Discover why nominee directors are crucial for non-UK residents forming a UK business. Learn how they support compliance, privacy, and smooth company formation.

Non-residents forming a company in the UK face unique challenges. Nominee director services offer a legal and practical way to meet regulatory requirements, protect privacy, and streamline setup.

What Is a Nominee Director?

A nominee director is a professional appointed to act as a UK company’s director in name only. The beneficial owner retains control, while the nominee appears in public records such as Companies House.

This arrangement is defined by a Nominee Director Agreement and may include a Power of Attorney granting authority to the beneficial owner for daily operations.

✅ Legal Basis: Nominee directorships are allowed under the Companies Act 2006 when used transparently and lawfully.

Why Nominee Directors Matter for Non-UK Residents

✅ Meet UK Company Formation Requirements

UK law requires every company to have at least one natural person as a director. A nominee helps non-residents meet this without relocating.

✅ Protect Personal Privacy

Using a nominee shields the real owner’s name from public registers — ideal for high-profile individuals or those managing multiple ventures.

⚠️ Note: Beneficial owners may still need to disclose their identity under the PSC (Persons with Significant Control) regime.

✅ Simplify the Company Formation Process

Nominee directors provide local representation, making it easier to:

• Register the company
• Open a UK bank account
• Handle correspondence and filings

✅ Assist with Local Administration

Nominees can help receive statutory mail, liaise with Companies House, and ensure timely filing of confirmation statements and accounts.

✅ Improve Business Credibility

Publicly listing a UK-resident director boosts trust with:

• Banks and financial institutions
• UK clients and suppliers
• Regulatory and tax authorities

Compliance and Legal Considerations

📌 PSC Register Requirements

If the beneficial owner:

• Owns more than 25% of the company
• Can appoint or remove directors
• Has significant control

...they must be listed on the PSC Register at Companies House.

📌 AML & KYC Compliance

Nominee services must be provided by HMRC-registered Trust or Company Service Providers (TCSPs), who are obligated to:

• Conduct Know Your Customer (KYC) checks
• Follow Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations
• Maintain ownership documentation and disclosures

Key Documents in a Nominee Arrangement

• Nominee Director Agreement – Defines role, authority, and indemnities
• Power of Attorney (optional) – Allows the owner to act for the company
• PSC Register Filing – Required if the owner meets control thresholds
• KYC/AML Documentation – Maintained by the nominee provider

Choosing a Trusted Nominee Provider

• Ensure the provider is HMRC-registered
• Review legal agreements and terms of service
• Verify AML and KYC protocols
• Avoid any provider offering “anonymous” or unregulated nominee services

Conclusion

For non-UK residents, appointing a nominee director is a reliable, legal, and effective way to form and operate a UK company. It provides privacy, compliance, and ease of access — all while maintaining full control.

By choosing a reputable, regulated nominee service, you ensure your company is built on a foundation of legal integrity and operational simplicity.