Find the money you can keep
United Kingdom: tax, business and moving facts
Every figure links to the official page it comes from, so you can check it yourself. Rules change, so confirm before you act. Last checked 8 October 2026.
Latest facts
- Who leads
- King Charles III is head of state. Andy Burnham has been Prime Minister since 20 July 2026, and he runs the government.
- Official source
- When do I charge VAT?
- VAT is usually 20%. You must register once your sales pass £90,000 in 12 months.
- Official source
- Can I start on my own name?
- Yes. A sole trader just tells HMRC. A limited company registers online with Companies House, often within a day.
- Official source
Grants, loans and funding
- Start Up Loans
New UK businesses, a personal loan with free mentoring
- Innovate UK grants
Businesses developing new products or tech
- GOV.UK finance finder
Search every public grant and loan by area
Business types with room to grow
- Huge online shopping market
- Services and consulting sold to Europe
- Green energy and tech supply chains
Starting a business
- How easy it feels
- Very easy and cheap
- Taxmiser summary
Bank accounts
- Opening one as a newcomer
- Easy with app banks, high street banks want proof of address
- Taxmiser summary
Personal tax
Moving there
- How hard it is
- Medium
- Taxmiser summary
Everyday life
- Cost of living
- High in London, more reasonable elsewhere
- Taxmiser summary
- Pay levels
- Good
- Taxmiser summary
Business fit and credit in United Kingdom
Works well: Online and professional services, Trades (builders, electricians, cleaners), Food, cafés and takeaways, Care and health services.
Why: Cheap fast company set-up (about £100), a big English-speaking market and strong investor tax relief.
Hard parts: High rents in big cities, Many sectors need licences (food, alcohol, care), Fierce competition in London.
Will my credit score stop me? Your UK file follows you for 6 years; newcomers start with no history.
Bad credit, funding and what to do if your business is brokeGood for you if
- You want to set up a company quickly and cheaply
- You want free healthcare
- You want generous tax-free savings like ISAs and pensions
Watch out for
- Tax rises sharply between £100,000 and £125,140
- London living costs are high
- Visas can be costly once fees and the health surcharge are added
"Taxmiser summary" rows are our plain-English opinion, not an official figure.
