The UK is one of the fastest places in Europe to incorporate. The standard vehicle is the private company limited by shares (Ltd), and — being a common-law country — there is no notary involved.
No minimum capital
A company can be formed with a single share of nominal value (e.g. £1). What matters is having at least one director (aged 16+), a registered office in the UK, and articles of association (most use the standard "model articles").
Register at Companies House
Incorporation is filed with Companies House, usually online and often approved within 24 hours for a modest fee. You choose a SIC code for the business activity.
People with Significant Control
You must identify and file the company’s PSC (People with Significant Control) — broadly, those owning or controlling more than 25%. After incorporation, register with HMRC for Corporation Tax, and for VAT if turnover crosses the threshold.
For foreign founders
Non-residents can be directors and shareholders, and there is no nationality requirement. The usual friction is the UK registered office and a UK business bank account. A verified UK colleague can confirm the setup and handle filings.
UK identity-verification and filing rules are tightening — confirm current requirements with admitted UK counsel.