Registering a company in the UK means incorporating it at Companies House. Once registered, the company becomes a separate legal entity with its own rights and obligations. The process is straightforward and can be completed online in as little as 24 hours.
Before You Register
Before starting the registration process, you need to make several decisions.
Choose a Business Structure
Decide which type of company to form. The most common options are:
| Structure | Key Feature |
|---|---|
| Private limited company (Ltd) | Limited liability, shares cannot be offered to the public |
| Company limited by guarantee | No share capital, liability limited to a guaranteed amount |
| Public limited company (PLC) | Shares can be offered to the public, minimum £50,000 share capital |
| Limited liability partnership (LLP) | Partnership with limited liability for members |
For most small and medium businesses, a private limited company is the most appropriate structure.
Choose a Company Name
The company name must:
- Not be the same as an existing company name on the Companies House register
- Not be offensive or constitute a criminal offence
- Not contain sensitive words or expressions (e.g. “Royal”, “Bank”, “Insurance”, “Council”) without approval
- End with “Limited” or “Ltd” for a private company (or “PLC” / “plc” for a public company)
You can check name availability on the Companies House name search tool.
Choose a Registered Office
Every company must have a registered office address in the jurisdiction in which it is registered (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland). It must be a physical address (not a PO Box) but does not have to be where the company trades from.
Decide on Directors and Shareholders
A private limited company needs at least one director (who must be a natural person) and at least one shareholder. The same person can be both sole director and sole shareholder.
Select SIC Codes
Every company must provide at least one SIC code to classify its business activity. You can provide up to four SIC codes on the registration form.
Registration Process
Step 1: Prepare the Documents
You need the following:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Memorandum of association | States the subscribers’ intention to form a company and become members |
| Articles of association | Sets out the rules for running the company (or adopt the model articles) |
| Form IN01 | Application for registration containing company details, officers and share structure |
Step 2: Complete the Application
The application (form IN01) requires the company name and registered office address, a statement of capital (number of shares, nominal value, rights), details of each subscriber and director, SIC code(s) and a statement of compliance.
Step 3: File the Application
| Filing Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Online (Companies House web service) | Usually within 24 hours |
| Software filing | Usually within 24 hours |
| Paper filing | 8 to 10 working days |
| Same-day service | Same day, for a higher fee |
Companies House charges a registration fee, which it reviews from time to time; check the current Companies House fees before you file. Online filing is the fastest and cheapest option. You can use the Companies House web incorporation service or approved third-party formation agents.
Step 4: Receive the Certificate of Incorporation
Once Companies House processes the application, it issues a certificate of incorporation containing the company name, unique 8-digit company number, date of incorporation and type of company. This certificate is proof that the company legally exists.
After Registration
Register with HMRC
Companies House automatically notifies HMRC of the new company. HMRC will then write to the company at its registered office with the company’s Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for Corporation Tax purposes. The company must:
- File its first Company Tax Return within 12 months of the end of its first accounting period
- Register for PAYE if it employs staff (including directors taking a salary)
- Register for VAT if taxable turnover exceeds the current £90,000 threshold, or register voluntarily
Set Up Statutory Records
The company must maintain its statutory books, including:
- Register of members (shareholders)
- Register of directors and their residential addresses
- Register of people with significant control (PSC register)
- Register of charges (if applicable)
Open a Business Bank Account
A company should open a business bank account in the company’s name. Most banks require the certificate of incorporation, details of directors and shareholders, and proof of the registered office address.
Company Obligations
Once incorporated, the company must:
| Obligation | Frequency |
|---|---|
| File annual accounts | Within 9 months of the financial year end |
| File a confirmation statement | At least once every 12 months |
| File Company Tax Return | Within 12 months of the accounting period end |
| Maintain statutory books | Ongoing |
| Notify Companies House of changes | Within 14 to 28 days depending on the change |
Formation Agents
Many companies are formed through company formation agents who handle the registration process. Formation agents typically offer name checking, standard or bespoke articles, online filing, registered office services and packages including statutory books and share certificates. Using a formation agent is not required but can simplify the process.