The hardest step for overseas founders, handled by TaxDigit
Forming a UK company takes a day. Getting it a UK bank account is where most overseas founders stall: high street banks turn away non-resident directors, applications bounce for missing documents, and months pass with no way to invoice, pay suppliers or run payroll.
TaxDigit has built a direct referral route into the Inward Investment team at Metro Bank PLC, a specialist team that works only with UK companies owned from overseas. We prepare the file the bank needs, arrange your certified documents and make the introduction ourselves, then keep your books, VAT and filings running from the first transaction.
Start your UK banking introduction with TaxDigit
What the TaxDigit Banking Network gives you
Built for overseas ownership
For UK registered companies more than 50% owned or controlled by overseas companies or individuals living outside the UK: new subsidiaries, start-ups and groups entering the UK market.
A UK high street bank
Accounts are held with Metro Bank PLC, a UK bank authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the FCA and PRA. A proper UK bank account, not an e-money wallet.
A named relationship manager
Each company gets a dedicated relationship team based in central London, with colleagues who speak German, French, Italian, Portuguese and Japanese.
Direct referral, answer within 24 hours
TaxDigit sends your file straight to the bank’s Inward Investment specialists. The bank aims to confirm within 24 hours whether it can help.
No trip to the UK
Overseas directors can open remotely with certified copies of their ID and proof of address. TaxDigit arranges the certified copies, so there is no notary queue and no flight.
A file built by accountants
We prepare the corporate structure chart, business description, expected turnover, trading countries and key parties the bank reviews, so nothing goes back and forth.
Why go through TaxDigit, not a web form
Applying cold, you are one of thousands of online applications. Introduced by TaxDigit, your company arrives as a complete, accountant-prepared file with a named contact behind it.
- Independent. TaxDigit receives no commission from the bank for introductions. We recommend this route only where it is the right fit for you.
- Bank-ready from day one. The same team that prepares your banking file keeps your bookkeeping, VAT, payroll and corporation tax, so your bank, your books and HMRC tell the same story.
- The right bank for the right client. Alongside this route TaxDigit also offers a Revolut Business partner route, and we tell you plainly which one suits your company.
- UK-owned too. UK-owned businesses can be introduced to the bank’s local business banking team instead.
How it works with TaxDigit
Five steps, one adviser. You deal with TaxDigit; we deal with the paperwork and the bank.
1. We review your company
We check your ownership, directors, sector and plans, and confirm whether this route or another bank suits you better.
2. We prepare the file
We build the referral file, including a full corporate structure chart showing the percentage held at each level up to the ultimate owner.
3. We arrange your certified documents
Passport or national ID and two proofs of address for each key party, certified in the form the bank accepts.
4. We make the introduction
We submit the referral to the bank’s Inward Investment team and stay copied in, so you are never chasing alone.
5. You open and trade
Once the bank approves, TaxDigit runs your bookkeeping, VAT and filings from the first transaction.
What you will need to hand
- A valid passport or EU national ID card for each key party
- Two recent proofs of address for each key party, such as a bank statement or utility bill
- Your company registration number and ownership details up to the ultimate parent
- A short description of the business, what the account is for, expected turnover and balances
- The countries you will pay and receive money from
If you are a director based outside the UK
This is exactly who this route is for. Most of the bank’s Inward Investment customers are based overseas. Documents can be sent certified by email or post, UK and EU customers may be offered electronic identification instead, and in-person meetings in London are available when you visit. The bank cannot accept companies connected to sanctioned or prohibited countries.
The bank behind the TaxDigit route
The accounts are held with Metro Bank PLC, a UK high street bank, authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the FCA and PRA. Its Inward Investment team works exclusively with overseas-owned UK companies. TaxDigit's role is to get you in front of that team with a complete file, and to stay with you afterwards.
What TaxDigit is, and what it is not
We are your accountants. TaxDigit is a UK accountancy and tax practice. We form companies, keep books and file with HMRC and Companies House.
We introduce; the bank decides. Every account is subject to Metro Bank PLC’s own checks, terms and fees. Approval is never guaranteed.
We are not paid by the bank. TaxDigit receives no commission for introductions, so our recommendation is independent.
This is not financial advice. TaxDigit is not a bank and does not give regulated financial advice.
Start your UK banking introduction
Complete the details the bank reviews before opening an account for an overseas-owned company. TaxDigit checks everything, comes back to you within one working day, and makes the introduction once your file is complete.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-resident director open a UK business bank account?
Yes. Through the bank’s Inward Investment service, overseas directors can open remotely with certified copies of their ID and proof of address. TaxDigit prepares the file and arranges the certified documents.
Do I need to visit the UK to open the account?
No. Certified documents can be sent by email or post. In-person meetings in London are available if you prefer.
Which companies qualify?
UK registered companies that are more than 50% owned or controlled by overseas companies or by individuals living outside the UK. Companies connected to sanctioned or prohibited countries are not accepted.
Is there a minimum deposit or turnover?
The bank has confirmed to TaxDigit that there is no minimum deposit or turnover requirement for this service. Account fees depend on your structure and are confirmed by the bank before you commit.
How quickly will I hear back?
The bank aims to confirm within 24 hours of receiving the TaxDigit referral whether it can help. Opening time then depends on how complete the file is, which is why we prepare it for you.
Is approval guaranteed?
No. Every account is subject to the bank’s own checks and approval. TaxDigit’s role is to prepare a complete, accurate file and make the introduction.
My company is UK-owned. Can TaxDigit still help?
Yes. TaxDigit can introduce UK-owned businesses to the bank’s local business banking team, or recommend another route that suits you better.
Does TaxDigit get paid for the introduction?
No. TaxDigit receives no commission from the bank. You pay TaxDigit only for the accountancy and company services you engage us for.
Still deciding? Talk to TaxDigit about your UK banking or compare our Revolut Business partner route.
Overseas-owned. UK-banked.
Form your company, open your UK business account and stay compliant, with one TaxDigit team behind all three.
Start your banking introduction