Public Limited Company (PLC) in United Kingdom — Mobile App Developer Formation Guide
When choosing a jurisdiction, consider where Apple and Google will send your payouts. Ensure your chosen country has favorable double taxation treaties with the US to minimize the default 30% withholding tax on your US app sales.
Last verified: June 13, 2026
Corporate Tax
25.0%
State Tax
0.0%
Formation Cost
$134
Annual Fee
$67
Forming a Public Limited Company (PLC) in United Kingdom as a Mobile App Developer means a total tax burden of 25.0% and an official formation cost of $134. The minimum capital requirement is 50,000 GBP. Standard formation takes 3-5 business days, or 1 business day (Same-day available) expedited. No local director is required; the process can be managed remotely. This guide covers the steps, tax breakdown, banking options, and compliance requirements — all from verified data.
First-year total cost
≈ $2,645
Ongoing (per year)
≈ $1,715
Why Public Limited Company (PLC) for Mobile App Developer?
Independent developers or small studios creating and monetizing applications on platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play. Revenue streams typically include paid downloads, in-app purchases (IAPs), subscriptions, and in-app advertising.
Ideal for
- Indie developers
- Small gaming studios
- SaaS mobile app creators
- Freelance developers transitioning to product owners
Challenges to watch
- High platform fees (15-30% from Apple/Google)
- US withholding tax on royalties if no tax treaty exists
- Managing global VAT/GST compliance for digital services
- Protecting intellectual property across borders
Key decision criteria
- Double taxation treaties with the US
- Corporate tax rates on digital income
- Ease of opening a business bank account compatible with App Store payouts
- IP protection laws in the jurisdiction
Public Limited Company (PLC) formation requirements
Minimum capital
50,000 GBP
Standard timeline
3-5 business days
Expedited timeline
1 business day (Same-day available)
Local director
Not required
Registered office
Virtual office allowed
Notarization
Not required
Directors can be non-residents, but the company must maintain a registered office address in the UK, and all directors must complete mandatory identity verification.
Estimated breakdown (based on avg. $85,000 revenue)
Simulate with your own revenue →
VAT / Sales Tax
Standard rate 20%. Registration threshold: 90,000 GBP. Non-UK businesses providing digital services to UK consumers must register for and charge UK VAT, with no registration threshold.
Banking & payments for Mobile App Developer
Opening a traditional high-street bank account (e.g., Barclays, HSBC) is notoriously difficult for non-resident founders and typically requires a UK resident director and an in-person visit. However, digital banking platforms like Wise and Revolut Business offer a much smoother, remote-friendly onboarding process. Strict KYC and AML regulations still apply, requiring comprehensive identity verification and proof of business activities.
Supported payment gateways
Remote-friendly accounts
Revolut Business
Excellent multi-currency accounts with fast remote onboarding for UK companies.
Wise Business
Ideal for international transactions with low FX fees and local account details in multiple currencies.
Tide
Popular UK fintech offering quick account setup, though primarily focused on companies with UK-resident directors.
United Kingdom incentives & advantages
R&D Tax Relief (Merged Scheme)
20% expenditure credit on qualifying R&D costs.
Full Expensing (Capital Allowances)
100% immediate tax deduction on qualifying capital expenditure.
Public Limited Company (PLC) formation steps
Choose a unique company name ending in 'PLC' or 'Public Limited Company' and verify availability.
Appoint at least two directors and one professionally qualified company secretary.
Complete mandatory identity verification for all directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) via GOV.UK One Login or an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.
Prepare the Memorandum and Articles of Association tailored for a public company.
Allot the minimum share capital of £50,000, ensuring at least 25% (£12,500) is paid up.
Submit the incorporation application to Companies House and pay the £100 digital filing fee.
Apply for a Trading Certificate (Section 761) from Companies House to legally commence business and exercise borrowing powers.
Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC within 3 months of starting to do business, and register for VAT/PAYE if applicable.
Mobile App Developer FAQ
Do I need a US company to publish on the App Store?
No, you can publish from almost any country. However, having a US LLC or a company in a country with a US tax treaty can significantly reduce the 30% withholding tax on US sales.
How does VAT work for app sales?
Apple and Google generally act as the 'Merchant of Record' and handle VAT/GST collection and remittance for consumers in most countries, simplifying your tax compliance.
Where is the best place to incorporate an app studio?
Popular choices include the US (Wyoming/Delaware LLCs for low maintenance), UK (favorable tax treaties and IP laws), and Estonia (0% tax on reinvested profits, great for growing studios).
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Related terms
Key concepts you'll encounter when forming a Mobile App Developer
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One-time and annual cost breakdown
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