VAT Services for Overseas Companies Delivering UK Construction Projects
If you’re delivering a construction or installation project in the UK — whether as a main contractor or specialist supplier — VAT can quickly become complex. Especially if your business is based outside the UK, and you’re importing goods, engaging subcontractors, or dealing with UK customers for the first time.
At Türner & Co., we work with international engineering and construction businesses just like yours. We understand the typical project structure, the VAT challenges that come with cross-border delivery, and how to keep your UK VAT position under control.
Who This Page is for
This page is written for:
- Finance teams supporting UK project delivery from overseas
- Project managers working on UK-based civil engineering or installation projects
- Businesses exporting components to the UK and installing them on-site
If your company is delivering a wind, rail, manufacturing, or energy project in the UK — this page is for you.
Plan Early: Why Timing Matters
VAT isn’t something to fix later. We strongly recommend speaking to us before contracts are signed. That way, we can:
- Help you structure your VAT position correctly from the start
- Review the implications of your contract and Incoterms®
- Ensure you’re VAT-registered before you start invoicing or importing
We can also brief your procurement team to help avoid VAT and CIS errors when onboarding UK subcontractors.
Our VAT Services for Overseas Construction Businesses
We support overseas firms with practical, joined-up VAT advice tailored to the construction and installation sector. Our services include:
- UK VAT Registration: We handle the registration process for you — essential if you don’t have a UK company but need to invoice UK customers or import goods.
- EORI number and PVA setup: For importing into the UK, we register you for a GB EORI and Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) so you can recover import VAT.
- Construction VAT guidance: We explain how the UK’s Domestic Reverse Charge (DRC) works for construction services — and when to apply it.
- Invoice review and guidance: We help you issue correct invoices and check those received from suppliers and subcontractors for VAT compliance.
- Customs and import advice: We guide you on working with logistics providers and customs agents to ensure your imports are compliant and VAT is reclaimable.
- Incoterms® review: We explain how your agreed INCOTERMS affect VAT and customs duties, so there are no surprises on delivery.
- Coordination with CIS advice: Our team is also experienced with the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), so your VAT and CIS advice is joined up and consistent.
Why Overseas Contractors Choose Türner & Co
- We understand international construction — from hydroelectric projects to heavy industrial installations.
- We speak your language — plain English, no tax jargon, and support tailored for non-UK-based teams.
- We look ahead — flagging the issues you haven’t thought of yet and helping you avoid costly compliance mistakes.
We’ve helped dozens of international contractors deliver UK projects while staying fully VAT-compliant — and avoiding penalties, delays and unnecessary costs.
FAQs
If you’re invoicing UK customers or importing goods, VAT registration is usually required. We’ll confirm based on your situation.
It’s a UK VAT rule for construction services — where the customer accounts for VAT instead of the supplier. We’ll explain when and how it applies.
If you’re VAT registered and the invoice is valid, yes — through your VAT return. If you’re not registered, we can support a refund application.
No. Overseas companies can register directly for UK VAT. We’ll take care of the process.
Yes — but only if you’re VAT registered and set up correctly. We’ll ensure you have the right documentation in place.
Contact Our Experts
If you’ve won a UK project — or are in the bidding stage — get in touch with us early. We’ll help you set things up correctly from day one.
Kate McDermott
Director
Head of Indirect Tax & HR
Nathan Widdowson
Assistant Manager
VAT & CIS
Income Tax Obligations for Assignees
UK Income Tax Compliance for Non-UK workers on UK Construction Projects.
Construction Projects in the UK
Specialist advice for non-UK companies delivering infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects in the UK.