Whether you've decided on the UK or you're still exploring your options, your free guide will take you through what you need to know.
You'll find a checklist of things you'll need to consider when you're setting up, and a personalised guide tailored for your sector.
Sign up to our free self-service tool to access a personalised guide that's tailored to your expansion plans.
Topics you may need to know more about and tasks you may need to complete.
You could operate as a private limited UK company, an overseas branch of your existing company, or perhaps a joint venture with a UK business. You'll need to choose before registering.
You must register your company with Companies House, the government organisation responsible for registration of companies in the UK, if you want to set up a place of business in the UK.
The type of visa you can apply will depend on your circumstances.
You can set up a business with an Innovator Founder visa.
If you're a representative of an overseas business planning to set up its first UK branch, you should apply for a UK Expansion Worker visa.
A UK bank account gives your business credibility and is simpler and cheaper than making overseas bank transfers. Apply for a digital account with a fintech bank, or a full business account from a traditional bank (allow 4 weeks to 3 months for final approval).
Corporation Tax
If your business is based in the UK, you must pay Corporation Tax on all profits from the UK and abroad.
If your business isn't based in the UK but has an office or branch here, you will only pay Corporation Tax on profits from UK activities.
You'll need to register to pay tax within 3 months of starting to do business. This includes buying, selling, advertising, renting a property and employing someone.
Value Added Tax
You must register for Value Added Tax (VAT) with HMRC if your business' taxable turnover is more than £85,000. You'll need to do this within 30 days of the end of the month when you went over this amount.
VAT is a tax added to most products and services sold by VAT-registered businesses.
Read our guide on how to register for UK taxes and claim tax allowances
Read our guide on how to employ people in the UK
You need a sponsor licence, valid for 4 years, to hire most eligible employees from outside the UK.
This is the amount of time it can take to receive an employer Pay As You Earn (PAYE) reference number.
As an employer, you usually have to set up PAYE as part of your payroll. This system collects Income Tax and National Insurance via UK employers.
You must register before your first business payday.
Register as an employer with HM Revenue and Customs on GOV.UK
From government schemes to where to advertise, find out more about how to recruit expert talent.
The recruitment process can take on 4 to 12 weeks on average, from advertising to onboarding.
A suitable location near to customers, staff and supply chains, is important to your success in the UK.
You can find a range of premises to suit your business including leased offices, co-working spaces and science parks.
Read our guide on how to find the right business property
You must get Employers' Liability insurance as soon as you become an employer. UK law also requires you to have third party motor insurance if you use a vehicle for business purposes.
Other things which might have to be insured includes assets, income, liabilities and people.
Employers' Liability Insurance on GOV.UK
Find professional advice on business insurance
It can take around 2 weeks to 1 month to arrange business insurance.
Don't forget to view it
Find out about the support and incentives available when you expand your business in the UK.