UK VAT registration may be required for foreign companies that sell goods or services to customers in the United Kingdom. Many non-UK businesses are surprised to learn that, even without a physical presence in the UK, they may still be legally required to register for UK VAT.

UK VAT for Non-UK Companies

We assist overseas companies with UK VAT registration, act as their UK VAT agent where required, and manage all communication with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Our aim is to ensure VAT registration is completed correctly, compliantly, and without unnecessary delays.

Do Non-UK Companies Need to Register for UK VAT?

In many cases, yes. Even if a business has no physical presence in the UK, UK VAT registration may be required from the very first sale.

Unlike UK-based businesses, non-UK companies generally do not benefit from a VAT registration threshold. This means VAT obligations can arise as soon as you start trading with UK customers.

UK VAT registration may be required if your overseas business:

  • Sells goods or services to customers in the UK
  • Stores goods within the UK
  • Uses UK fulfilment centres, such as Amazon FBA
  • Makes distance sales into the UK market
  • Supplies digital services to UK customers

For many non-UK companies, VAT registration is not optional but a legal requirement for trading in the UK compliantly.

UK VAT Registration for Overseas and Foreign Companies

We work with non-UK businesses that are required to register for UK VAT, including companies based in:

  • The United States
  • The European Union
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • Asia and other international regions

Our service is designed for overseas companies that trade with the UK but do not have a local office, employees, or permanent establishment. We ensure VAT registration is handled in line with UK requirements while keeping the process as straightforward as possible.

Who This Service Is For

Non-UK E-Commerce Businesses

This service is particularly suitable for foreign e-commerce sellers, including:

  • Amazon FBA sellers
  • Shopify and other online store owners
  • Cross-border businesses selling directly to UK customers

Overseas Companies Selling Into the UK

We also assist more traditional and B2B businesses, such as:

  • Manufacturers supplying goods to UK buyers
  • Wholesalers trading in the UK
  • B2B service providers with UK-based clients

Foreign Companies With No UK Establishment

Many of our clients are entirely based outside the UK and still need to comply with UK VAT rules. This includes businesses with:

  • No UK office
  • No UK-based directors
  • No UK bank account in many cases

Even when your company operates fully overseas, we can manage the VAT registration process and ensure everything is set up correctly from the start.

Common Challenges for Non-UK Companies

UK VAT rules are often unfamiliar to overseas businesses, particularly when entering the UK market for the first time. What appears simple can quickly become complex when HMRC requirements are involved.

Typical Issues We See

Non-UK companies frequently encounter issues such as:

  • Uncertainty around when VAT registration is required
  • Delays or rejections due to incorrect application details
  • Documentation or language-related difficulties
  • HMRC follow-up questions that slow the process
  • Limited guidance on post-registration VAT obligations

Our role is to remove these obstacles, ensure the process is completed correctly from the outset, and deliver a compliant VAT registration without unnecessary delay.

Our UK VAT Registration Service for Non-UK Companies

What’s Included in the Service

VAT Eligibility Assessment

We review your business activities in detail to confirm whether UK VAT registration is required and identify the most appropriate registration route based on how you trade with the UK.

HMRC VAT Application

We prepare and submit your VAT registration application accurately and in accordance with current UK VAT regulations, reducing the risk of delays or follow-up queries.

UK VAT Agent Support

Where required, we act as your UK VAT agent, representing your business before HMRC throughout the registration process.

HMRC Correspondence Handling

We manage all communication with HMRC, including responding to questions and requests for further information, so you are not left to navigate the process alone.

VAT Number Confirmation

Once registration is approved, we provide your official UK VAT number along with clear guidance on next steps, including how to charge VAT and meet ongoing obligations.

How Long Does UK VAT Registration Take for Non-UK Companies?

UK VAT registration for overseas businesses typically takes longer than for UK-based companies. HMRC processing times are usually:

  • Around 4 to 8 weeks for standard applications
  • Longer where HMRC requests additional information or clarification

Delays most often occur when applications contain errors or incomplete documentation. Our service minimises the risk of rejection and unnecessary delays by ensuring the application is correct from the outset.

UK VAT Registration for Amazon FBA and E-Commerce Sellers

Amazon FBA VAT Registration

If you store goods in Amazon fulfilment centres in the UK, VAT registration is usually required before sales can take place. Amazon expects sellers using UK fulfilment to be VAT-compliant from the start.

Shopify and Online Sellers

Direct sales to UK customers through Shopify or other e-commerce platforms may also require VAT registration, depending on the nature of the supply and the customer’s location.

We support Amazon sellers and e-commerce businesses with UK VAT registration and advise on what follows, including VAT returns and ongoing compliance.

What Happens After VAT Registration?

VAT registration is only the beginning. After registration, non-UK companies must meet ongoing UK VAT obligations to remain compliant.

Overseas businesses must:

  • File UK VAT returns, usually on a quarterly basis
  • Maintain accurate, VAT-compliant records
  • Meet all HMRC filing and payment deadlines
  • Respond promptly to HMRC correspondence

We also provide UK VAT return services and ongoing VAT compliance support to ensure your obligations are managed correctly over the long term.

Why Choose Us for UK VAT Registration?

Experts in Non-UK VAT Registration

Our UK VAT registration services are designed specifically for foreign companies. We focus exclusively on helping non-UK businesses comply with UK VAT requirements.

HMRC-Compliant Process

All VAT applications are prepared in line with HMRC standards, minimising the risk of delays, rejections, or unnecessary follow-up.

Clear and Practical Communication

We explain the VAT registration process in simple English and guide you step by step, so you always understand what is required and what happens next.

End-to-End VAT Support

Our service goes beyond registration. We also assist with VAT returns, ongoing compliance, and provide support in the event of HMRC queries or penalties.

Get Started With UK VAT Registration as a Non-UK Company

If you are unsure whether your overseas business requires UK VAT registration, we can review your situation and provide clear, practical advice. There is no obligation to proceed, and you will receive guidance tailored to how your business trades with the UK.

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