How to Register a Limited Company at UK Companies House in 2026

Setting up a limited company in the UK is faster and cheaper than most people think. This guide walks you through the exact steps to register with Companies House, the official registrar for UK companies. You’ll learn what documents you need, how to use the online system, and what mistakes to avoid.

This process takes between 24 to 48 hours once you submit your application. The minimum cost is £50 for the Companies House registration fee, though you’ll likely spend £100 to £200 when you factor in a registered office address and basic compliance needs.

What You Need First

Before you touch the Companies House website, gather these items. You’ll move faster and won’t hit dead ends halfway through.

• Your full name and home address
• At least one other director’s details (can be you alone)
• A shareholder name and address (can also be you)
• Your chosen company name, checked for availability
• Confirmation that your company name doesn’t breach trademark law
• A registered office address (can’t be a PO box)
• Details of what your company will do (business activity description)
• A GOV.UK One Login account (you’ll need to verify your identity)
• £50 for the registration fee

The registered office address is crucial. Many people use their home address, but if you want privacy or plan to scale, consider a virtual office service. Expect to pay £15 to £30 per month for this.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Verify Your Identity with GOV.UK One Login

Go to account.companieshouse.gov.uk. Click Sign in at the top right of the page. Select Create a new account if you don’t have one already.

You’ll be asked to link to GOV.UK One Login. This is now mandatory for all new registrations as of 2025. Click Sign in with GOV.UK One Login.

Follow the prompts to verify your identity. You’ll receive a unique personal code once verification is complete. This proves to Companies House that you’re who you say you are. The process takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 2: Check Your Company Name Availability

Return to the Companies House main site at companieshouse.gov.uk. Click Search companies in the top navigation bar.

Type your proposed company name into the search box. Results will show if an identical name is already registered. You can register a similar name, but it must not be identical or misleading.

While you’re here, do a quick search on the UK Intellectual Property Office website to check for trademark conflicts. This is free and takes 10 minutes. It’ll save you from legal problems later.

Step 3: Start Your Application on Companies House

Sign into your Companies House account using your GOV.UK One Login details. Click Register a company on the dashboard. You’ll see two options: Form IN01 (paper application) or Digital Incorporation.

Choose Digital Incorporation. It’s faster, cheaper (£50 vs £100 for paper), and you’ll get instant confirmation of receipt.

Step 4: Fill in Company Details

Enter your company name exactly as you want it to appear. The name field is case-sensitive, so capitalise exactly where you intend.

Select Private company limited by shares as your company type. This is the most common structure for small businesses. You’ll then choose your country of incorporation, which’ll be England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

Describe your business activity. Use the standard industrial classification code that best fits your work. For example, use 62010 for software development or 70229 for other professional consulting. Be accurate here, as tax authorities reference this later.

Step 5: Enter Director Details

Companies House requires at least one director. You can be the sole director or add others. Click Add a director and enter their full name, date of birth, and residential address.

If the director is a company (not a person), you’ll need to provide the company’s registered office and company number instead. Most small businesses have individual directors, not corporate ones.

Confirm whether any directors are disqualified. A disqualified director can’t act as director legally. If you’re unsure, check the Insolvency Service register online for free.

Step 6: Set Shareholding Structure

Your company needs at least one shareholder. This can be you, your co-founder, or another person. Click Add a member and fill in their details.

Enter how many shares they own. Most small companies issue 100 shares at £1 each. Keep the share structure simple unless you have specific reasons to complicate it.

Confirm the share value. If you assign £1 per share and issue 100 shares, the company’s share capital is £100. Companies House doesn’t require you to have paid this in full yet, but it’s good practice to do so.

Step 7: Provide Your Registered Office Address

Enter the address where Companies House will send all official documents. This can’t be a PO box or a virtual address alone, though virtual office providers do offer registered office services with a real physical address.

If you’re using your home address, enter it completely and accurately. Double-check the postcode.

Step 8: Review and Confirm

Check every field carefully. Companies House doesn’t allow you to edit after submission, so errors mean applying again. Look for typos in names, addresses, and business descriptions.

Agree to the Declaration. You’re confirming that the information is accurate and that everyone mentioned has consented to their details being used.

Step 9: Pay the Registration Fee

The digital incorporation fee is £50. Click Proceed to payment and select your payment method. Cards, bank transfers, and other options are available.

You’ll receive an email confirmation with your reference number. Keep this for your records.

Step 10: Wait for Approval

Companies House will process your application within 24 to 48 hours, usually much faster. You’ll get an email with your certificate of incorporation and company number.

Your company number is crucial. You’ll need it for tax registration, bank accounts, and all official business. Write it down and keep it safe.

What Comes Next After Registration

Receiving your certificate of incorporation isn’t the end, it’s the beginning. Your company is now legally registered, but you need to handle several follow-up tasks within weeks.

Register for corporation tax with HMRC. Visit hmrc.gov.uk and use the Register a company for Corporation Tax service. This usually takes a few minutes online. You must do this within 3 months of starting business, or you’ll face penalties.

Open a business bank account. You’ll need your certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association (sent with your certificate), proof of identity, and proof of address. Most banks process this within 1 to 3 business days.

Register for PAYE if you plan to hire employees. You’ll do this with HMRC using your company number and PAYE reference. This is separate from corporation tax registration.

If your turnover will exceed £85,000 per year, register for VAT with HMRC. You can do this voluntarily even if you’re below the threshold, which can help if you’re buying stock regularly.

Costs Breakdown for 2026

Item	Cost	Notes
Companies House fee	£50	Digital incorporation only
Registered office service	£15-£30/month	If not using home address
Virtual office package	£20-£50/month	Includes mail handling
Accountancy software	£10-£50/month	Xero, FreshBooks, Wave
Company formation agent	£100-£200	Optional, they file for you
Legal document templates	£20-£100	Articles, T&C, policies

The absolute minimum is £50. If you add a registered office address and basic accounting software, you’re looking at £100 to £200 for your first year. Formation agents offer convenience but aren’t essential if you follow this guide.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a PO box as your registered office. Companies House will reject this. You need a physical street address where documents can be delivered. Your home address works fine if you’re comfortable with that.

Not checking your company name against trademarks. You might register a name only to get a cease-and-desist letter from someone with a registered trademark. The IP Office search is free and takes minutes.

Entering director details wrongly. If you spell a name differently than it appears in your passport or driving license, HMRC will flag this later. Use your legal name exactly as it appears in official documents.

Forgetting to register for Corporation Tax. You have 3 months from trading to register. Missing this deadline triggers penalties starting at £100. Set a calendar reminder.

Setting up a company when a sole trader would be better. If you’re solo and don’t need limited liability protection, being a sole trader is simpler and cheaper. You don’t need Companies House registration, just HMRC self-employment registration.

Choosing the wrong company type. Private company limited by shares (the default) is right for 95% of small businesses. Don’t pick community interest company, public company, or other exotic types unless you have a specific reason.

Not keeping your registered office address current. If you move, update Companies House within 14 days. Failing to do so means Companies House can strike your company off the register.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Problem: Your company name is rejected as too similar to an existing one. Companies House checks for names that are identical or confusingly similar. If rejected, try adding a descriptor like “Ltd” to the end, or change one word. Resubmit and it’ll usually pass.

Problem: GOV.UK One Login verification fails. This usually happens if your identity details don’t match official records. Try again with your exact legal name, date of birth, and address as they appear on your passport or driving license. If it keeps failing, call the Companies House helpline on 0303 1234 500.

Problem: You’ve submitted the application but spotted a typo. Once submitted, you can’t edit. You’ll have to wait for processing and then apply again with the correct information. Then dissolve the incorrect company. It’s annoying but not the end of the world. Digital incorporation is so cheap that starting over costs only £50.

Problem: Your application is taking longer than 48 hours. Check your email (including spam folder) for any requests from Companies House. If there’s truly nothing, wait 5 more business days. If still nothing, contact them on 0303 1234 500.

Problem: Your bank won’t open an account without a director’s resolution. Some banks request a board resolution confirming who can operate the account. Companies House doesn’t require this, but you can create one using a free template. Your bank will advise what they need specifically.

Problem: You want to change the company name after registration. You can, but it’s not instant. You’ll file a Form NM01 with Companies House (£10 fee online). Processing takes 5 to 10 working days. Use the same account you used for registration.

Questions People Ask

Can I register a limited company if I’m not a UK citizen?

Yes, absolutely. You don’t need to be a UK citizen or even a UK resident. You’ll need a UK residential address (where Companies House can send documents), but this can be a friend’s address, an accountant’s office, or a virtual office service. Non-UK residents often use virtual office providers for their registered office address. The process is identical, and you’ll still need GOV.UK One Login verification, which works for overseas applicants.

How long does it really take from start to finish?

If you’re prepared, you can submit your application in 15 to 20 minutes. Companies House will process it within 24 to 48 hours, usually the same day. Once you get your certificate, opening a bank account takes 1 to 5 business days, and HMRC corporation tax registration is instant online. From clicking start to having a fully operational company usually takes 3 to 5 working days. The only real delay is bank account approval.

Do I need an accountant to register a company?

Not at all. This guide covers everything you need to do it yourself for £50. Accountants charge £150 to £500 to register a company for you, so you’re just paying for convenience. Where an accountant becomes valuable is after registration, when you need help with tax returns, payroll, and year-end accounts. Many small business owners start alone and hire an accountant once they hit £50,000 turnover.

What’s the difference between a private company limited by shares and other types?

A private company limited by shares is the standard structure. Your personal liability is limited to what you’ve invested, and you can’t sell shares to the public. A public company can sell shares publicly but has more regulations and costs. A company limited by guarantee has no shares and is typically used by charities or membership organizations. A community interest company is for social enterprises. Stick with private company limited by shares unless you have a specific reason otherwise.

Conclusion

Registering a UK limited company at Companies House is straightforward when you follow the steps in order. The cost is minimal at £50, and the process takes less than a week from application to having a fully registered business.

Your biggest task isn’t registration, it’s what comes after. Open a bank account, register for tax, and set up basic accounting records within your first month. These steps take more time than Companies House registration itself, but they’re equally important.

Start your application today at companieshouse.gov.uk, and you’ll have your company number in your inbox within 48 hours. Good luck with your new business.