Doing Business in the United Kingdom VS Bermuda – A Comparison
Entrepreneurs and investors looking to expand their footprint often face a tough decision between two appealing jurisdictions: the United Kingdom and Bermuda. Both offer compelling advantages but cater to different business strategies and goals. While Bermuda is well known for its offshore financial services and favorable tax environment, the United Kingdom is praised for its stable business environment, high quality of life, and relatively low setup costs for small businesses. Understanding the differences can help you make a more confident decision on where to invest next.
The United Kingdom: Offers a politically stable environment with a robust legal system and strong government backing for businesses. Investors benefit from transparent regulations and established commercial laws.
Bermuda: Provides a stable democracy with a focus on financial services, though its smaller market size and limited diversification can affect broader business ventures.
Taxation
The United Kingdom: The corporate tax rate is 25%, with tax reliefs available for R&D and small businesses. The country also levies capital gains tax, which varies by asset type and holding period.
Bermuda: No corporate income tax or capital gains tax applies, making it attractive for asset protection and tax planning, especially in insurance and reinsurance sectors.
Ease of Company Incorporation
The United Kingdom: Offers a streamlined and fully digital company incorporation process, often completed within 24–48 hours. The system is transparent, with strong compliance standards.
Bermuda: Incorporation is relatively quick but requires a local representative and government approvals. Regulatory compliance is strict, especially for financial entities.
Cost of Living and Business Operations
The United Kingdom: Offers more affordable operational costs compared to offshore jurisdictions. Office space and staffing are competitively priced, especially outside London.
Bermuda: High living and operational costs due to its island economy. Office rentals, utilities, and labor are significantly more expensive than in mainland business hubs.
Access to Markets
The United Kingdom: Provides excellent global connectivity with access to European and international markets. Numerous trade incentives and finance support schemes are also available.
Bermuda: Has strong links to the U.S. and Caribbean but limited broader trade agreements. Its small domestic market limits expansion for non-financial businesses.
Quick Comparison Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the key differences for easy reference.
When it comes to starting a business in the United Kingdom, navigating the legal and administrative processes can be complex without the right support. That’s where 3E Accounting comes in. As a trusted partner for company incorporation, we provide tailored solutions for entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish a strong business presence. Whether you need help with company registration or expert guidance on setting up businesses in the UK, our experienced team ensures a smooth and efficient process.
Yes. The United Kingdom offers a larger domestic market, strong legal protections, and access to business finance support, making it more attractive for sustainable growth.
Abigail Yu oversees executive leadership at 3E Accounting Group, leading operations, IT solutions, public relations, and digital marketing to drive business success. She holds an honors degree in Communication and New Media from the National University of Singapore and is highly skilled in crisis management, financial communication, and corporate communications.