01 · Framework
Begin with six questions, not a list of zones
| Criterion | Why it matters | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Activity | Determines the licence and external approvals | Exact activity and permitted operating model |
| Customers and markets | Affects permissions, contracts and tax | Countries, B2B/B2C, place of performance and goods flow |
| Owners | Zones support different forms and procedures | Number and type of individual or corporate shareholders |
| Visas | Capacity may depend on the package and premises | Requirements now and over the next 12–24 months |
| Banking profile | Banks assess substance and transaction logic | Turnover, currencies, payment countries, counterparties and owner experience |
| Total cost | Incorporation is only the first payment | Year one, renewal, amendments, visas, premises and closure |
02 · Activity
The licence wording should describe the real source of revenue
A broad word such as consulting may not be enough. Define what the company sells: strategy, software development, marketing delivery, training, recruitment or a regulated professional service. Some activities require qualifications, sector approval or a different licence category.
An activity that is too narrow can limit contracts; one that is too broad can create questions from banks and counterparties. Compare it with the future website, contract, invoice and payment description before filing.
Checklist
- ✓Define the customer deliverable.
- ✓Classify it as a service, digital product or physical product.
- ✓Confirm where the work is performed.
- ✓Identify professional or sector approvals.
- ✓Match the activity to expected banking transactions.
03 · Visas and premises
The package should support growth without paying for unused capacity
Visa capacity can be linked to the package and workspace. If one visa is needed now but a team is planned next year, confirm how capacity can be expanded and what a premises upgrade costs.
A flexi-desk may suit a remote service company but does not replace a warehouse, studio, production site or other premises required by the activity. Presence also affects how coherent the banking profile appears.
| Plan | Check before incorporation | Risk if missed |
|---|---|---|
| One owner visa | Visa capacity and included immigration services | Unexpected charges outside the headline price |
| Hiring a team | Maximum capacity and premises requirements | Costly package or office upgrade |
| Warehouse or physical operation | Permitted property and sector approvals | A licence that cannot support the intended operation |
04 · Banking logic
A zone does not guarantee an account—the complete profile matters
Banks assess the company, owners, source of funds, commercial purpose, expected activity and evidence of genuine business. The name of a well-known zone cannot replace a coherent profile.
Before selecting the zone, test whether the owner’s experience, activity, customers, website and transaction forecast can be explained consistently. A different zone rarely fixes a contradiction in the underlying model.
05 · Final review
Score every option against the same checklist
Checklist
- ✓The activity fully covers the product or service.
- ✓A compliant route to target customers is understood.
- ✓The legal form suits the shareholders.
- ✓Current and future visa capacity is sufficient.
- ✓Premises fit the activity and team plan.
- ✓Year one and renewal are priced separately.
- ✓Amendment, document and closure fees are understood.
- ✓The banking profile is coherent and supported by evidence.