Private Limited Company (Ltd)
Standard vehicle; shares are not offered to the public.
Best for
Startups, SMEs, holding companies
Capital
£1 minimum
Liability
Limited
Fast, low-cost incorporation via Companies House and one of the world's deepest capital markets. A common-law jurisdiction trusted globally.
How businesses are typically structured in United Kingdom.
Standard vehicle; shares are not offered to the public.
Can offer shares publicly; minimum £50,000 share capital.
Partnership with limited liability; tax-transparent.
Simplest structure; owner is personally liable.
The most relevant options for founders, employees, investors, and long-stay residents.
Sponsored employment with a licensed UK sponsor.
Founders of innovative, scalable businesses.
Leaders/promising talent in tech, science, arts, research.
Recent graduates of top global universities.