If you need to change the shareholders or ownership structure of a UK company, our Non-Resident Share Services provide a straightforward way to document share transfers, issue new shares and update the relevant company information. These services are designed specifically for non-UK residents who need to manage UK company share changes remotely.
When shares are transferred, existing shares move from one shareholder to another. When shares are issued, the company creates and allots new shares to one or more shareholders. Both types of changes need to be properly documented so that the company's records accurately reflect its current shareholding structure.
Non-Residents UK Company Formation provides different share services based on the type of change required and the number of shareholders involved. Each service includes the relevant Confirmation Statement filing as specified below.
How It Works
The process is designed to keep your share change organised from the initial request through to the relevant Companies House filing.
- Choose Your Service Select the share transfer or share issue service that matches your requirements and the number of shareholders involved.
- Provide Your Details Provide the information required to document the proposed change to the company's shares or shareholders.
- Prepare the Documents The relevant company documents are prepared for the share transfer or share issue.
- Review the Information The prepared documents and shareholding information can be reviewed to ensure the details are correct.
- Prepare the Confirmation Statement The Confirmation Statement is prepared with the applicable updated shareholding information.
- Submit to Companies House The relevant filing is submitted online to Companies House.
- Keep Your Company Records Updated Once the process is completed, the relevant documents should be retained with the company's statutory records.
Share Services for Non-UK Residents
Different share changes require different approaches. Whether you are transferring existing shares between shareholders or issuing new shares, you can select the service that corresponds with the number of shareholders involved.
Transfer of Shares & Confirmation Statement (1 Shareholder)
Transfer existing shares from one shareholder to another and update the company's shareholding information through the relevant Companies House filing process. The completed documents include a J30 stock transfer form and meeting minutes.
Transfer of Shares & Confirmation Statement (2-3 Shareholders)
Designed for 2 or 3 shareholders when multiple share transfers need to be documented and registered online through Companies House. All transfers are completed at the same time together with the Confirmation Statement filing.
Transfer of Shares & Confirmation Statement (4-5 Shareholders)
Suitable for 4 or 5 shareholders requiring multiple share transfers to be documented and registered online through Companies House. All transfers are completed at the same time with the relevant Confirmation Statement filing.
Issue of Shares & Confirmation Statement (1 Shareholder)
Issue new shares and allot them to one shareholder, with the change registered online through Companies House and the Confirmation Statement filing completed. The completed documents include meeting minutes and a board resolution.
Issue of Shares + Confirmation Statement (2-3 Shareholders)
For companies issuing new shares to 2 or 3 shareholders as part of the same share change. The share issues are completed at the same time and registered online through Companies House with the Confirmation Statement filing.
Issue of Shares & Confirmation Statement (4-5 Shareholders)
For companies issuing new shares to 4 or 5 shareholders at the same time. The issues are registered online through Companies House together with the relevant Confirmation Statement filing.
Understanding Share Transfers and Share Issues
A share transfer changes who owns existing shares in the company, while a share issue creates and allots new shares. Understanding this distinction is important when selecting the appropriate service.
A transfer may be needed when an existing shareholder wants to pass shares to another person or when the company's ownership arrangements are changing. An issue may be appropriate when a company wants to allot new shares to an existing or new shareholder.
The documentation and company records should accurately reflect whichever transaction takes place.
Updating Your Company Shareholding
Changes to shareholders are an important part of maintaining accurate company information. When ownership changes, the company's records and relevant filings should be kept consistent with the new shareholding structure.
For non-UK residents, this can be particularly useful when managing a UK company from another country. The share services provide a remote way to organise the required documentation and filing process without requiring travel to the UK.
A Confirmation Statement is one of the regular filings used to keep Companies House information about a company up to date. You can review the official requirements through GOV.UK confirmation statement guidance.
What Information Is Required?
The information required depends on whether you are transferring existing shares or issuing new shares and how many shareholders are involved.
For a share transfer, information relating to the existing shareholder, new shareholder and shares being transferred will generally be relevant to preparing the transaction documentation.
For a share issue, information about the new shares and the shareholder or shareholders receiving them will be required.
The information provided should be accurate so that the company documentation and filing reflect the intended change.
Keeping Your Company Records Up to Date
After completing a share transfer or share issue, the company should retain the relevant documents as part of its corporate records. Accurate records help demonstrate the company's current ownership structure and provide a clear history of changes to its shares.
Non-UK residents managing UK companies remotely should also monitor their ongoing filing responsibilities and ensure that future company information remains accurate.
For further guidance, see GOV.UK company and accounting records guidance.
Share Services for International Company Owners
These services are intended for non-UK residents who already own or manage a UK company and need to make changes to its shares or shareholders.
They may be relevant when:
- Existing shares need to be transferred to another shareholder
- New shares need to be issued
- Multiple shareholders are involved in the same transaction
- Company ownership information needs to be updated
- Share changes need to be managed remotely
The available options allow you to choose the service according to the type of share change and the number of shareholders involved.