To register a new company at Companies House, prepare your company details, verify the identities of its individual directors and submit an incorporation application. Standard online registration costs £100 and is usually completed within 24 hours.
Once approved, you receive a certificate of incorporation confirming the company’s legal existence, registration number and formation date.
- Prepare A Suitable Company Name: Check availability and naming restrictions before applying
- Gather the Required Details: Include addresses, directors, ownership information and business activities
- Complete Identity Verification: Obtain each individual director’s Companies House personal code
- Submit the Application and Fee: Use the appropriate official service, software provider or formation agent
- Complete the Follow-Up Tasks: Deal with PSC verification, tax services and filing deadlines
The guidance below focuses on forming a private limited company, particularly a company limited by shares.
Last Updated: 02.09.2026
Do You Need To Register Your Business With Companies House?
Limited Company Vs Sole Trader Vs Partnership
You must incorporate a limited company before operating through that company. However, starting a business does not automatically mean you need Companies House registration.
A sole trader operates personally and deals with the relevant HMRC registration and tax requirements. An ordinary business partnership also follows different registration rules. A limited liability partnership, or LLP, is a separate structure that does register with Companies House.
Incorporation creates a legal entity separate from its owners. This can help founders establish shared ownership and bring in investors, but it also introduces company accounts, public filings and director responsibilities.
Choose a structure around how you will own, fund and manage the business. A limited company does not automatically produce a lower overall tax bill.
Choosing Between A Company Limited By Shares Or Guarantee
A company limited by shares has shareholders whose rights depend on the shares they hold. It is commonly used for businesses established to earn profits for their owners.
A company limited by guarantee has guarantors who promise to contribute an agreed amount if the company cannot meet its debts. This structure is often used by membership bodies and organisations operating for non-profit purposes.
For a typical commercial startup with founders who want to own percentages of the business, a company limited by shares is usually the relevant starting point.
What Information And Documents Do You Need Before Applying?
Company Name Checks And SIC Code Selection
Check your proposed name against existing Companies House registrations. A name must comply with restrictions concerning identical names, sensitive words and misleading implications of official approval. A name that is too similar to another company can also be challenged.
Check existing trade marks separately before paying for branding, packaging or a website. Companies House name availability does not establish that you can safely use the name as a brand.
Your Standard Industrial Classification, or SIC, code describes the company’s business activity. Choose a classification from the Companies House list that reflects what the business actually does.
Start with your intended products or services, rather than selecting a broad category simply because it sounds familiar.
Director, Shareholder And PSC Details
A private limited company needs at least one director, and at least one must be an individual. An individual director must be aged 16 or over. Restrictions apply to disqualified directors and undischarged bankrupts unless the necessary court permission is obtained.
Directors manage the company. Shareholders own shares. People with significant control, known as PSCs, meet specified ownership or control conditions. These roles can overlap.
The PSC conditions include holding more than 25% of the shares or voting rights, having the right to appoint or remove a majority of directors, or otherwise exercising significant influence or control. Exactly 25% does not meet the shareholding threshold by itself.
Prepare accurate personal details, relevant addresses and ownership information before opening the application.
Share Allocation With One-Founder And Two-Founder Examples
Decide how ownership will be divided before submitting the statement of capital. For a straightforward company with one class of equally ranked ordinary shares, ownership percentages follow the proportion of shares held.
| Illustrative Setup | Share Allocation | Ownership | PSC Position Based On Shares |
| One founder | One founder holds all 100 shares | 100% | The founder meets the shareholding condition |
| Two founders | Founder A holds 60 shares and Founder B holds 40 | 60% and 40% | Both founders meet the shareholding condition |
These are examples, not required share structures. Different share classes can carry different rights.
If 100 shares have a nominal value of £1 each, the nominal share capital is £100. That figure is not a valuation of the business. Decide the number, value and rights of the shares deliberately, especially where founders expect future investment.
Memorandum And Articles Of Association
The memorandum records the initial members’ agreement to form the company. It is normally generated automatically during online incorporation.
The articles set out rules for running the company. Standard model articles are available, while companies needing different arrangements can prepare bespoke articles and submit them through a suitable filing route.
A company limited by shares also supplies a statement of capital. A company limited by guarantee supplies the relevant guarantee information instead.
Use this checklist before you begin:
| Preparation Area | What To Have Ready |
| Company identity | Proposed name and chosen company type |
| Business activity | Appropriate SIC classification |
| Addresses | Registered office, registered email and relevant personal addresses |
| Management | Director details and verified personal codes |
| Ownership | Shareholders or guarantors, allocations and PSC information |
| Company rules | Model or bespoke articles and supporting formation details |
| Submission | Suitable filing route and payment method |
What Are The Registered Office And Privacy Requirements?
Registered Office Vs Director Service Address
The registered office receives official correspondence for the company. A director’s service address receives correspondence for that director. Both appear on the public register.
| Address Or Contact Detail | Main Purpose | Publicly Displayed? |
| Registered office | Official company correspondence | Yes |
| Director service address | Correspondence addressed to the director | Yes |
| Director residential address supplied privately | Companies House residential information | Normally protected from public inspection |
| Registered email | Electronic contact with the company | No |
Providing a home address privately does not protect it if you also use it in a public address field.
Using A Home Address, Virtual Office Or Address Provider
The registered office must be an appropriate physical address in the company’s registration jurisdiction. Someone acting for the company must become aware of delivered correspondence, and delivery must be capable of acknowledgement.
A home address or an accountant’s address can qualify. A virtual office must satisfy the same requirements, and you need permission to use a provider’s address. Royal Mail PO Boxes and similar services are not acceptable registered offices.
Arrange the address before incorporation and check how the provider handles official mail.
Registered Email Requirements And Public Information
Supply an email address that the company monitors. It is not published on the register, but messages must be read and acted on. Choose an account that will remain accessible if staff or advisers change.
How Do Identity Verification And Company Accounts Work In 2026?
Verification Through GOV.UK One Login Or An Authorised Agent
Mandatory identity verification began on 18 November 2025. It is therefore a current registration requirement for new individual directors in 2026, rather than an optional future change.
The Companies House verification service uses GOV.UK One Login and is free. Depending on your circumstances, the service can direct you to an app, online security questions or a participating Post Office after you begin the process online.
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider, or ACSP, can also verify you. This might be an authorised accountant, solicitor or formation agent, and it may charge for the service.
In most cases, verification is completed once. The resulting personal code belongs to the individual.
Personal Code Requirements For New Directors And PSCs
For a new incorporation, provide the personal code for each individual director in the registration filing.
A new PSC can provide their code when first added to the register or within 14 days afterwards. Someone who is both a director and PSC must complete the requirements for both roles. Providing a director’s code does not remove the separate PSC obligation.
Existing directors and PSCs have transition arrangements linked to their circumstances. Do not apply an existing company’s confirmation statement or birth-month timetable to a person becoming a PSC in a newly formed company.
Personal Codes, Authentication Codes, Government Gateway And Tax References
Several identifiers appear during formation and subsequent administration. Keep a record of what each one does.
| Account Or Identifier | Purpose |
| GOV.UK One Login | Accesses the official identity verification process |
| Government Gateway | Provides access to HMRC business tax services and is used in the linked incorporation process |
| Companies House personal code | Connects an individual’s verified identity with their company roles |
| Company authentication code | Authorises online filings for the company |
| Company registration number | Identifies the incorporated company |
| Company UTR | Identifies the company for HMRC tax administration |
The company authentication code is separate from the personal code. Treat both securely and share them only with trusted people who need them to act for you or the company.
For the linked online incorporation service, follow the instructions to create the company’s Government Gateway credentials. Do not substitute your personal Government Gateway account. Later Companies House filings use the relevant Companies House service and credentials.
How Do You Register A New Company At Companies House?
Step 1: Prepare Your Company Details And Verify Identities
Complete the preparation checklist, agree the ownership structure and obtain each individual director’s personal code. Have the registered office, monitored email address and company rules ready before you start.
Step 2: Choose Your Registration Route And Start The Application
Use the official GOV.UK registration service for a suitable standard application. Alternatively, choose a formation agent, compatible software or postal registration using form IN01. Confirm that the route supports your company type and any bespoke documents.
Step 3: Enter Your Details, Confirm Documents And Pay
Enter the company, director, ownership and PSC information. Review the formation documents and required declarations, then pay the applicable fee. Check spellings, addresses and share figures against your records before submitting.
Step 4: Receive Your Certificate And Check Your Company Record
Once accepted, save the certificate of incorporation and check the published company record. Record any outstanding PSC verification action and move on to the tax and filing tasks. Submission alone does not confirm incorporation.
How Much Does Registration Cost And How Long Does It Take In 2026?
Online, Postal And Software Registration Compared
The current fee structure took effect on 1 February 2026. Budget for the statutory charge separately from any provider’s service fees.
| Registration Route | Statutory Incorporation Fee | Timing Or Practical Point |
| Standard online application | £100 | Usually completed within 24 hours |
| Standard software application | £100 | Confirm processing arrangements with the provider |
| Postal application | £124 | GOV.UK gives an estimate of 8 to 10 days |
| Same-day software incorporation | £156 | Subject to the service’s submission and acceptance conditions |
Same-Day Incorporation And Possible Delays
Same-day incorporation is a separate software route. Paying the standard online fee does not purchase a guaranteed completion time.
Allow time to obtain documents, resolve verification issues and correct information before submitting. If incorporation must be completed before a contract or planned launch, build in time for queries instead of assuming approval will arrive immediately.
Agent Charges, Optional Services And Ongoing Filing Fees
Ask providers whether advertised prices include the statutory incorporation fee, applicable VAT and any renewals. An address service or compliance package may create ongoing charges.
The confirmation statement fee is £50 online or through software, or £110 by post. It is charged with the first statement in each 12-month payment period. Additional statements within that payment period do not each attract another payment.
Check the scope of optional support. An incorporation package should not be assumed to include annual accounts, tax returns or ongoing advice.
What Common Mistakes Can Delay Your Application?
Incorrect Names, Addresses Or Personal Details
Check that the proposed name meets the rules, the registered office is suitable and personal information is accurate. Review names and dates of birth carefully, particularly where details have changed or different versions appear in older records.
Avoid leaving address arrangements until the application is already underway. You should understand who receives the post and how it reaches the company.
Missing Verification Information And Inconsistent Share Allocations
Check that each code belongs to the intended individual. Do not enter a company authentication code where the application asks for a personal code.
For share information, reconcile the figures before payment:
- Confirm The Total Number Of Shares: Individual allocations should match the total issued
- Check The Rights Attached To Each Class: Ownership arrangements should reflect the intended agreement
- Review PSC Information: Consider voting and control rights as well as share percentages
- Check Supporting Documents: Ensure names and details agree across the application
These checks also help prevent mistakes being accepted into the company record. An inaccurate entry does not always result in automatic rejection.
How To Respond When Your Application Needs Correction?
Read the explanation from Companies House or the filing provider and address the stated issue. Keep the application reference and correspondence together so you can track what was submitted.
Follow the instructions for correcting or resubmitting the application. Avoid submitting a second incorporation request simply because the first is taking longer than expected.
What Must You Do After Registering Your Company?
Set Up Corporation Tax Services And Obtain Your UTR
The official online incorporation service usually sets up Corporation Tax at the same time, unless the company is dormant. Other registration routes, or an unactivated business tax account, may require further action.
Check that Corporation Tax services are available in the company’s business tax account when it starts doing business. Relevant activity can include buying, selling, advertising, employing someone or renting premises.
You will need the company’s 10-digit UTR for tax administration. If it has not arrived 15 working days after registration, you can request it through HMRC’s online service. Check that the registered office receives the company’s post.
Arrange Business Banking, Records And Relevant Tax Registrations
Incorporation does not automatically open a bank account. Arrange an account suitable for the company and keep its finances distinguishable from your personal transactions.
Set up records for sales, expenses, assets, liabilities, ownership and company decisions. Directors remain responsible for the company’s records and filings even when an accountant handles the work.
Check employer registration requirements before running payroll, including salary payments to a director. Employing people can also create pension and other employment duties.
For a UK-established business, compulsory VAT registration generally applies when taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 over the preceding 12 months, or is expected to exceed £90,000 in the next 30 days alone. This is based on taxable turnover rather than profit. Voluntary registration and special rules may also apply.
Meet Accounts, Confirmation Statement And Tax Deadlines
Companies House and HMRC have separate filing responsibilities. Use the actual deadlines shown for your company, particularly if you change its accounting dates.
| Action | Standard Timing For A Private Limited Company |
| File the first accounts with Companies House | Usually 21 months after incorporation |
| File subsequent annual accounts | Usually nine months after the financial year ends |
| File a confirmation statement | At least once every 12 months, within 14 days after the review period ends |
| Pay Corporation Tax | Usually nine months and one day after the tax accounting period ends |
| File the Company Tax Return | Usually 12 months after the tax accounting period ends |
The first accounts can cover a different period from the first Corporation Tax return. Tax accounting periods cannot exceed 12 months, so the first company accounts may require more than one tax return.
Set reminders for preparing the information as well as submitting it. The tax payment deadline normally comes before the Company Tax Return deadline.
Understand Filing Duties If Your Company Is Dormant
A company can be incorporated before it starts trading. However, dormancy does not remove its Companies House accounts and confirmation statement duties.
Companies House and HMRC use different definitions of dormancy. Check both before assuming that an inactive company qualifies. Tell HMRC when appropriate, and respond to any notice requiring a tax return rather than ignoring it.
Keep monitoring the registered email and official correspondence while the company is dormant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Register A Company For Free?
Companies House charges an incorporation fee. A commercial promotion may cover that fee for you, but check eligibility, optional purchases and ongoing charges before treating the offer as free.
Can One Person Own And Run A Limited Company?
Yes. One person can be the sole director, sole shareholder and PSC of a private company limited by shares. Each role still carries its own responsibilities, including the relevant verification requirements.
Can You Register A UK Company While Living Abroad?
Yes. Directors do not have to live in the UK, but the company needs a compliant UK registered office. Overseas founders must still complete applicable verification and arrange reliable access to correspondence. Banking eligibility is a separate matter.
Do You Need An Accountant Or Formation Agent?
You can register a straightforward company yourself. Professional help can be useful for unusual ownership arrangements, bespoke articles or tax planning, but appointing an adviser does not transfer the directors’ legal responsibilities.
Does Registering A Company Protect Its Trade Mark?
No. Company incorporation and trade mark registration are separate processes. Check both the company register and existing trade marks before committing to a business name or brand.
Can You Change Company Details After Incorporation?
Yes. Many details can be changed through the relevant filing process. Some changes need approval or a separate filing, and not everything can wait until the next confirmation statement. The memorandum itself is a historical formation document and cannot be amended after incorporation.
