Business & Immigration Formation

Make Informed Decisions Before You Commit

Establishing or expanding a business in another country can involve several separate processes. Business planning, company registration, tax compliance, licensing and immigration are distinct matters and should be considered individually.

This page provides general information and starting points for further research. It is not personalised legal, tax or immigration advice.

Starting a Business in the UK

Before launching, consider your proposed business activity, structure, budget, customer base and operating requirements.

Official starting point:

https://www.gov.uk/set-up-business

Company Registration

Registering a company is a separate process from preparing a business plan or deciding whether the business is commercially viable.

Official guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/limited-company-formation/register-your-company

Some company formation and identity-verification activities are subject to additional legal requirements. Where specialist or regulated assistance is required, consult an appropriately qualified or authorised provider.

Licences and Regulatory Requirements

Some activities require licences, registrations, permissions or sector-specific compliance. Requirements depend on the activity and location.

Official starting point:

https://www.gov.uk/licence-finder

Tax and Accounting

Tax obligations depend on the business structure, activities, income and other circumstances. Obtain advice from a suitably qualified tax or accounting professional when required.

Business and Immigration Are Separate

Registering or owning a UK company does not, by itself, grant permission to live or work in the United Kingdom.

Immigration routes have separate eligibility requirements and may change. Anyone considering a visa should consult current official guidance and, where necessary, an appropriately authorised immigration adviser or solicitor.

Official information:

https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration

Find an immigration adviser:

https://www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser

Important Information

Sterling & Benson does not guarantee company registration, licensing, bank-account opening, funding, immigration approval, residency, commercial success or any other third-party outcome.

Our general business consultancy services do not replace professional legal, tax, accounting or immigration advice.