For Swiss entrepreneurs, the UK remains a strategic base for international expansion, offering a trusted legal system, access to capital and talent, and a business-friendly incorporation process despite post-Brexit changes.

Economic ties remain strong, with bilateral trade exceeding £46.5 billion in 2024 and reinforced by enhanced FTA negotiations and the Berne Financial Services Agreement, positioning the UK as a complementary hub to Switzerland.

This guide explains how to register a company in the UK from Switzerland, outlining the process, costs, and key structuring considerations for Swiss founders.

Key Highlights

  • Remote incorporation is fully possible: Swiss entrepreneurs can register UK companies online without visiting the UK, choosing from structures such as Ltd, PLC, LLP, or branch registration.
  • Strong UK–Switzerland business alignment: Bilateral trade exceeded £46.9 billion in 2025, supported by enhanced FTA negotiations and the BerneFinancial Services Agreement, reinforcing the UK as a strategic expansion hub.
  • Clear regulatory and tax framework: UK incorporation offers legal certainty, predictable corporation tax, access to R&D relief, and treaty-backed dividend efficiency for Swiss parent companies.
  • Banking and compliance require planning: Non-UK resident directors face enhanced due diligence for banking, alongside ongoing obligations such as annual accounts, corporation tax, VAT (if applicable), and director identity verification.
  • Professional support reduces friction: Using structured incorporation, banking, and compliance support helps Swiss founders avoid delays, manage post-Brexit requirements, and scale efficiently across both jurisdictions.

Can You Register a Company in UK from Switzerland?

Yes. Swiss entrepreneurs can register a UK company entirely online, with access to structures such as Ltd, PLC, and LLP. The UK and Switzerland maintain strong commercial ties, with bilateral trade exceeding £45 billion in 2024 and deep integration in services and financial markets.

Post-Brexit, cooperation has expanded under the Mind the Gap+ strategy, with enhanced FTA negotiations strengthening market access, business mobility, and regulatory certainty, making the UK a practical and strategic expansion market for Swiss businesses.

Why Start a Business in the UK from Switzerland?

Starting a business in the UK from Switzerland benefits from strong bilateral ties and complementary economies.

  • Trade Access: The UK–Switzerland FTA (under enhancement as of 2026) removes tariffs on most goods, giving Swiss firms access to the UK’s £52.8 billion market. This supports exports in sectors such as machinery, pharmaceuticals, and watches without EU customs friction.
  • Tax Efficiency: The UK’s 25% corporation tax provides predictability, alongside R&D relief of up to 33% and full capital investment expensing. The UK–Switzerland tax treaty allows dividend exemptions for Swiss parent companies, supporting efficient profit repatriation.
  • Talent and Market Reach: The UK offers access to a 69-million-consumer English-speaking market and a deep tech and fintech talent pool. Skilled Worker visas are more flexible for Swiss nationals than Switzerland’s quota-based system.
  • Startup Ecosystem: The UK ranks among the top jurisdictions for ease of doing business, with same-day incorporation via Companies House. Venture capital activity remains significantly higher than in Switzerland, supporting scale-ups in AI, biotech, and cleantech.
  • Post-Brexit Alignment: Both countries operate outside the EU single market but rely on bilateral agreements and mutual recognition, simplifying cross-border operations and VAT coordination.

Types of Business Structures in the UK for Swiss Entrepreneurs

Swiss entrepreneurs can choose from several UK business structures, each offering varying liability protection, tax implications, and ease of setup. These are ideal for remote registration via Companies House.

Private Limited Company (Ltd)

Most popular for Swiss investors, limited liability protects personal assets, with shares not publicly traded. Requires one director (no UK residency needed), a registered office (virtual OK), and annual filings.​

Public Limited Company (PLC)

Suited for larger Swiss firms seeking public investment, offers shares to the public but demands stricter regulations and stock exchange listing potential. Higher compliance costs but greater credibility.​

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

Flexible for Swiss professional services firms (e.g., consulting), partners enjoy limited liability while maintaining partnership flow-through taxation. Needs at least two members; ideal for tax-efficient profit sharing under the UK-Switzerland treaty.​

Sole Trader

Simplest for solo Swiss entrepreneurs testing UK markets, no formal registration beyond HMRC self-assessment. Unlimited personal liability but full profit retention; suits low-risk side ventures with easy setup.​

Branch/Overseas Company Registration

Swiss parent companies register a UK branch for trading, no new entity formed, just file details with Companies House. Retains Swiss tax residency but triggers UK corp tax on local profits; quick for established Swiss operations.

Step-by-Step Process to Register a Company in the UK from Switzerland

Registering a company in the UK from Switzerland follows a structured, regulator-led process that can be completed largely online. Each step must be completed in sequence to ensure compliance and avoid delays during incorporation, tax registration, and banking setup.

Step 1: Choose Business Structure and Name

Select appropriate entity type (typically Ltd for Swiss entrepreneurs). Reserve a unique company name by checking availability through the Companies House WebCheck service. Names must end with “Limited” or “Ltd” and cannot include sensitive words requiring approval or conflict with existing registrations or trademarks.

Step 2: Appoint Directors and Company Secretary

Private limited companies require at least one director. Directors must be at least 16 years old and not disqualified. PLCs require at least two directors and one qualified company secretary. Provide directors’ names, dates of birth, nationality, occupation, residential addresses, and service addresses.

Step 3: Identify Shareholders and Share Structure

Determine shareholders (can be the same individuals as directors), share capital amount, number and classes of shares, and nominal value per share. Private limited companies commonly issue ordinary shares with standard voting and dividend rights. Shareholders must provide personal details,, including name, address, and nationality.

Step 4: Register Office Address

Provide the the UK registered office address where official correspondence will be sent. This must be a physical UK address (not a PO Box). Many Swiss entrepreneurs use professional registered office services providing legitimate UK addresses and mail forwarding to Switzerland.

Step 5: Prepare Standard Documents

Create Memorandum of Association (confirming intent to form company and initial shareholdings) and Articles of Association (company’s constitution governing operations, director powers, shareholder rights, and internal procedures). Companies House provides standard model articles suitable for most private limited companies.

Step 6: Register for Corporation Tax

Inform HMRC of the the company’s chargeability to corporation tax within three months of starting business activities. Obtain Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for tax filings. 

Step 7: Complete Online Incorporation

File incorporation documents through Companies House online Web Incorporation Service or software filing. Provide all required information about the company name, registered office, directors, shareholders, share capital, and standard documents. 

Step 8: Receive Certificate of Incorporation

Upon approval, Companies House issues a Certificate of Incorporation confirming the company’s legal existence, assigned company number, and formation date. The company can commence business operations immediately upon receiving this certificate.

Step 9: Register for VAT if Required

If annual taxable turnover exceeds or will exceed £90,000, register for Value Added Tax with HMRC. VAT standard rate is 20%, with reduced rates (5%) and zero rates applying to certain goods/services. VAT-registered businesses charge VAT on sales, reclaim VAT on purchases, and file periodic VAT returns.

Step 10: Open the UK Business Bank Account

Establish business bank accounts with the UK banks. Major banks include Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander. Digital alternatives include Starling Bank, Tide, and Revolut Business. Swiss entrepreneurs typically need company formation documents, director identification (passports, proof of address), a business plan, and anticipated transaction documentation.

Requirements for Swiss Entrepreneurs

Swiss entrepreneurs face a relatively streamlined process when setting up in the UK, though specific documentation is required due to Switzerland’s non-EU status. Directors must provide valid Swiss identification, proof of address, and complete identity verification under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. UK banks may also request apostilled documents.

A physical UK registered office address is mandatory. Most founders use professional registered office services with mail forwarding.

While not legally required, banks and advisors usually request a business plan outlining activities, markets, and financial projections. Private limited companies have no minimum capital requirement, while PLCs require £50,000 authorised capital. Regulated sectors (e.g. finance, healthcare, food) require additional UK licences or registrations.

Cost of Incorporation in UK from Switzerland

UK incorporation involves one-time setup costs followed by ongoing compliance and operational expenses. Actual costs vary based on company structure, use of professional services, and regulatory obligations.

  • Initial Setup Costs: Companies House filing fees apply, with additional costs for professional incorporation support, registered office services, and mandatory director identity verification under 2024 requirements. 
  • Annual Compliance Costs: Ongoing expenses include annual confirmation statements, accounting and bookkeeping, preparation of statutory accounts, corporation tax filings, and renewal of registered office services. Costs vary depending on transaction volume and business complexity.
  • Operational Costs: Companies may incur corporation tax based on taxable profits, VAT compliance costs where applicable, insurance premiums depending on industry, and routine banking and transaction fees.

Opening a Business Bank Account in UK from Switzerland

Opening a UK business bank account from Switzerland is feasible but requires advance planning due to enhanced due-diligence standards for non-resident directors.

  • Banking Options: Traditional banks such as HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander offer business accounts, with HSBC often preferred due to its Swiss presence. Digital banks like Starling, Tide, Revolut Business, and Monzo provide faster onboarding but may impose limits.
  • Documentation Requirements: Banks typically request incorporation documents, director and shareholder IDs (often notarised or apostilled), proof of UK registered office, PSC details, turnover estimates, and a clear business plan.
  • Account Opening Process: Applications usually take few weeks. Video verification and enhanced checks are common, especially for higher-risk sectors. HSBC’s Swiss operations can ease coordination, though KYC requirements remain strict.
  • Challenges and Solutions: Non-resident boards face higher scrutiny. Practical solutions include using digital banks, providing robust documentation, appointing a UK-resident director where appropriate, or working with advisors experienced in Swiss-UK banking.

Visas and Residency Considerations

Registering a UK company does not grant UK visa or residency rights. Company ownership and immigration are separate under UK law.

  • Swiss–UK Mobility Context: Post-Brexit bilateral arrangements mainly protect Swiss citizens resident in the UK before 31 December 2020 and do not create new entry rights.
  • Innovator Founder Visa: Swiss entrepreneurs qualify via endorsement from an approved body confirming an innovative, viable, scalable business idea. Key needs: B2 English proficiency, £1,270 maintenance funds (28 days), and age 18+; grants 3 years, extendable, with settlement after 3 years upon milestones.
  • Senior or Specialist Worker Visa: Entrepreneurs setting up a UK subsidiary of a Swiss parent may qualify under expansion routes, subject to qualifying corporate links, role requirements, and salary thresholds.
  • Professional Advice: Specialist guidance from OISC-registered immigration advisors or UK immigration solicitors is strongly recommended.

Compliance and Ongoing Responsibilities

UK companies must meet ongoing statutory, tax, and employment obligations to remain in good standing. Failure to comply can result in penalties, interest charges, or company strike-off.

  • Annual Confirmation Statement: File annually with Companies House to keep company details up to date, including directors, shareholders, registered office, and PSC information.
  • Statutory Accounts: Prepare and file annual accounts in line with UK accounting standards within required deadlines. Late submissions trigger automatic penalties.
  • Corporation Tax Compliance: Submit company tax returns to HMRC and pay corporation tax within prescribed timelines. Late filing or payment results in fines and interest.
  • VAT Obligations: VAT-registered companies must submit periodic VAT returns and settle any VAT due within statutory deadlines.
  • PSC and Economic Crime Compliance: Maintain accurate PSC records and complete mandatory director identity verification under recent reforms.
  • Employment and PAYE: Companies with UK employees must register for PAYE, manage tax and National Insurance deductions, and comply with UK employment and pension regulations.

Challenges When Registering a Company in the UK from Switzerland

Switzerland-based founders often face additional regulatory and banking hurdles when establishing companies in the UK. Early planning and professional support can significantly reduce delays and rejections.

  • Banking Access: UK banks apply strict due diligence for non-UK resident directors, requiring detailed documentation and, in some cases, alternative banking solutions.
  • Director Residency: Although non-UK resident directors are permitted, appointing a UK-resident director may ease banking, contracting, and operational processes.
  • Tax Complexity: The UK tax system differs materially from Switzerland, covering corporation tax, VAT, employment taxes, and dividend rules, requiring structured tax planning.
  • Post-Brexit Requirements: Regulatory and VAT changes following Brexit affect EU-facing operations and must be considered when using the UK as a regional base.
  • Economic Crime Compliance: Enhanced identity verification, PSC transparency, and due diligence obligations increase compliance requirements, with penalties for non-compliance.

How Commenda Helps with Incorporation in UK from Switzerland

Commenda helps Swiss entrepreneurs expand into the UK through an end-to-end incorporation platform. We handle UK company formation across all structures (Ltd, PLC, LLP), provide registered office services with mail forwarding to Switzerland, support director identity verification under the Economic Crime Act 2023, assist with UK banking applications, and manage ongoing compliance such as confirmation statements, accounts, and tax registrations.

In addition, Commenda provides Switzerland-specific guidance on UK–Swiss tax treaty considerations, cross-border structuring, and regulatory alignment, enabling Swiss founders to set up UK operations efficiently while maintaining tax and operational clarity across both countries.  Book a free demo to see how Commenda can support your UK expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I register a company in the UK from Switzerland without visiting?

Yes. UK company registration can be completed fully online from Switzerland, often within 24 hours. A UK visit is usually not required for incorporation, though opening a UK bank account may involve in-person verification unless using a digital bank.

Q. Which business structures are available to Swiss citizens?

Swiss entrepreneurs can form the same UK entities as residents, including Ltd, PLC, LLP, sole trader, and partnerships. The private limited company (Ltd) is the most common choice due to limited liability, tax efficiency, and flexibility.

Q. How much does it cost to incorporate in the UK from Switzerland?

Initial setup typically ranges from £150–£800, including Companies House fees, registered office, and identity checks. Ongoing annual compliance usually costs £600–£2,700+, depending on accounting, tax filings, and company complexity.

Q. Do I need a local UK partner or director?

No. Swiss founders can own and manage UK companies without UK partners or directors. Some businesses appoint UK-based directors for banking convenience or local credibility, but this is optional.

Q. Can I open a UK business bank account from Switzerland?

Yes, though the process can take 2–6 weeks and requires extensive documentation. Traditional banks apply strict checks, while digital banks may offer more streamlined remote onboarding.

Q. Does registering a company in the UK give me UK residency rights?

No. Company ownership does not grant UK residency. Swiss entrepreneurs must apply separately under relevant visa routes, such as Innovator Founder or business-linked work visas.

Q. What are the annual compliance requirements in the UK?

UK companies must file annual accounts, a Confirmation Statement, and corporation tax returns, maintain statutory registers, complete director identity verification, and submit VAT or payroll filings where applicable.

Q. Should I incorporate in the UK or operate only from Switzerland?

The choice depends on market focus. UK incorporation supports access to the UK market and common-law credibility, while Switzerland offers strong tax and EFTA advantages. Many businesses operate dual UK–Swiss structures to serve different markets efficiently.