Prikhodko&Partners
Services
International corporate law
Business registration and support in Great Britain LEGAL SUPPORT FOR INVESTING IN THE UK

Taras Miroshnychenko

Head of International Corporate Law and Fintech Practice

E-mail

miroshnychenko@prikhodko.com.ua

Phone numbers

Expert in fintech, crypto, and international corporate law with over 20 years of experience. Specializes in crypto licensing (VASP/CASP), iGaming business support, and international structuring, asset protection, and OSINT analytics for risk assessment and due diligence.

LEGAL SUPPORT FOR INVESTING IN THE UK

Jurisdiction such as the United Kingdom has remained one of the most attractive countries for international investors for many years.

A reliable judicial system, a stable regulatory environment, a high level of property rights protection and transparent business rules – all this undoubtedly makes the United Kingdom one of the leading countries in the world for making long-term and secure investments.

However, it is important to note that investing in the UK is not only about financial capabilities, but also about the need to comply with legal requirements, regulations and procedures. That is why it is important to have a reliable partner who will provide full legal support at all stages of the investment process.

Our Law Firm “Prikhodko & Partners” has deep expertise in the field of international investment, including investment support for our clients, and offers comprehensive support for foreign investors interested in entering the UK market.

In this article, we will examine in detail the specifics of investing in the UK, legal aspects, and our approach to supporting clients.

Investing in the UK: key areas

The United Kingdom is open to foreign capital, and there are no legislative restrictions on the participation of foreigners in business.

The main areas for investment are:

Acquisition of a share or the whole of a company in the UK (M&A);
Buying real estate— both residential and commercial;
Starting your own business or subsidiary;
Financing innovative projects and startups;
Investments through trust or holding structures;
Investing within immigration programs (e.g. Global Talent, Innovator Founder).

Each of these cases requires a deep legal immersion into UK regulatory rules, covering corporate law, tax planning, banking regulation, asset protection, and counterparty due diligence.

Legal support for investment from the Law Firm “Prikhodko and Partners”

Our team provides a full range of legal services covering the entire investment cycle – from preliminary consultation to project implementation and subsequent asset management in the UK.

Initial consultation and analysis of the investment request

Analysis of the planned investment from a legal point of view;
Choosing the optimal investment structure (individual, company, trust, fund);
Assessment of potential legal risks and the need for prior verification of the investment object.

Creating or registering a company in the UK

Choice of legal form (Private Limited Company, LLP, Branch, etc.);
Preparation and filing of documents with Companies House;
Obtaining a tax number, VAT registration (if necessary);
Support in opening a corporate bank account.

Preparation and support of an investment agreement

Development of an investment agreement or share purchase agreement;
Conducting a legal audit (due diligence) of the investment object – real estate, business or counterparty;
Checking compliance with AML policy, sanctions regime and KYC regulations;
Agreeing the terms of the agreement with the counterparty, participating in negotiations on behalf of the client.

It will also be useful: OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT IN GREAT BRITAIN

Tax structuring and compliance

Analysis of tax consequences of an investment for a resident of Ukraine;
Determining the investor’s tax status in the UK;
Taking into account international agreements on the avoidance of double taxation;
Building a secure profit repatriation model (dividends, royalties, return on investment).

Real estate investment support

Analysis of the legal status of the real estate object (freehold/leasehold);
Preparation of a purchase and sale or lease agreement;
Support of the transaction at the notary and registration of ownership;
Consultations on taxation of income from rental or subsequent resale.

Support for immigration programs

Preparation of the investment component for the Innovator Founder visa or Global Talent Visa;
Structuring the business model in accordance with Home Office requirements;
Legal assistance in submitting documents and extending status.

Why is legal support for investments in the UK important?

Investing in the UK, despite transparent legislation, has many legal nuances, including:

High requirements for transparency of sources of funds;
Complex banking compliance check;
The need to comply with sanctions legislation (especially for third-country nationals);
The need to avoid double taxation risks;
The importance of properly drafting documents in English in accordance with the requirements of UK Law.

That is why professional legal support is not an additional expense, but a necessary investment in the safety of your capital.

Conclusion

Investing in the UK is a powerful tool for business development, asset protection and risk diversification.

However, for this process to be effective, legal and safe, it is necessary to have a reliable legal partner who has experience and understands the specifics of the British regulatory environment.

Law firm “Prikhodko and Partners”will provide you with full legal support – from consultation to the implementation of an investment project.

We will help you make the right decisions, prepare documents in accordance with UK law, and avoid mistakes that can be costly.

How long does company registration take?

A standard electronic application to Companies House is usually processed within 24 hours. However, preparation of the structure, identity verification, obtaining an address, tax setup and account opening require additional time.

Who needs to complete identity verification?

Directors and persons with significant control — PSCs — must complete verification. Once completed, the individual receives a Companies House personal code used to confirm the relevant corporate role. Non-residents may also complete verification, including by using a biometric passport.

Where is the best place to open an account for a UK company with a non-resident director?

Since traditional UK High-Street Banks require a physical business presence, the fastest and most efficient solution for international companies is to open accounts with electronic money institutions (EMIs). Platforms such as Wise Business, Revolut Business and Payoneer are licensed by the FCA and provide full UK and international account details for transactions.

When must a company register for VAT?

The general threshold is £90,000 of taxable turnover over the previous consecutive 12 months or expected turnover during the next 30 days. Separate rules may apply to non-resident and cross-border models, so VAT should be analysed before sales begin.

Is a company required to file reports if it has not traded?

Yes, it is mandatory. Even companies with no operating activity must annually file so-called “Dormant Accounts” with Companies House and confirm the ownership structure through a Confirmation Statement. Failure to file these documents results in substantial penalties (from £150 to £1,500) and compulsory dissolution of the company, with its assets passing to the Crown.

Successful cases on the topic: