Register Your Nigerian Company in the U.K.

Expanding your business into the United Kingdom is one of the smartest ways to access global markets, gain international credibility, and open opportunities for seamless transactions in multiple currencies. If you want to register your Nigerian company in the U.K., this detailed guide walks you through every essential step, from requirements and company structure to bank setup and payment gateways.

Why Register Your Nigerian Company in the U.K.?

Registering your Nigerian company in the U.K. opens access to a trusted business environment with strong legal protection, transparent systems, and excellent financial infrastructure. A U.K.-registered company boosts your business credibility and simplifies access to services such as Stripe, Paddle, and other global payment gateways. It also allows you to open business bank accounts in major currencies like pounds, dollars, and euros, thereby making international transactions smoother and more professional.

Also read: How to Register Your Nigerian Company in the U.S.

Requirements to Register Your Nigerian Company in the U.K.

Before you begin, ensure you meet the following basic requirements:

You must be at least 16 years old.
You must have a valid means of identification, such as:
- Passport
- National ID card
- Voter’s card
- Driver’s licence
You must provide proof of address, which can include:
- Utility bill (electricity, water, or gas)
- Bank statement
- Tenancy agreement
- Driver’s licence

You’ll also need a U.K. registered office address and a director service address. Many company formation providers offer these as part of their packages, helping you maintain privacy by keeping your residential address off public records.

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Choosing the Right Company Structure

To register your Nigerian company in the U.K., decide on the structure that best suits your business model. The most common options are:

Private Limited Company (Ltd) – ideal for startups and small to medium enterprises.
Public Limited Company (PLC) – for larger companies planning to raise capital publicly.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – for partnerships seeking limited liability protection.
Sole Trader – suitable for one-person businesses.
Branch Office – for an existing Nigerian company expanding into the U.K.

Most Nigerian entrepreneurs choose the Private Limited Company (Ltd) structure because it limits personal liability and offers flexibility for remote operation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Register Your Nigerian Company in the U.K.

How to Register Your Nigerian Company in the U.K.

1. Choose and Check Your Company Name

Pick a unique name that reflects your brand identity. Ensure it’s available by checking through the Companies House register or your chosen formation platform. Avoid restricted or offensive terms to prevent delays.

2. Appoint Directors and Shareholders

You must have at least one director, who must be at least 16 years old. Provide full details of each director and shareholder, including their full names, nationalities, addresses, and dates of birth. Also decide on the share structure and percentage distribution.

3. Secure a Registered Office and Director Service Address

Every U.K. company needs a registered office address, a legal address where Companies House and HMRC can send official mail. If you want to protect your privacy, use a director service address instead of your personal one. Most formation agencies provide both.

4. Complete the Online Incorporation Form

Once your details and documents are ready, complete the incorporation form either directly on Companies House or through a registered provider. Upload your proof of identity and address where required. The process can be done entirely online.

5. Pay the Registration Fee

If you register online directly with Companies House, the fee is £12. But postal registration costs £40. Many formation services include this fee in their package, along with additional features like a registered address and bank setup guidance.

Also read: Easy Guide: 5 Ways To Register Your POS Business

6. Receive Your Certificate of Incorporation

After submitting your application, Companies House reviews and processes it. If approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation, which confirms your company’s legal existence in the U.K. The turnaround time is usually between one and two business days, depending on the workload.

7. Open a U.K. Business Bank Account

Once your company is incorporated, the next step is to open a U.K. business bank account. A local account is essential for managing transactions, receiving payments, and building credibility with global clients. Some banks allow non-U.K. residents to open accounts remotely, especially through verified formation providers.

8. Set Up Payment Gateways (Stripe, Paddle, etc.)

Having a U.K.-registered company enables you to access international payment platforms like Stripe and Paddle, which are often unavailable to Nigerian-registered businesses. Once your U.K. bank account is active, setting up these gateways is straightforward.

Documents You’ll Need

To ensure smooth processing, prepare the following before applying:

Proof of identity (passport, national ID, voter card, or driver’s licence)
Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, tenancy agreement, etc.)
Proposed company name
Director and shareholder details
U.K. registered office address
Digital signature or scanned signature (if required)

Timeline for Registration

The registration process is typically fast:

Name search – Immediate
Incorporation and approval – Usually within 1–2 business days

If you use a professional service, you can often have your company fully registered and ready to operate within 48 hours.

Costs Involved

The base fee for online registration with Companies House is £12. Postal registration costs £40. Formation services charge additional fees based on the support and extras they provide, such as:

Registered office and director address services
Assistance with bank account opening
Payment gateway setup guidance

Compare different packages and select one that matches your needs and budget.

Protecting Your Privacy

When you register a company, a director’s personal address is usually made public. To avoid this, use a director service address. It replaces your residential address on official public records and protects your privacy while keeping your company compliant.

Managing Finances from Nigeria

After your U.K. company is incorporated, you can manage everything remotely. Business bank accounts allow transactions in GBP, USD, and EUR, and you can transfer money to Nigerian accounts when needed. Payment gateways like Stripe and Paddle support U.K. companies owned by non-residents, allowing seamless online transactions from Nigeria.

Do You Need to Visit the U.K.?

No, you don’t. You can register your Nigerian company in the U.K. entirely online. All filings, payments, and identity verifications can be completed remotely. You may choose to travel later for meetings or bank verification, but it’s not mandatory for incorporation.

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Using a Formation Service

If you prefer a faster and simpler process, consider using a U.K. company formation service. These platforms typically include:

Company name availability check
Registered office and service address
Filing with Companies House
Digital incorporation documents
Assistance with bank and payment gateway setup

Formation services handle all paperwork, ensuring compliance and speed, especially helpful for non-U.K. residents.

Final Checklist

Before filing, confirm that you have:

Chosen a unique company name
Prepared valid ID and proof of address
Selected your company structure
Appointed at least one director aged 16 or above
Secured a registered office and service address
Decided whether to register directly or use a formation provider

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it legal for Nigerians to register a company in the U.K.?
Yes. There are no nationality restrictions. You only need valid identification and address documents.

2. Can I open payment gateway accounts from Nigeria?
Yes. Once your U.K. company and bank account are active, you can open accounts with Stripe, Paddle, and other platforms.

3. Can I open a U.K. business bank account without visiting?
Many banks and formation providers allow remote account opening. Requirements differ, so check with the bank in advance.

4. How do I manage funds from Nigeria?
You can use your U.K. business account to receive international payments, transfer funds, or use your company debit card for expenses.

Conclusion

Registering your Nigerian company in the U.K. is a strategic way to globalize your business, enhance trust with international clients, and access advanced banking and payment systems. With a few documents, a reliable service provider, and online filing through Companies House, you can set up your U.K. company in as little as one to two days, all from the comfort of your location in Nigeria.

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Recommendations

References

siliconafrica.org – How to Register your Nigerian Company in the US and UK
incorpuk.com – How to register a company in the UK from Nigeria
ica.ng – Registering a Nigerian Company from United Kingdom (UK) (2025 Guide – Cost & Requirements)

How to Register Your Nigerian Company in the U.K.