Choosing the Right UK Company Structure as a European Founder

A UK Ltd needs at least one natural-person director. Non-resident directors are permitted. Every director appears on the public register and takes on statutory duties. Choose people who are prepared to sit in that role.

Some European founders hold the UK Ltd personally; others through an existing SAS, GmbH, BV or holding entity. The right answer depends on tax residence, future investment plans and group governance. This is a decision to make with an appropriate independent tax professional; we coordinate the UK-side documentation.

For a solo founder, 100 ordinary shares at £0.01 is common. Multi-founder companies benefit from a structure that anticipates future issuance — investors expect a clean cap table. Employee options are simpler when the initial articles allow them.

The model articles are adequate for many businesses. Where founders anticipate investment, custom articles covering share transfers, drag/tag and pre-emption rights are worth considering — usually with independent legal input.