1. Name and Language
United Kingdom of Great Britain (UK). Language: English.
2. Political Structure
The UK is divided into (1) England and Wales, (2) Scotland and (3) Northern Ireland, each of which has its own devolved laws, although all under the rule of the U.K Parliament. The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own assembly to which certain legislative powers have been devolved. The United Kingdom is member of the European Union, but is negotiating to leave the E.U. and has given notice to leave. The Channel Islands (namely Jersey, Guernsey and Sark) and the Isle of Man are not part of the United Kingdom.
3. Currency, monetary control and inward investment
The currency of the United Kingdom is the pound sterling. There are no general laws restricting inward investment into the United Kingdom and no exchange controls prohibiting the remittance of capital or income overseas.
4. Normal business structures
Any non U.K. citizen can invest in any business in the U.K and there are ways to limit the liabilities of any such investment through limited company vehicles. We can advise you.
5. Real Property
There are two types of land tenure in England and Wales, freehold and leasehold. Freehold is effectively absolute ownership in perpetuity. Leasehold is always limited in time and requires the payment of a nominal rent to a freehold owner, but the term of the lease can vary from a few years up to 999 years. No general laws prohibit persons who are not subjects or residents of the United Kingdom from owning property in the United Kingdom of any kind, but there are tax implications on which advice should be sought.
6. Immigration
European Economic Area Nationals can enter the United Kingdom in reliance on the rights of free movement of workers and of freedom of establishment that their country’s membership of the European Union or the European Economic Area gives them. Swiss nationals enjoy a similar right as a result of the EC- Swiss Confederation Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons. But what happens after the U.K. leaves the European Union is now subject to negotiation and will be updated on this page when known.
Otherwise, those who are not British citizens are generally subject to immigration control and require leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom. There are, however, a number of special regimes of which those subject to immigration control may be able to take advantage. Please ask for any updated advice as this will change continually.
7. Taxation
Taxation in the U.K. is generally favourably low compared to other countries, but tax is always changing, so seek our advice on any current tax liabilities that may affect you.
8. The Courts
Civil justice is administered mainly by County Courts and the High Court, with the High Court handling more substantial and complex cases. There are three divisions of the High Court: the Queens Bench Division, the Chancery Division and the Family Division. There is provision for appeal to the Court of Appeal and thence to the Supreme Court.