#1 for UK Company Formation
Register your company
for £1 £139.99
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Get your limited company registered for just £1 when you subscribe to our accounting service
All Inclusive with Accounting Package
Register your company for just £1 when you select our All Inclusive with Accounting Package (usual price £139.99) and subscribe to our accounting service. For the following 11 months, pay from £49 +VAT/month for accounting, then rolling monthly after that.
- Also includes three address services, full compliance service and a choice of eight business bank accounts
- Free Companies House identity verification and personal code, handled for you as an ACSP
28,000+
Trustpilot & Google reviews
Choose from
8 business bank accounts
Choose the business bank account that's right for you
Limited company formation packages
Everything you need to register a company in the UK - explore our packages.
Digital
Basic company formation to get you up and running.
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Company Registration with
ID Verification and Personal CodeCompany Registration with ID Verification
Your limited company will usually be registered at Companies House within 24 hours.
As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), we'll handle your ID verification for free and get your Personal Verification Code (PVC) on your behalf if you don't have one already.
Once your company is approved, you can start trading immediately.
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Free Business Bank Account
Free Business Bank Account
UK Customers
We have partnered with 8 leading UK banks to offer free business banking. Simply choose your preferred bank when ordering, and they will contact you after your company is formed.
International Customers
Overseas customers are recommended to purchase the Non-Residents Package, which includes free business account referrals.
Please note: All account openings are subject to bank approval.
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Free Online Company Manager
Free Online Company Manager
Manage all your company details from one central login: receive filing date reminders, update company details, form new companies, import existing ones, and download documents and official mail.
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Free .com or .co.uk
Domain NameFree .com or .co.uk Domain Name
In partnership with IONOS, claim a free .com or .co.uk domain for one year.
How it works: After your company is registered, you’ll receive an order confirmation email with a link to the IONOS site to claim your domain or add hosting for just £1/month.
Please note: Free for the first year only, valid exclusively via the link in your confirmation email. Renewal fees are not included. Standard T&Cs apply.
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Filing of the First
Confirmation StatementConfirmation Statement Service
A company expert will prepare and submit your annual confirmation statement to Companies House accurately and on time.
Please note: This service does not include the £50.00 Companies House filing fee. Payment will be taken using your stored card details.
Renewable annually at £75.99 +VAT.
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Business Telephone Number
Free for 3 MonthsBusiness Telephone Number
Receive a dedicated London or regional telephone number with calls forwarded to your chosen number.
- Set up within one business day
- 3 months free, then £9.99 +VAT per month
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Full Set of
Company DocumentsFull Set of Company Documents
Delivered by email as soon as your new company is registered:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles
- Share Certificates
- WebFiling Authentication Code
Privacy
Protect your home privacy with our address services.
Everything in the Digital Package, plus:
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Company Registers
with First EntriesCompany Registers with First Entries
Your company's official registers, set up and ready to go from day one. We provide a complete digital set of company registers, pre-filled from the date of your company's incorporation.
- Register of Shareholders (legally required)
- Register of Directors
- Register of PSCs
- Plus more, including the Register of Allotments, Transfers, Mortgages, and Debentures
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London Registered Office Service, for 12 months
London Registered Office
Use our Covent Garden address as your company's registered office to protect your home address.
Government mail and court documents scanned and emailed daily, free of charge.
Renewable every 12 months at £39.00 +VAT.
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1x London Service Address Service, for 12 months
London Service Address
An official address for a director, shareholder, or PSC on the public record.
Government mail and court documents scanned and emailed daily, free of charge.
Renewable every 12 months at £26.00 +VAT.
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London Business Address Service, for 12 months
(worth £96.00)London Business Address
Use our Covent Garden address for business correspondence, establishing a Central London presence.
Mail forwarded by scan and email on the same day at £0.50 per item.
Renewable annually at £96.00 +VAT.
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Business Document Template
(worth £99.99)Business Document Template Library
Instant access to 400+ ready-to-use business templates.
What's included?
- Employment contracts, NDAs, shareholder agreements, disclaimers and more
- Professionally drafted and reviewed by legal experts
- Dynamic share certificate and invoice generators
- Regularly updated to reflect current regulations
- Easily customisable to suit your business
Renewal Cost
Renewable annually for £99.99 +VAT.
All Inclusive
Focus on growth. We'll keep you legal and compliant.
Everything in the Privacy Package, plus:
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Hassle-Free Compliance
Service (worth £149.99)Hassle-Free Compliance Service
Keep your company compliant with the tools and support to run your business confidently.
What's included?
- Unlimited access to 400+ legally reviewed business document templates
- Preparation and filing of your annual confirmation statement (excl. Companies House filing fee)
- 50% discount on company changes including director appointments and share transfers
- Expert compliance support by phone and email
- Quarterly webinars and monthly newsletter on key updates
- ICO registration and Certificate of Good Standing managed on your behalf if required
- Dormant company accounts prepared and filed if required
Renewal Cost
Renewable annually for £149.99 +VAT.
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VAT Registration (use anytime)
VAT Registration
Our trained staff will handle your VAT registration online. Once approved, HMRC will send your VAT Registration Number by post, and your VAT Registration Certificate will be available online on the Government Gateway.
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PAYE Registration (use anytime)
PAYE Registration
If you will pay yourself a salary as a director or are paying employees a salary, you must register for PAYE with HMRC.
Our staff will handle the registration on your behalf. The process usually takes around 3 weeks, with PAYE details sent to you by post from HMRC.
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Free 4 Hours of Meeting
Room HireFree 4 Hours of Meeting Room Hire
4 hours of meeting room hire for up to eight people at our Covent Garden location, equipped with:
- Touchscreen displays, video conferencing, and Clickshare screen sharing
- 10Gb Wi-Fi, air conditioning, concierge service, and complimentary refreshments
Open 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday. Use in a single session or split across meetings. Must be used within 6 months of purchase.
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UK GDPR Compliance Package
UK GDPR Compliance Package
Guidance and templates to become UK GDPR compliant quickly. Breaches can lead to very large fines - this package helps you avoid hours of research.
All Inclusive
with Accounting
Get our All Inclusive Package for £1.00 when you sign up for the accounting service.
Everything in the All Inclusive Package, plus:
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Accounting Standard Plan
(nothing to pay for one month)Accounting Standard Plan
This package includes the Standard Accounting plan (£89 +VAT/mth) - the right fit for most new companies that are trading and paying their director a salary.
The choice is yours - Standard is simply the starting point. You can switch to Simple (£49 +VAT) or Scale (£129 +VAT) during your onboarding call, or at any time after.
How it works
- Select the All Inclusive with Accounting Package and complete our online company formation process.
- Once your company is registered, we'll email you to sign your letter of engagement and book your onboarding call.
- During the onboarding call, you can choose the right accounting plan for your business and get set up on Xero accounting software.
- You're all set - within 48 hours of your call, your accounting service is live, with our team ready to support your business.
Please note: By selecting the All Inclusive with Accounting Package, you'll register your company for £1 and start a subscription to the accounting service. There is nothing to pay for the first month, then for the next 11 months, you'll pay from £49 + VAT/month for the accounting service. After that, your subscription continues on a rolling monthly basis until cancelled.
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Year-end Accounts
Year-end Accounts
We prepare and file your annual accounts with Companies House, keeping you compliant and penalty-free.
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Corporation Tax Return
Corporation Tax Return
We calculate, prepare and file your Corporation Tax return with HMRC - accurately and on time, every year.
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Xero Accounting Software
Xero Accounting Software
Xero is the market-leading cloud software for invoices, expenses and bank transactions, keeping you organised wherever you are. It's included on every plan, saving you up to £600 a year.
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VAT Registration and Returns
VAT Registration and Returns
We register you for VAT and submit your quarterly returns to HMRC under Making Tax Digital.
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PAYE Registration and Payroll for 1 Director
PAYE Registration and Payroll for 1 Director
We set up your PAYE scheme with HMRC and run monthly payroll for one director, including payslips and submissions.
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Self Assessment for 1 Director
Self Assessment for 1 Director
We prepare and file your Self Assessment tax return, covering salary, dividends and other personal income for one director.
The All Inclusive with Accounting Package for £1
Everything you need to launch, stay compliant and keep your accounts in order.
- Company formation in 24 hours
- We pay the £100 Companies House fee
- 3 essential address services
- Hassle-Free Compliance Service
- Full accounting service
Company formation in 24 hours
With free Companies House identity verification and personal code.
Full accounting service
Expert accountants, Xero software, end of year accounts, tax returns and more - all included.
3 essential address services
Registered office address, service address and business address, free for 12 months.
Hassle-Free Compliance Service
Business template library, annual filings and expert support, free for 12 months.
By selecting the All Inclusive with Accounting Package, you'll register your company for £1 and start a subscription to the accounting service. There is nothing to pay for the first month, then for the next 11 months, you'll pay from £49 + VAT/month for the accounting service. After that, your subscription continues on a rolling monthly basis until cancelled.
FAQs about registering a company
What is company formation?
Company formation is the legal process of creating a new business entity, distinct from its owners or shareholders. It is also known as company registration or incorporation. In the UK, it typically involves registration with Companies House or a company formation agent. It includes choosing a unique company name, defining the company's legal structure, and submitting the required documents.
How long does it take to register a new company?
Our simple online application form takes no more than 20 minutes to complete.
Once the application has been submitted to Companies House, it will usually be processed in one working day; however, this is subject to Companies House workload and may take longer.
If it is important that your company is formed on the same day, you can purchase our Same-Day Incorporation Service at the checkout with any of our packages. This service is available before 12pm GMT, Monday-Friday.
Can I register a company on my own?
Yes. One person can form a limited company in the UK. You will need a director and a shareholder, and one individual can hold both positions.
Can I appoint more than one director or shareholder when forming my company?
Yes. You can add multiple directors, shareholders, or guarantors during the company formation process.
Our online application lets you include as many people as required, allocate shares in different proportions, and assign specific roles (such as director or company secretary).
If you're unsure how to structure your shareholdings, you can start with a simple setup and make changes later through Companies House filings.
Will my residential address be publicly available?
Although you must report your residential address to Companies House, you can keep it private and off the public record by using our registered office and service address services.
What is required to form a UK limited company?
To register a UK limited company, you will need:
- A unique company name available to register with Companies House
- The address to be used as the company’s registered office address.
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Details of your company directors and shareholders, including:
- Full names
- Addresses
- Dates of birth
- Your company’s business activities, described using SIC codes
Having these details ready will make the formation process quicker and easier.
Do I need an accountant for a limited company?
There's no legal requirement to hire one, but running a limited company comes with real responsibilities. You need to file annual accounts and a Corporation Tax return, along with other requirements depending on your situation. Each has strict deadlines and penalties for mistakes.
An accountant takes that pressure off, keeps you compliant, and frees you to focus on your business.
How do I purchase the Accounting Service?
The Accounting Service is only available when you form your company with us.
You can include it by choosing the All Inclusive with Accounting Package, or by adding it at checkout with any of our other company formation packages. This means your finances are looked after from day one, with nothing to set up later.
The Accounting Service is provided by BSQ Accounting, our sister company within the BSQ Group. You buy it through 1st Formations, and BSQ Accounting's ACCA-qualified team looks after your accounts. Same group, same standards, one point of contact.
How do I choose and register a company name?
Your company name must be unique and comply with Companies House rules.
During the company formation process, you can instantly check if a name is available using our company name checker. If it's already taken, you can select an appropriate alternative.
Should I use limited or ltd in my company name?
When completing your company registration, you can choose to use either 'Limited' or the abbreviated 'Ltd' in your company name - both are legally acceptable and indicate that your business is a private limited company.
The choice comes down to style: 'Limited' offers a more formal look, while 'Ltd' provides a modern, streamlined alternative.
How do I get a business bank account?
During the application process, we will provide a list of banks we can refer you to. Once your company is formed, we will share your details with the chosen bank who will contact you directly.
What documents will I get after forming my company?
Once your company has been incorporated, you will receive digital copies of the following documents:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Share Certificates
- Minutes of the First Board Meeting
- WebFiling Authentication Code
If your package includes hard-copy company documents, these will be dispatched to you within one working day.
When can I start trading?
You can begin trading as soon as your company is registered by Companies House. Usually within one working day.
Do you verify my ID with Companies House when I form a company?
Yes. We are an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) and can verify the identity of officers and persons with significant control (PSCs) on behalf of Companies House.
When we submit your company formation application to Companies House, once your company has been formed, you will appear as 'verified' for ID purposes on the Companies House public register.
We will also carry out additional checks to comply with our anti-money laundering responsibilities, as we are supervised by HMRC for anti-money laundering purposes.
The ID verification process is quick, simple, and free of charge. Typically it is completed within just a few minutes. You can read more about our ID Requirements.
Is 1st Formations an ACSP?
Yes, 1st Formations is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), approved to carry out identity verification and submit filings for company formations on behalf of clients, in compliance with Companies House regulations.
This status ensures we meet strict anti-money laundering and due diligence requirements, offering you a trusted and secure company formation service, whilst also ensuring that when forming a company with us, you automatically have your ID verified with Companies House at the same time.
Company formation in 4 simple steps
Our easy company registration process gets your business up and running in no time
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1
Choose a
Company NameStart by checking the availability of your preferred company name, along with a few alternative options. Once you've confirmed a name is free to use, we will save it and you can move forward to the next step.
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2
Select a Company
Formation PackageSelect the limited company structure that suits you best - from basic company formation to options with compliance support and accounting services. Our team ensures fast company incorporation.
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3
Additional Items
and CheckoutAt the checkout page, you can add any extra services and exclusive offers to your basket. Then, proceed to payment. Upon successful payment, you will proceed to the final step of the process.
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4
Complete Your
Company DetailsSubmit the required details for your new company, including your UK registered office address and director and shareholder details. Need help? See our guide on information required to set up a company.
We're the UK's largest company formation agent
Introducing our Covent Garden HQ and our team of over 140 company experts
Non-Residents Package
A complete solution designed for non-UK residents forming their company from abroad. This package makes UK company formation simple, efficient, and fully compliant. A full list of eligible countries can be found here.
Stress-free compliance
Your company will be registered with Companies House, usually within 24 hours. The ID verification and compliance process can be challenging for non-residents, but we guide you through every step to ensure it’s completed smoothly.
UK business banking
Once your company formation is complete, get an exclusive referral to WorldFirst, a business banking solution designed for overseas business owners. Open a UK business account that supports multiple currencies and gives you everything you need to run your UK company.
UK address services
Establish a credible UK presence with London address services, including a registered office address. All mail is scanned and emailed to you at no extra cost. Secure mail forwarding is available for valuable items, offering international delivery options tailored to your needs.
The best choice of business bank accounts
Form your company with 1st Formations and set up your
business bank account with no paperwork or stress.
Barclays business bank account
This leading high street bank offers a business bank account with no fees for the first 12 months. Their App allows you to manage your account online, make payments locally and internationally, and create invoices for free.
How to apply
Once your company has been formed, Barclays will contact you with details on how to open your account. Your account will be opened within 6 to 8 weeks, and your business debit card will arrive within 5 days of the account being activated.
NatWest start up business account
Established high street bank NatWest offer a business bank account with no transaction fees for the first 18 months. They also provide a range of borrowing options to help grow your business.
How to apply
NatWest will email you within 1 day of your company's incorporation with instructions for opening your account.
Monzo business bank account
This business bank account offers spending notifications, pots to separate and manage your money, FSCS protection, and instant UK bank transfers. Starting with no monthly fees, it's a great choice for businesses.
How to apply
Monzo will email you within 24 hours of your company's formation to guide you through the account opening process.
Lloyds business account
Join over 1 million businesses that bank with Lloyds and get an instant decision on up to £5,000 credit (subject to status). Open a Business Account and enjoy a range of benefits, including free accounting software with no hidden costs, no monthly account fee for the first 12 months, and 24/7 mobile banking to manage your finances on the go.
How to apply
Once your company is formed, you will be invited to apply via their app. Most applications are completed in minutes, and you’ll receive a prompt decision on your credit limit.
ANNA business bank account
This online business banking solution provides free money transfers and ATM transactions, 1% cashback on business expenses paid with your debit card, and the ability to set up direct debits. ANNA also provide multiple debit cards with customisable spending limits.
How to apply
Once your company is incorporated, you'll receive an email and SMS with a link to start your online application. Most accounts are opened in just 3 minutes, with your company's debit card arriving within 5 working days.
Revolut Business account – for non-UK residents
Revolut Business is an all-in-one finance platform built for companies that want more than just a bank account. From £10 per month, you'll get access to multi-currency accounts in GBP, EUR, and USD across 50+ countries, plus integrations with Xero, FreeAgent, Shopify, and more – keeping your finances and accounting in one place.
How to apply
Our Non-Residents package comes with a free banking referral. Once your company is formed, you'll receive an email with everything you need to get started – including a link to apply for a Revolut Business account. If your application is approved, you'll be set up with a UK sort code and account number shortly after.
Note: All account openings are subject to approval.
Wise Business account – for non-UK residents
Wise Business is designed for companies that operate across borders. With no monthly fee, you can hold and convert 40+ currencies, receive local account details in GBP, EUR, USD, AUD, CAD, and more, and send low-cost international payments to 80+ countries. Wise integrates with Stripe, Xero, Shopify, and QuickBooks to keep your financial admin streamlined.
How to apply
Our Non-Residents package comes with a free banking referral. Once your company is formed, you'll receive an email with everything you need to get started – including a link to apply for a Wise Business account. If your application is approved, you'll be set up with a UK sort code and account number shortly after.
Note: All account openings are subject to approval.
Starling business account
Join thousands of businesses banking with Starling, the multi-award-winning digital bank. Open a Business Account with no monthly account fees and enjoy fast, secure UK and international transfers, easy integrations with Xero and QuickBooks, and round-the-clock UK-based support. Your eligible deposits are protected by the FSCS up to £120,000, so you can manage your money with confidence. Other charges may apply.
How to apply
Download the Starling app to get started. If you are an existing Starling personal customer, you can open a new account straight from the profile section of your app.
From there, you will apply for a business account within the app. Starling will review your application and may request additional documentation before approving your account.
The information you need to form a company
Here is what you need to register a company limited by shares - the most popular type of UK company
Creating space for positive change
We proudly donate over 3,000 sq ft of our Covent Garden headquarters to seven charities —
giving them fully equipped offices in the heart of London, completely free of charge
The company formation process was streamlined and as simple as we needed it to be.
Robert Smallcombe, EcoHedge View customer story
Support at every stage of your business journey
From your first idea to long-term success, we're with you every step of the way –
from registering your company to helping it grow
Getting started
Practical guidance for founders – all in one place.
- Choosing the right business structure
- Understanding your legal responsibilities
- Step-by-step guides, expert tips and FAQs
Making it official
Fast, expert-led UK company formation.
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Get trading in as little
as 24 hours - Built-in ID verification to avoid delays
- Tailored packages for non-UK founders
Managing your company
Ongoing support to keep your business compliant.
- Registered office & director service addresses
- Trusted compliance services
- Full accounting service from ACCA accountants
Growing with confidence
Trusted partners and solutions for scaling your business.
- Business banking to help you get started
- Exclusive partner offers and rewards
- Expert support as your business evolves
New to company formation?
Created for beginners, this short video will provide you with everything you need to know
about the
company formation process
- in the simplest of terms. Watch it and register your company today.
Meet the people
behind the companies
We helped them through company formation and beyond. Watch their case studies to see how they are growing.
Why register your company with 1st Formations?
Unbeatable value
We pass our savings directly on to you, and offer competitive pricing without damaging quality or service. Our customers enjoy outstanding value, exclusive features, and access to the UK's leading customer rewards program.
Outstanding customer support
Our team delivers excellent support backed by comprehensive internal and external training. With a strong customer-first policy, we are here to provide reliable guidance throughout your company formation journey.
Fast & hassle-free set-up
You can form your company online in only 15 minutes, and Companies House approves most applications within 24 hours. Our fast, user-friendly system makes starting your business simple, so you can focus on your growth vision.
The UK's most trusted provider
We are the UK's largest and most trusted company formation agent, proudly serving entrepreneurs worldwide. With over 28,000 excellent reviews, our reputation is built on consistent customer satisfaction.
Prestigious business addresses
Build instant credibility with our premium Covent Garden address. We offer registered office, director service address, and business address solutions in one of London's most recognisable business locations.
Driven by purpose
We are a B Corp company standing up for our local community. From offering free office space to charities to empowering women and girls through education, we're committed to creating a long lasting social impact.
Form your company with confidence
Set up a limited company today, and start trading tomorrow
Frequently asked questions
What is a limited company and why should I form one?
A limited company is a business structure that legally separates the owner(s) from the business, protecting personal assets from the company's debts and financial obligations. It's the most popular business structure in the UK.
The main benefit of forming a limited company is this limited liability protection - if the business runs into trouble, your personal assets stay safe. Limited companies also offer tax efficiency and enhanced credibility, giving your business greater security and room to grow.
What is a company formation agent, and why would I use one?
A company formation agent registers your company with Companies House, usually online, making the process faster, easier, and more cost-effective while reducing the risk of mistakes or delays.
Many agents also advise on the right company structure, provide a registered office address service, and support you with ongoing admin and compliance work - a time-saving option for new business owners.
Why use a company formation agent?
Using a company formation agent simplifies the process of setting up your business. They ensure your company is accurately and efficiently registered with Companies House, helping to reduce mistakes and delays. Formation agents also provide expert advice on choosing the right company structure, offer registered office services, and can support you with ongoing administrative tasks—making them a smart, time-saving option for new business owners.
What type of company structure is most commonly chosen by UK businesses?
Private limited companies account for over 95% of all companies registered in the UK. An overwhelming majority of these are private companies limited by shares, making this structure the most commonly used company type.
What are the annual filings?
The annual filing requirements for a UK limited company include a confirmation statement, annual accounts, and a Corporation Tax Return. Staying on top of these is essential to avoid penalties and keep your company in good standing.
Our Hassle Free Compliance Service takes care of your confirmation statement and other filings, while our Accounting Service handles your annual accounts and Corporation Tax Return - so you can stay compliant without lifting a finger.
Do 1st Formations provide support after I form my company?
Yes, 1st Formations provide full telephone, email and online chat support for all customers during the lifetime of their companies. We also provide an Online Company Manager and a full range of company services including London company address services to help maintain and develop your company.
What methods of payment do 1st Formations accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, and American Express. We also accept digital wallet payments via Google Pay and Apple Pay. All transactions are processed securely, giving you peace of mind when setting up your company.
How many shares do I need to issue?
A limited company must issue at least one share. If there is more than one shareholder, it is required to issue at least one share per shareholder. It is often recommended to issue more than the minimum number of shares to avoid the need to issue more in the future.
Do I have to be in the UK to form a company?
No. You can form a company as a non UK resident from most locations in the world. However, you will require to have a UK registered office address, which 1st Formations provides in most of our company formation packages. Have a look at our Non-Residents Package for more details on how to register your company from abroad.
Do I need a business bank account?
There is no legal obligation for a limited company to open a business bank account; however, in practice it is almost impossible to operate without one. A limited company is a separate legal entity from its owners; therefore you should keep your personal and business finances separate.
How does your Accounting Service work?
Once your company is formed, we'll send you your letter of engagement and invite you to an onboarding call. On the call, you'll choose the accounting plan that suits your business best - from £49 +VAT per month - and we'll introduce you to Xero, your cloud accounting software.
Within 48 hours of your onboarding call, everything is set up and you're ready to go. You'll have access to your dashboard and Xero, so you can monitor your filings, create invoices, and log payments from day one.
From there, the team keeps your company compliant all year round - your annual accounts, your Corporation Tax return, and your dealings with HMRC. You'll also have access to our team for advice on everything from tax efficiency and claiming expenses to getting the most out of Xero.
Do I need an accountant from day 1?
When you're new to running a company, you don't know what you don't know. Mistakes and missed deadlines can be expensive to put right. Starting with an accountant means everything is set up correctly from the outset, with nothing to untangle later as your company grows.
How do I know which accounting plan is right for me?
We'll check you're starting out on the right plan during your onboarding call by going through a short list of questions so we can start to understand your business. Once you're on a particular plan, if we think its not the best fit for you as we work with you during your plan term, we'll suggest one that will be a better fit.
How long does it take to set up your Accounting Service?
As soon as your company is formed, we'll email you your letter of engagement, then book an onboarding call to get everything set up, including your Xero account. After that, your service will be set up within 48 hours.
What customers say about our company formation service
Over 23,000 customer reviews on Trustpilot - a 98% approval rating
Our company services
A selection of 1st Formations' services to help you set up, maintain and develop your business
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London Registered Office Service
Our London Registered Office Service gives your company an official address in central London, ensuring full compliance with Companies House requirements while protecting your home address.
All statutory mail from government agencies such as HMRC and Companies House is securely received and forwarded to you digitally on the same working day.
Ideal for UK and overseas entrepreneurs, this service enhances your professional image, builds trust, and offers a cost-effective way to establish a credible business presence without the need for a physical office.
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Confirmation Statement Service
Our Confirmation Statement Service ensures you never miss this essential annual filing.
We monitor your deadlines, prepare your statement accurately, and submit it to Companies House, keeping all statutory details, such as shareholdings, PSCs, SIC codes, and officer information, fully up to date. By relying on our expert team, you avoid penalties and administrative stress.
Fast, reliable, and compliant, it's the simplest way to maintain correct company records and focus on running your business.
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Hassle-Free Compliance Service
Our Hassle-Free Compliance Service gives you everything you need to stay compliant and protect your business without the hassle or the hefty bills.
For £149.99 per year, you get unlimited access to 350+ legally reviewed, ready-to-use business document templates, plus your confirmation statement filing and ICO registration (if required). The service includes expert compliance support by phone and email whenever you need it, and an exclusive 50% discount on company changes from director appointments to share transfers.
It's a complete, dependable solution for keeping your company protected, organised, and fully compliant.
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Online Company Manager
The Online Company Manager is a free, secure dashboard that lets you manage your company with ease.
Update details, file changes directly with Companies House, monitor important deadlines, and access your statutory records anytime. With automatic syncing, your information stays accurate and up to date. You can also purchase additional services, track orders, and manage multiple companies from one account.
Fast and intuitive, it provides everything you need to stay organised and compliant in just a few clicks.
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Business Document Template Library
The Business Document Template Library provides unlimited access to a growing collection of over 350 business templates. Reviewed by legal experts, these templates help maintain high standards and represent significant savings compared to costly hourly rates.
Access the library anytime, anywhere via the Online Company Manager. Explore a variety of templates, including contracts, policies, and NDAs, to ensure your business documents are robust, current and look professional.
For your convenience, all documents are clearly categorised and can be downloaded directly to your device, allowing for endless customisation by you to meet your specific business needs.
Company formation advice you can rely on
What is company formation?
Company formation is the process of legally incorporating a business as a separate entity, typically a limited company, which protects owners from personal liability for business debts and requires compliance with regulatory standards.
What is a company registration number (CRN)?
A company registration number (CRN) is the unique identifier issued by Companies House when a company is incorporated in the UK. You can find your CRN on the certificate of incorporation, in Companies House correspondence, or by searching your company on the Companies House register. The CRN stays the same for the life of the company and links your business to its official record and filings.
How many shares should I issue when forming a company?
When forming a company, issue at least one share per shareholder. Consider issuing more shares for future flexibility, especially if you plan to bring in new investors or transfer ownership. Aim for easy-to-divide quantities, like 100 or 1,000 shares.
What you can expect from our company formation service...
Who we are
1st Formations is the largest company formation agent in the UK. We have formed over 1,000,000 companies and handle thousands of company formations every month - with a team of 140 staff working from our Covent Garden headquarters in Central London.
We are Companies House authorised agents, also known as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSP), permitted to register companies and conduct identity verification checks on behalf of clients for UK company filings.
1st Formations is supervised by HMRC for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) purposes and is a member of ACRA (the Association of Company Registration Agents), ensuring our company documentation is of the highest quality, always up-to-date, and compliant with current regulations and legislation.
We are available and ready to support you every step of the way, from tentative initial enquiries, to helping you choose a company formation package, and guiding you through the registration process.
If you need any assistance, please contact one of our company experts on 020 3897 2233.
Once you are ready to start
It’s simple to follow our four-step process: Go to our homepage and find out if your company name is available at Companies House; choose a package; select any additional company services and exclusive offers you may require, check out and pay. You will then receive your account login credentials by email.
After successful payment, it's time for the final step, where you will be asked to supply company information such as your UK registered office address and director and shareholder details. This should take you no more than 15 minutes, and your new company should be registered and ready to trade within 24 hours.
As soon as your new company is incorporated, we will send you an order fulfilment email including your company documents and WebFiling Authentication Code.
After company formation
Our journey together has just started! 1st Formations provides free customer support for the lifetime of your company. So please contact us by live chat, phone or contact form if you need help.
We also provide a free Online Company Manager, where you can maintain and update your company details and access a full range of company services, including our customer rewards program.
Are you ready to
set up your company?
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Eligible Countries
We can form companies for customers in most countries in the world; however, there are several that are not eligible.
Check if your country is eligible below: