Can a dependent register a company in the UK?

Yes, a dependent can register a company in the UK, provided he is able to meet the legal requirements such as age, being above 16 years to be a director. If the dependent is below the age of majority, he may require a guardian to act on his behalf.

Normally, a "dependent" is a person dependent for sustenance upon another, such as a child, spouse, or any other family member. From a legal and business point of view, however, there is no strict rule prohibiting a dependent from registering a company in the UK, provided they can meet the eligibility criteria.

To set up a company in the UK, one needs to fulfill the minimum requirements that have been set by Companies House, which is the UK's official company registrar. These include being above the age of 16 years to be a company director, having a registered office address in the UK, and submission of appropriate documents, which include a Memorandum and Articles of Association, and details of company directors and shareholders.

Although a dependent, say a minor, cannot fully operate a company, they can, by all means, technically register one through the actions of their guardian or other legal representatives that act on their behalf. They may even register the company in their name where the dependent happens to be an adult, as long as they can fulfill all legal requirements.

It is also important to notice that any type of business venture or company a dependent establishes would still be bound by the same regulatory requirements as any other firm in the UK, meaning they are supposed to pay their taxes, keep books, and observe the Companies Act.

Conclusively, whereas dependent status does not absolutely bar a person from forming an association under the United Kingdom company incorporation law, practical implications may come in often to bar them regarding the requirements of age or guardians.