Relocating your business to the UK doesn’t have to be a daunting prospect. After all, the vibrant economy, extensive links to the international market, and appreciation of new enterprises make it a popular choice for relocating business owners. But how exactly do you go about moving your operations across the sea? Here, we’ll explore the options available to business owners and outline the steps to relocate your business operations to the UK.
Proposals for corporate re-domiciliation from the UK government
The UK government has already proposed re-domiciliation measures that would allow businesses to simply move their registered office to the UK. This proposed measure aims to make the UK post-Brexit more appealing to business owners. Re-domiciliation would enable companies to retain their original legal identity by moving their physical location to the United Kingdom.
This is an attractive option for companies that wish to keep the same registration date, registration number, and legal background whilst exploring the wide range of benefits that the UK government has to offer. If re-domiciliation is the right fit for your company, it’s important to keep an eye on the status of this recommendation to understand when and if this type of transition will be available for your business.
While this is not yet an active option, pending re-domiciliation approvals could provide business owners with relaxed bureaucracy in relocation efforts.
Steps to move your company from another country to the UK
Here are the steps to move your company from another country to the UK.
- Understand The Law: Do the research to understand the laws of moving a business from your country to the UK
- Establish a Legal Entity: Determine if you want to create a subsidiary company, establish an overseas business presence, or build a new UK-registered company.
- Professional Guidance: Obtain advice from legal, financial, and business experts to navigate taxation and trade.
- Submit Documentation: Register with Companies House, update HMRC information, and acquire the necessary visas and permits.
- Start Doing Business: Establish an office, staff requirements, and local activity
- Spread the Word: Announce your transition to existing clients and stakeholders to let them know of the benefits.
Subsidiaries mean that your registered business will operate in the UK and will be recognized as a company limited by shares or guarantee. Subsidiaries allow companies to separate their overseas liability from their transactions in the UK.
Establishing a subsidiary in the UK
Opening a subsidiary company in the UK is an effective way to transition your business to a new market. This strategy means that your clients and partners will be recognized in the new location, easing the challenges of moving businesses.

Open an overseas business presence
Opening an overseas business presence in the UK simply means that an entity will literally become the extension of a global company and conduct business under that company’s name. This is best for businesses that don’t seek independence outside of their global entity and seek the same name in a new market.
Registering an overseas business presence in the UK
This is a good choice for businesses that want to test their company before fully committing to relocating to the UK. Bear in mind that the overseas company remains responsible for debts or contracts undertaken by the UK branch, so failure won’t stay completely isolated.
You have the option of starting a new UK company and then moving your existing business under this entity. This involves ceasing the original company’s operation and transferring its assets, customers, and operations to the new company’s responsibility.
Forming a UK company and migrating your existing business
This path is more involved but means you are starting with making a ‘clean break’ as well as ensuring compliance with UK law. Market testers do sometimes take this route, to ‘refresh’ an existing name/business and expand it – often small businesses looking at residential housing market areas.
Not yet convinced or ready to commit all the way to a physical presence? You can expand your sales in the UK through sales on an online platform and online presence. Amazon, eBay, Etsy and many other online marketplace platforms provide you with a way of selling into the UK to reach a global audience without a UK location.
Selling in the UK via online platforms or websites
This is a common path for some of the first types that have been mentioned — essentially allowing residents to try a product from a business before committing to relocating to the UK. It’s a popular path for e-commerce or product-based businesses.
If you’re thinking about how to move your company to the UK then why not let Workhy guide you and help you relocate your business to the UK? Establishing your UK presence is straightforward and seamless with us – Company Formation and compliance support — we can help you focus on getting your business off the ground. A great basic guide for negotiating the process. Come and join the number of Success Stories in the UK and start yours today
Set up a company in UK with Workhy
Relocating your business to the UK is a great prospect to broaden your horizons and become involved in the global economy. With the proper planning, knowledge & exploration, and understanding of your possibilities, a beneficial move can lead to limitless success. Whether you start a subsidiary, register a branch, or simply sell online, there are options for every business type & industry in the UK thanks to Workhy.
