Publication date: 05.02.2026
Inga Verdes is a UK-based lawyer with extensive experience in corporate, immigration, and international law. She specializes in company formation, residence permit support, business plans, and legal services for international entrepreneurs doing business in the United Kingdom.
The process of starting a business for Ukrainians who do not have British citizenship has certain specifics related to immigration status, type of business, and tax requirements. Ukrainian citizens can run a business in the UK if they have the appropriate visa, such as a business visa, entrepreneur visa, or under temporary protection. Lack of citizenship does not prohibit starting a business, but legal residence and compliance with immigration rules are mandatory.
For Ukrainians planning to start a business in the UK, it is important to determine the business form — Sole Trader, partnership, or Limited Company. The choice of business form affects the level of responsibility, registration process, reporting requirements, and tax burden. If the chosen form is Sole Trader, registration through HMRC is simplified, and reporting does not require complex accounting. For a partnership, a partnership agreement and joint reporting are mandatory, while a Limited Company allows attracting investors and provides limited liability for founders but requires more complex registration and regular reporting.
Question
What documents are required for a Ukrainian without British citizenship to start a business?
Answer
To start a business, it is necessary to have:
- A valid UK visa that allows entrepreneurial activity.
- A tax identification number (UTR) for Sole Trader registration or company registration with HMRC.
- For a Limited Company, registration with Companies House is mandatory, including a UK address and a director.
- A UK bank account to conduct financial operations.
When starting a business, it is important to consider the tax burden: Sole Trader pays income tax on personal earnings, while a Limited Company can optimize taxes through corporate tax. A partnership implies income sharing among partners and liability for business debts.
Business registration process:
- Choose a business form — Sole Trader, partnership, or Limited Company.
- Registration with HMRC or Companies House and obtain a UTR.
- Open a bank account for the business.
- Organize accounting and reporting according to HMRC requirements.
- Consider rules regarding tax burden, tax payments, and National Insurance contributions.
If a Ukrainian entrepreneur is unsure about the correct choice of business form or the registration process, it is recommended to consult a business advisor or accountant in the UK. A specialist can help:
- Determine the optimal business form considering immigration status.
- Prepare documents for company registration or as a Sole Trader.
- Set up accounting and reporting.
- Calculate the tax burden and plan its minimization.
Important:
Ukrainians without British citizenship may face additional requirements when opening a bank account, verifying a UK address, and having National Insurance. All documents must be legal and officially recognized. Non-compliance may result in refusal of business registration or issues with tax authorities.
Typical situations where a consultant’s help is needed:
- Uncertainty in choosing a business form (Sole Trader, partnership, Limited Company).
- Opening a bank account without a British passport.
- Optimizing the tax burden.
- Maintaining reporting in compliance with HMRC requirements.
- Legal issues related to running a business as a Ukrainian without British citizenship.
Starting a business in the UK as a Ukrainian without British citizenship is entirely possible if legal residence is ensured, the correct business form is chosen, and registration and reporting requirements are followed. Consulting with specialists helps minimize risks, reduce the tax burden, and ensure the stable development of entrepreneurial activity in the UK.
