The United Kingdom

Why the UK

• Business in EnglishContracts, courts, hiring and meetings all run in English, which makes the UK a natural test market for English-speaking clients.
• Lowest headline tax in the G7The 25% main rate of Corporation Tax is the lowest of any G7 country, according to the UK government.
• Research clustersThe UK ranks 6th in the Global Innovation Index, with major science clusters around Cambridge and Oxford.

Source: Department for Business and Trade · WIPO, Global Innovation Index 2025

Priority sectors

Source: Department for Business and Trade

How companies enter

1. Step 1Soft landingA first stay with booked meetings to test interest and meet partners, often with support from the Department for Business and Trade.
2. Step 2PilotA paid pilot with a UK client or partner, often still billed from home.
3. Step 3Local companyA private limited company (Ltd), registered online at Companies House, once there is revenue or a team to hire.

Founders from outside the UK can apply for the Innovator Founder visa, which requires an endorsement from an approved body for a new, innovative and scalable business.

Source: GOV.UK, Innovator Founder visa

Costs to plan for

• Company registration at Companies House (£100 online)
• Accounting, Corporation Tax and VAT filings
• Visa and endorsement fees (£1,000 for the Innovator Founder endorsement)
• Salaries and office space, highest in London

Source: GOV.UK, register your company · GOV.UK, Corporation Tax rates

Who can help