SaaS & apps

UK Ltd for SaaS: subscriptions, Stripe and cleaner shareholding later

SaaS founders usually ask whether they can take international subscriptions, invoice B2B clients, and keep a clean share table if an investor appears. A UK Limited company is a familiar entity for Stripe and contracts, and flexible for equity. Privacy policies and product terms remain your responsibility; the company is the legal shell for receiving and contracting.

Full package$1257

DurationTypically 24–48 working hours for formation after a complete file · addresses for one year where included

UK company formation for saas apps — Eteform
SaaS & software appsUK company formation for saas apps — Eteform

UK Ltd formation for SaaS & apps — what to expect

A UK Private Limited Company (Ltd) is a separate legal entity registered at Companies House. Non-resident founders can form one remotely through structured identity verification support. Eteform handles the filing and checks in 24–48 working hours. Six service packages start from $299; the $135 Companies House fee is shown separately.

After incorporation you receive a CRN and digital documents. Many founders then open Wise Business or Revolut Business, set a London registered office if needed, and prepare for Stripe, Shopify or Amazon using matching company details. Annual duties typically include the Confirmation Statement (CS01), accounts, and Corporation Tax registration with HMRC when trading starts. Dormant companies still have lighter filing duties — they are not a full exemption from Companies House.

UK company formation does not grant UK residency or a visa. Eteform guarantees legal, complete execution of every request, and bank or payment-gateway approval when all requirements are fully met — with a correctly filed, transparent entity and Arabic support from order to certificate. Compare packages, read the formation guide, or start your order with clear USD pricing.

See also UK company formation, 2026 cost breakdown, and the full guide.

Why form a UK company for this activity?

  • A clear UK Limited entity for clients, platforms and banking applications
  • Remote Companies House filing with دعم التحقق من الهوية identity verification
  • London registered office available with formation packages
  • Arabic and English support from Eteform through setup

A good fit if…

  • You need a UK company for this activity and can describe the business clearly
  • You want remote formation without travelling to the UK
  • You are ready to keep annual compliance (CS01 and tax filings) on track

May not suit you if…

  • You only need a UK visa or residency — a company does not provide that
  • The activity is not ready to operate or invoice yet
  • Local licences are required where you trade and you have not planned for them

Product description banks and Stripe understand

State who pays (consumers or companies), monthly or annual billing, free trials, and roughly where data is hosted. Vague “technology platform” wording delays accounts. Prefer a company name close to the product brand when available and lawful.

Founder equity before revenue starts

Changing percentages later is possible but adds paperwork. Agree roles and splits early. If you also sell consulting hours, keep software/subscriptions as the primary activity in the banking description.

If payments are the real bottleneck

Read /en/activity/stripe-payment-gateways. App-store publishers should also compare /en/activity/mobile-app-publishers.

Full package for this activity

SaaS & apps — full package

Founders who want a clean SaaS & apps start with privacy and a path to a business account

$1257

Service package price for formation + one year of addresses where included. Companies House government fees are paid separately at the rate in force when we file.

Duration: Typically 24–48 working hours for formation after a complete file · addresses for one year where included

Included in detail

  • UK Limited formation at Companies House via structured identity verification support
  • Digital Certificate of Incorporation and core documents
  • London registered office for one year (where included in this package)
  • Director service address for register privacy for one year (where included)
  • SIC code guidance matched to this activity
  • Business account guidance (Wise/Revolut or similar, subject to eligibility)
  • Reminder for the first Confirmation Statement deadline
  • Arabic & English support until the CRN is issued

Not included

  • Companies House government filing fees
  • VAT registration (add later if needed)
  • Ongoing monthly bookkeeping or platform management
  • Guaranteed approval by any bank or payment provider
  • Local licences in your country of operation (arrange with a local adviser)

Documents required

  • Valid passport for each director/shareholder
  • Recent proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
  • Clear photo for identity checks if required under دعم التحقق من الهوية verification

Data we need from you

  • Proposed English company name (ideally 2–3 options)
  • Full legal name as on the passport for each director and shareholder
  • Date of birth and nationality
  • Share percentages between shareholders
  • Short description of the SaaS & apps activity and income sources
  • Current country of residence, email and WhatsApp
  • Residential address for internal records (not published if you use a service address)

Timeline

  1. 1

    Day 0

    We collect data and documents, then review the name and SIC

  2. 2

    Within hours

    identity verification and file completion

  3. 3

    24–48 working hours

    IN01 filing and issue of the CRN and certificate

  4. 4

    After formation

    Address activation and business-account guidance

FAQ — SaaS & software apps

Do I need an LLP instead of a Ltd for SaaS?

For most software and subscription products, Ltd fits ownership and shares better. LLP is closer to traditional professional partnerships.

Does the company make my product “GDPR compliant”?

No. A UK entity does not replace privacy design and processing controls on the product.

Is bank or Stripe approval guaranteed?

No. We prepare a complete formation file; providers decide independently.

More in FAQ.