Foreign Company's VAT Registration in the UK

To register a foreign company for VAT with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the UK, you need to follow these steps:

1. Determine if your company is eligible: Your company must be registered outside the UK and must not have a fixed establishment in the UK. If your company meets these criteria, you can apply for VAT registration.

2. Appoint a UK VAT representative: You must appoint a UK-based VAT representative who will act on your behalf and deal with HMRC. This person must be able to speak and correspond in English.

3. Gather the required documents: You will need to provide the following documents: a) Your company's registration documents (from the country where it is registered) b) Proof of your company's business activities c) Proof of your company's turnover d) Details of your company's UK VAT representative

4. Apply for VAT registration: You can apply for VAT registration by completing an online registration form. You will need to provide the documents listed above, as well as other details about your company.

5. Await HMRC's response: Once you have submitted your application, HMRC will review it and may ask for additional information or clarification. Once they are satisfied, they will issue a VAT registration number for your company. This process can take up to 8 weeks.

It's important to note that once your company is registered for VAT, you will need to comply with all the rules and regulations that apply to VAT-registered businesses in the UK. This includes charging VAT on sales, submitting regular VAT returns, and keeping accurate records.