How to Start an E-commerce Business in the UK from Pakistan (2026 Guide)

Quick answer: You can sell to UK buyers from Pakistan in two ways. You can sell as a Pakistani seller on a marketplace that accepts Pakistan, such as Amazon. Or you can set up a UK limited company, which costs £100 online at Companies House, and sell through it on eBay, Amazon, Etsy and TikTok Shop UK. A UK company opens more marketplaces, but it brings UK tax filings, and TikTok Shop UK also needs a UK residential address for the main account holder and UK stock.

"tiktok shop uk", "ebay uk", "seller amazon uk" and "uk company registration" are among the top searches from Pakistan about e-commerce. Tekovex runs marketplace stores for UK and US sellers, and our client stores have passed £1 million in UK sales. This guide covers the setup we see work, step by step.

Option 1: Sell as a Pakistani seller

Amazon added Pakistan to its list of approved seller countries in May 2021, so Pakistani businesses can register with Pakistani bank and business details. You can then list on Amazon UK. This is the quickest start, but not every marketplace supports Pakistan, and some UK buyers trust UK-based sellers more.

Option 2: Set up a UK limited company

A non-UK resident can be the director of a UK company. There is no residency requirement. Here is what you need:

• Registration: £100 online with Companies House. It is usually done within 24 hours.
• Identity verification: since 18 November 2025, every new director must verify their identity. Overseas directors can use GOV.UK One Login with a biometric passport, or an authorised agent (ACSP) if that doesn't work.
• Registered office: a UK address where official post can be received. Most overseas founders use a registered office service.
• UK business bank account: banks and payment providers check overseas directors carefully, and approval is not automatic. Apply early.
• An accountant: a UK company must file annual accounts, a confirmation statement and a corporation tax return.

Which UK marketplaces can you sell on?

• Amazon UK: open to Pakistani sellers directly, or through a UK company.
• eBay UK: payouts go to a bank account in a country eBay supports. Check yours during sign-up. Many overseas sellers use a UK company with a UK business account.
• TikTok Shop UK: business sellers need UK company documents, a UK stock or warehouse location, and a UK residential proof of address for the owner or main account holder. This is the strictest of the four.
• Etsy: check that your country is on Etsy's list of Etsy Payments countries, and follow Etsy's handmade and original design rules.

Every account must be in your own name or your own company's name. Buying, renting or borrowing someone else's marketplace account breaks platform rules, and these accounts are usually linked and suspended.

VAT: the rule overseas sellers get wrong

• Sellers based outside the UK have no £90,000 VAT threshold. You must register from your first UK sale if your goods are in the UK when sold, for example in an Amazon FBA or UK warehouse.
• Goods shipped from abroad worth £135 or less, sold through a marketplace: the marketplace collects the VAT, not you.
• A UK limited company is normally treated as UK-established, so the standard £90,000 threshold usually applies. Confirm your position with a UK accountant.

Step-by-step: from Pakistan to your first UK sale

• 1. Pick your model: dropshipping from UK suppliers, or private label stock sent to a UK warehouse.
• 2. Pick one marketplace to start: Amazon if you sell as a Pakistani seller, or eBay if you have a UK company.
• 3. Register the company: verify your ID, set up a registered office, and open a UK business account.
• 4. Arrange UK fulfilment: a UK warehouse or fulfilment partner handles dispatch and returns quickly.
• 5. List 20–50 products: with keyword-rich titles and clean photos.
• 6. Grow slowly for the first 90 days: sudden jumps in volume on new accounts trigger restrictions such as eBay's MC011.

Frequently asked questions

Can a Pakistani open a company in the UK?

Yes. Non-residents can be directors of a UK limited company. You pay £100 online, verify your identity, and need a UK registered office address.

Can I sell on Amazon UK from Pakistan?

Yes. Amazon has accepted sellers registering from Pakistan since May 2021.

Can I open TikTok Shop UK from Pakistan?

Only with UK company documents, UK stock and a UK residential proof of address for the main account holder. Most people outside the UK cannot meet the address rule on their own.

Do I need to register for VAT?

If you sell as an overseas business and your stock is in the UK, yes, from your first sale. A UK company normally uses the £90,000 threshold. Get advice from a UK accountant.

Can someone run the store for me?

Yes. An e-commerce agency can manage listings, orders and marketplace issues, while the accounts stay in your name.

Want your UK store run for you?

Tekovex sets up and manages UK stores on eBay, Etsy, Amazon and TikTok Shop for investors, including investors in Pakistan. Our client stores have passed £1 million in UK sales. Book a free consultation.