Registering a limited company is a manageable online task, but the details you submit become part of the company’s legal record. Careful preparation can prevent rejection, protect your privacy and give the business a clean start. Here is how to register a limited company through Companies House, from choosing a name to receiving the certificate of incorporation.
Prepare Before Your Companies House Registration
Choose the Company Type and Key People
Most profit-making businesses register as private companies limited by shares. You need at least one director and one shareholder, and the same person may hold both roles. A private company does not have to appoint a company secretary. A company limited by guarantee has guarantors rather than shareholders and is often used by membership or not-for-profit organisations.
You must identify any people with significant control, known as PSCs. This generally includes someone with more than 25% of the shares or voting rights, although other forms of control may qualify. Gather the directors’ and PSCs’ details before you start.
Check the Name and Arrange an Address
Search the Companies House register to check that the proposed name is available, then search the UK trade mark register separately. A name cannot be offensive, the same as an existing registered name, or include certain sensitive words without permission. It will normally end in “Limited” or “Ltd”.
The registered office must be an appropriate physical UK address in the same jurisdiction where the company is registered. Official post must reach the company there, and a PO Box alone is not accepted. This address is public, so consider an accountant or authorised address service if you do not want to publish your home address. You also need a registered email address, which is not displayed publicly.
Information and Documents You Will Need
Prepare the company name, registered office, registered email and a SIC code that describes the business activity. For each director, you will need personal details including their name, date of birth, nationality, occupation, service address and residential address. Some information is public, but the full residential address is generally protected from routine public view.
For a company limited by shares, decide who owns the shares, their number, class and nominal value. You will also need PSC information and articles of association. If you register a company online with standard documents, the memorandum of association is created automatically. You may use model articles or suitable bespoke articles.
How to Register a Limited Company Online
1. Verify the Directors’ Identities
New directors must verify their identity for Companies House. They can do this free through GOV.UK One Login or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, such as an eligible accountant or formation agent. Each verified person receives a Companies House personal code. Collect every director’s code before filing. PSCs must also meet the applicable identity-verification requirement and connect their verified identity to the relevant role.
2. Start the Official Application
Use the company registration service on GOV.UK. Create a Government Gateway user ID and password for the company during the process; do not use your personal Government Gateway credentials. The service will usually set the company up for Corporation Tax at the same time unless it is dormant.
3. Enter the Company Details
Add the approved name, registered office, registered email and SIC code. Confirm the jurisdiction of registration and the required statements about the company’s lawful purpose and future activities. Check every spelling and address because accepted information becomes part of the Companies House register.
4. Add Directors, Owners and PSCs
Enter each director’s details and personal code, followed by the shareholders or guarantors. In a simple one-person company limited by shares, one individual may be the sole director, shareholder and PSC. With several owners, make sure the shares, voting rights and PSC declarations accurately reflect who controls the company.
5. Confirm the Constitution and Capital
Select the model articles if they suit the business or provide bespoke articles through an appropriate route. Confirm the memorandum, statement of capital and subscriber details. Do not choose a share structure casually: the class, number and value of shares affect ownership, voting rights and potential liability.
6. Review, Pay and Submit
Review the entire application before paying. Correcting an error after incorporation may require another filing, evidence or a fee. The current online company registration fee is £100, payable by debit or credit card. Submit only when all names, addresses, personal codes and ownership details are accurate.
Registration Cost and Waiting Time
Companies House says an online company is usually registered within 24 hours, although additional checks can cause delays. Postal registration using form IN01 currently costs £124 and normally takes 8 to 10 days. Same-day incorporation is available through compatible software at a higher fee.
After approval, you receive a certificate of incorporation confirming that the company legally exists. It shows the company number and formation date. If Companies House rejects the filing, correct the stated issue before resubmitting.
What to Do After Incorporation
Save the certificate, articles and formation details. When the company’s 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference arrives, add Corporation Tax services to its business tax account. Register for PAYE if the company will employ staff or pay a director through payroll, and keep business money separate from personal funds.
Registration is only the beginning. Directors remain responsible for company records, annual accounts, tax returns, Corporation Tax and the confirmation statement, even when an accountant handles the work. Monitor the registered office and email, report relevant changes and record official filing deadlines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common problems include an unavailable name, an unsuitable registered office, an incorrect SIC code, a missing PSC or identity details that do not match. Privacy is another frequent oversight because the registered office and a director’s service address are public. Review the whole application carefully before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Register a Limited Company Myself?
Yes. You can register a straightforward private company directly through GOV.UK. Consider professional advice if you need bespoke articles, several share classes, overseas ownership or specialist tax planning.
How Much Is the Online Company Registration Fee?
The current Companies House digital incorporation fee is £100. Agents, address providers and software services may charge separately, so distinguish their prices from the official filing fee.
Do I Need an Accountant to Incorporate a Company in the UK?
No. An accountant is not legally required for standard online incorporation. Advice can still help when choosing a structure, dividing ownership or understanding ongoing tax and reporting duties.
Can I Register a Company Without Trading Immediately?
Yes. A company may remain dormant, but it still has Companies House responsibilities, including the required accounts and confirmation statement. Notify the relevant authorities when its trading status changes.
Complete Your Registration with Confidence
To register successfully, verify the directors, confirm the name, prepare the addresses and ownership details, select the right SIC code and complete the Companies House registration carefully. Once approved, organise the tax account, records and filing calendar. A precise application creates a stronger foundation and reduces avoidable administration later.