litigation will go to the parent company and not to the subsidiary. Although it diminishes your liability, setting up a UK subsidiary gives you a greater degree of independence.
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As is the case with any private limited company, you can make changes to your subsidiary after its incorporation. This means part of the company can be sold to another company – meaning that it would have multiple owners, or you can remove the parent company and transform the subsidiary into a company that stands alone with no parent or holding company.
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When setting up in the UK, there are several legal structures to choose from. The company structure most suitable to you will depend on your type of business, where you are based and whether you have employees on board or not. Below are some of the most common legal structures in the UK;
Limited company
Branch office
Limited liability partnership (LLP)
Sole trader
Partnership
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A company can typically be registered with Companies House in 48 hours once all documents are completed. A UK company must register for corporation tax with HMRC, within three months of starting to trade. The paperwork for registration is not too extensive, however, certain statutory documents will be required.
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Opening a bank account is a time-consuming process as you will need to go through a money laundering process to ensure your company is credible for a corporate bank account. Therefore, prepare to have time and patience for this stage, it can easily take up to six months or more to complete.
Check if your bank in the company’s home country has any operations in the UK. In some cases, this might speed up the process, as it may prove some creditworthiness for the business.