Open a Branch in UK

A branch is the extension of a foreign company that will engage in the same business activities as its parent company abroad. Setting up a branch in the UK means registering the overseas company with the Companies House. Once this is complete, the foreign company will have a place of business in the UK.

Our lawyers in UK specialise in all matters related to incorporations, both for local companies and for overseas companies. If you have questions about the treatment of a branch in the United Kingdom or require assistance with its registration, you can reach out to our dedicated team of lawyers as soon as you decide to expand in the UK in 2025.

Below, we answer a number of key questions related to branch registration. If you wish to know more or have different questions concerning our particular situation, please contact us with your inquiries.

A lawyer in England from our team can also answer questions about any other business form that interests you. Foreign investors have several options when it comes to setting up a legal entity in the UK and our team can list their advantages and particulars before you decide to incorporate. Do reach out to our experienced team for any questions concerning branch and company creation in the UK.

Our teams offer personalized solutions for local and foreign investors located in different parts of London, as well as in Wimbledon or in Wembley, among others.

What companies can register as overseas companies in the UK?

Private and public limited liability companies are commonly registered as an overseas company in the UK, therefore, these are the ones that will be able to set up a branch.

Other business forms, such as a partnership incorporated abroad, is not permitted to register as an overseas company in the UK.

It should be noted that foreign companies that do not wish to maintain a base in the UK will not need to register with the Companies House.

When setting up a branch in the UK in 2025, the foreign company will also maintain a physical presence in London or in another city of choice, as needed. The UK branch will also have employees, meaning that it will need to comply with local employment laws, in addition to the tax and reporting requirements applicable to branches.

What are the main requirements for branch registration in the UK?

As previously mentioned, setting up a branch in the UK means registering the overseas company with the Companies House. This will create a place of business in the United Kingdom for the company registered abroad.

The following steps are relevant for setting up a branch in the UK in 2025:

• Fill in the adequate form: this is form OS IN01 and it needs to be filled in and sent to the Companies House within one month of starting the business activities in the UK;
• Provide the documents: for the registration of its branch, the overseas company needs to provide a certified copy of the parent company’s constitutive documents (translated into English), as well as other supporting documentation;
• Pay the fee: a £20 registration fee applies in case of overseas companies that set up a place of business in the UK; this is payable by postal order or cheque;
• Provide updates as needed: the UK branch will need to provide regular updates to the Companies House in all cases in which the company details change; these changes are to be notified within 14 days of their occurrence.

Our lawyers in England remind foreign investors that the branch is different from the registered office. The latter has a limited scope of activity, and it is not used for commercial purposes, but rather for marketing ones.

Business statistics in the UK

According to the Office for National Statistics, the preferred business form is the limited company. At the same time, other types of legal entities (such as the sole proprietor) are becoming less sought after. Other statistical data is summarized below by our team:

• The number of limited companies increased by 0.9% between March 2023 and March 2024;
• Out of more than 2 million companies registered in the UK, 44% were single-employee limited companies;
• Most of these companies are in the professional and scientific sector and the technical industry;            
• Four regions in the country saw an increase in the number of companies between 2023 and 2024. These were the East of the UK, Scotland, Northern Ireland and London.

Trading with the United Kingdom has changed after Brexit, however, having a presence in the UK can greatly benefit your business. If you are interested in knowing more about the requirements for setting up a branch in the UK, our team can help you.

Contact our lawyers in UK for complete assistance during branch registration in 2025 and for any other inquiries concerning company formation.