We provide expert VAT registration services for both UK and non-UK businesses. Our team ensures that your HMRC VAT registration is handled correctly, accurately, and in full compliance with UK VAT regulations.

uk vat registration

Whether this is your first VAT registration or you are expanding into the UK market from abroad, we manage the entire process so you can focus on running your business without unnecessary delays or risks.

What Is UK VAT Registration?

VAT registration is the formal process of registering your business with HMRC to account for Value Added Tax (VAT). Once approved, HMRC issues a UK VAT number, allowing your business to:

  • Charge VAT on taxable sales
  • Reclaim VAT on eligible business expenses

For many businesses, VAT registration is mandatory rather than optional. This obligation applies not only to UK-based companies but also to foreign businesses supplying goods or services to UK customers.

Who Needs to Register for VAT in the UK?

VAT registration requirements depend on whether your business is established in the UK or overseas.

UK-Based Businesses

You must register for VAT if:

  • Your VAT-taxable turnover exceeds the UK VAT registration threshold
  • You expect to exceed the threshold within the next 30 days

Non-UK and Overseas Businesses

VAT registration is required if your business:

  • Sells goods or services in the UK
  • Holds stock in the UK, including via Amazon FBA or third-party fulfilment centres
  • Sells directly to UK customers through e-commerce platforms or websites
  • Makes distance sales into the UK

Important: Non-UK businesses are not subject to a VAT registration threshold. In most cases, registration is required from the very first taxable sale in the UK.

UK VAT Registration for Non-UK Companies

We specialise in assisting overseas businesses with UK VAT registration and ongoing HMRC compliance. Our service is designed for companies trading with UK customers without having a physical presence in the UK.

Who This Service Is Designed For

This service is suitable for:

  • US, EU, Canadian, and Australian businesses
  • Amazon FBA sellers storing inventory in UK fulfilment centres
  • Shopify and other e-commerce sellers targeting UK customers
  • SaaS providers and digital service businesses
  • International companies operating without a UK office or employees

Common Challenges for Foreign Businesses

Non-UK companies frequently encounter issues such as:

  • Understanding HMRC VAT requirements
  • Preparing registration documents in the correct format
  • Managing ongoing VAT filing obligations
  • Communicating effectively with HMRC

We act as your UK VAT agent and handle all HMRC correspondence to ensure a smooth and professional registration process.

Our UK VAT Registration Service

What’s Included

VAT Eligibility Review

We assess your business activities to confirm whether UK VAT registration is required and determine the most appropriate registration approach for your situation.

HMRC VAT Application

We prepare and submit your VAT registration application accurately, ensuring all information complies with HMRC requirements from the outset.

HMRC Correspondence Management

We manage all communication with HMRC during the registration process, responding to queries and supplying any additional information requested.

VAT Number Confirmation

Once registration is approved, we provide your official UK VAT number along with clear guidance on charging VAT and meeting your filing obligations.

UK VAT Registration Processing Time

The timeframe for VAT registration depends on whether the business is UK-based or overseas.

  • UK-based businesses typically receive approval within 2–4 weeks
  • Non-UK businesses usually receive approval within 4–8 weeks, though this can vary

Delays often occur when applications are incomplete or contain errors. By handling the process on your behalf, we minimise the risk of delays, rejections, or extended HMRC enquiries.

VAT Registration for E-Commerce and Amazon Sellers

Amazon FBA VAT Registration

If you use Amazon FBA and store goods in UK fulfilment centres, VAT registration is required before stock is held in the UK. Amazon expects sellers to be VAT-compliant, and registration is often necessary to continue trading without disruption.

Shopify and Online Sellers

Selling to UK customers via Shopify or other online platforms may also trigger VAT registration, depending on how and where goods or services are supplied. Each business model is different, and careful assessment is essential.

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

What Happens After VAT Registration?

VAT registration is only the first step. After registration, your business must:

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

We also provide UK VAT return services and ongoing compliance support to help ensure your business remains fully compliant after registration.

Why Choose Us for UK VAT Registration?

Specialists in UK VAT for Overseas Businesses

We focus specifically on UK VAT registration and compliance for non-UK companies. This is a specialist service, not general accounting support.

HMRC-Ready and Fully Compliant Applications

All VAT registrations are prepared to HMRC standards to minimise the risk of delays, rejections, or follow-up enquiries.

Clear and Effective Communication

We explain each step in plain English, ensuring you always understand what is required and the status of your application.

End-to-End VAT Support

Our support extends beyond registration to include VAT returns, ongoing compliance, and HMRC representation when required.

Get Started With UK VAT Registration

If you are unsure whether your business requires UK VAT registration, we can review your situation and provide clear guidance.

Free UK VAT Assessment

For non-UK and overseas businesses. No obligation to proceed.

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