The UK is a popular destination for international business owners—and you don’t need to live in the UK to be a director of a UK company. But there are important legal, tax, and operational considerations to be aware of.This article explains whether a non-resident can be a UK company director, what’s required by law, and how Dragonfly Associates supports international clients with compliant company formation and administration—subject to agreement.
Can a Non-Resident Be a Director of a UK Company?
Yes. There is no legal requirement for a UK company director to be a UK resident. A non-resident can:
- Act as a sole director (if over 16 and not disqualified)
- Own shares in the company
- Manage the company from abroad
However, you must still meet all compliance requirements under UK law and be able to receive official correspondence reliably.
Legal and Administrative Requirements
To act as a director, you must:
- Provide a valid service address (can be in the UK or overseas)
- Submit your personal details to Companies House (e.g. name, date of birth, nationality)
- Comply with your director duties under the Companies Act 2006
- Ensure your company has a registered office address in the UK
Dragonfly Associates offers UK-based registered office and service address support for non-resident directors, subject to agreement.
Registered Office Requirement
While directors can reside anywhere in the world, the company’s registered office must be located in the UK (and in the jurisdiction of incorporation: England & Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland).
This is where official government correspondence will be sent. We provide this service to clients as part of our compliance and virtual office packages.
Tax Considerations
Being a non-resident director does not automatically create UK tax obligations—but your company may be affected based on where management and control are exercised.
- Corporation Tax: Your company will usually pay tax in the UK on its profits, regardless of where directors live
- Permanent Establishment Risk: If major decisions are made abroad, it could raise questions about tax residency in another country
- Double Tax Treaties: These help avoid being taxed twice on the same income
We recommend seeking international tax advice. We work with tax partners to guide non-resident directors through risk and compliance.
Banking and Financial Access
Opening a UK business bank account as a non-resident director can be more challenging. Some traditional banks require:
- UK-based directors
- In-person identity verification
However, digital banking options exist for non-resident companies, and Dragonfly Associates helps explore compliant solutions—subject to agreement.
Maintaining Control and Communication
As a non-resident director, it’s important to:
- Use secure digital communication tools
- Maintain clear internal records
- Appoint a reliable UK address provider
- Keep up with annual filings and deadlines
We act as a communication bridge between non-resident directors and UK authorities through our secretarial and compliance services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa or UK tax ID to be a director?
No. There is no requirement for UK residence or tax registration to serve as a director.
Can a company have only non-UK directors?
Yes. A UK company may have all directors based outside the UK, provided it maintains a UK registered office.
Can Dragonfly Associates help me run a UK company from abroad?
Yes. We support international directors with company formation, registered office, mail forwarding, and ongoing compliance—subject to agreement.
Lead a UK Company from Anywhere
You don’t need to live in the UK to take advantage of its business environment. With the right structure and support, non-resident directors can operate legally and efficiently.
Dragonfly Associates helps non-UK residents register, maintain, and grow their UK companies—with address services, filings, and regulatory support available through our international service packages.
To set up or manage your UK company from abroad, contact our team today.
