A nominee director in the UK is an appointed individual who acts as the registered director of a company on public records, while the real owner or controller remains in the background. This service is often used by non-UK residents seeking privacy, convenience, and compliance when forming a UK company. At CG Incorporations, our Nominee Director service ensures full legal compliance with UK law, including HMRC and Companies House regulations, while maintaining complete transparency through the PSC register.
Understanding the Role of a Nominee Director
A nominee director’s main purpose is to protect the privacy of the beneficial owner, while still complying with the legal requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The nominee has no operational control or decision-making power within the company unless specifically authorised by the beneficial owner. Instead, their role is administrative and regulatory, ensuring that the company always has a resident director recorded at Companies House.
Key reasons for appointing a nominee director:
- Protecting the identity of the beneficial owner on public records
- Ensuring smooth UK company formation for non-UK residents
- Maintaining full compliance with Companies House and HMRC
- Supporting banking and professional relationships in the UK
Nominee Director vs. Beneficial Owner
It’s essential to distinguish between a nominee director and the beneficial owner. While the nominee appears as the official director, the beneficial owner retains ultimate control, decision-making authority, and economic interest in the company. This transparency is maintained through the Persons with Significant Control (PSC) register, which is a mandatory disclosure for all UK companies.
| Nominee Director | Beneficial Owner |
|---|---|
| Listed at Companies House as company director | Controls and owns the company in practice |
| No decision-making power unless authorised | Holds all rights, responsibilities, and profits |
| Acts purely for compliance and privacy | Declared on the PSC register for transparency |
FAQs
Published: 9/10/2025 1:38:56 PM. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
For formal advice regarding UK company registration please…
