TL;DR: Business registration typically involves choosing a structure, reserving a name, filing with the relevant authority, and registering for tax — the exact steps vary by country and structure.
Business registration can feel intimidating if you have never done it before. There are multiple agencies involved, different requirements depending on your chosen structure, and the fear of making an error that causes delays or legal problems.
The reality is that in most of the countries covered in this guide — the UK, France, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States — the core registration process is straightforward for the most common business structures. Online systems have made the process faster and more accessible than ever.
What matters is following the steps in the right order, understanding what each step involves, and preparing the required information before you begin. This guide walks you through the process systematically.
Before you can register, you need to know what you are registering. The three main options are:
Each structure has different registration requirements, different tax obligations, and different ongoing compliance needs. If you are unsure, read our guide on choosing a business structure or speak to a qualified accountant before proceeding.
For sole traders, your business name can simply be your own name, or a trading name you choose. Most countries require you to register a trading name separately (for example, "John Smith trading as Acme Consulting").
For companies, the name must be unique within the company registry and must comply with naming rules. In most countries:
Use our Name Checker tool to verify availability before committing to a name.
Most registration processes ask for:
For sole traders:
For companies:
This is the formal registration step. In most countries, this can be done online.
The key authority in each country:
Registration fees range from free (some US sole proprietor registrations) to a few hundred dollars/pounds/euros for company registration.
Registering the business entity and registering for tax are usually separate steps.
Income tax / Self Assessment: Sole traders must notify the tax authority that they are self-employed. In the UK, register with HMRC (https://www.gov.uk/register-for-self-assessment). In Australia, lodge an ABN application which also registers you with the ATO. In the USA, file a Schedule C with your personal Form 1040.
Corporate tax: Companies must register separately for corporation tax / corporate income tax. In the UK, HMRC sends a letter to the registered address after Companies House registration; you must then register online within 3 months. In other countries, similar notification requirements apply.
VAT / GST: Register if your taxable turnover exceeds the threshold (varies by country) or if you choose voluntary registration. This entitles you to reclaim input VAT/GST on business purchases, which can be beneficial even below the threshold.
Payroll / PAYE: If you plan to hire staff from day one, register as an employer before the first payroll.
Depending on your industry and location, you may need:
Your local government business start portal is the best starting point for licence requirements.
Once you have your registration documents, open a dedicated business bank account. Banks typically require:
From the first day of trading, maintain records of all income and expenditure. Most countries require these records to be kept for at least 5–7 years. Cloud accounting software makes this straightforward and prepares you for your first tax return.
Use our free tool: Cost Calculator
Try it free →| Country | Sole Trader Registration | Company Registration | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | HMRC Self Assessment (online) | Companies House (online, 24h) | 1–3 days | £12–£50 |
| France | Guichet Entreprises (online) | Guichet Entreprises (online) | 1–5 days | Free–€25 |
| Sweden | Skatteverket (tax reg) | Bolagsverket (online) | 1–4 weeks | SEK 0–2,200 |
| Australia | ATO / ABR (online, immediate) | ASIC (online, 1–2 days) | 1–3 days | Free (ABN)–A$538 |
| New Zealand | IRD (online) | Companies Office (online, 1–3 days) | 1–3 days | NZ$0–NZ$115 |
| Canada | Provincial registration | Corporations Canada (federal) | 1–5 days | CA$0–CA$250 |
| USA | IRS (EIN application) | State SoS (1–10 days) | 1–10 days | US$0–$500 |
Government resources:
MmowW Scrib🐮 prepares the formation documents you need for company registration across all seven countries — from articles of association to director consent forms.
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MmowW Scrib🐮 is a document preparation service, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor or attorney for advice on your specific situation.
Q: Can I register a business in a country where I do not live?
Generally, yes, but with conditions. Most countries allow foreign nationals to register companies, but there are usually requirements for at least one resident director, a registered address in the country, and compliance with local tax rules. Consult a qualified solicitor with cross-border experience before proceeding.
Q: Do I need a lawyer to register a business?
For simple sole trader registrations and straightforward company formations, a document preparation service like MmowW Scrib🐮 can help you prepare and organise the necessary documents. For more complex situations — multiple founders, investor structures, cross-border operations — consulting a qualified solicitor is strongly recommended.
Q: How soon can I start trading after registering?
For sole traders, you can typically start trading immediately after notifying the tax authority. For companies, you can start trading as soon as the company is incorporated (registered). You do not need to wait for a bank account to be opened, though you should open one as quickly as possible.
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