Introduction
Wondering what documents and information are needed to register a company in the UK? This guide breaks down everything required for company registration, and how to get it right first time. Find a checklist of information needed about your business, including the people who are joining your company, the ownership structure, and the costs you should expect. Plus, learn about key compliance tasks you need to carry out after your company has been registered.
Key Takeaways
- To register a company, you must submit key details about your company, including information about directors, shareholders, and the UK registered office.
- Information required includes your company’s proposed name, activities, and the details of directors and shareholders.
- Documents needed include Articles of association and ID verification documents for directors and PSCs.
- There are no nationality or residency restrictions, but a valid UK registered office address is required for registration.
- Formation agents simplify the registration process by handling the documentation and providing supporting services.
Who can register a company in the UK?
There are no strict requirements on who can register a company (and from where). However, there are two practical requirements you need to fulfil:
- You must be at least 16 years old – this is the minimum age to act as a director.
- You must have a UK address – this does not mean you have to live in the UK. You just need a UK address to act as your company’s registered office address (this is the company’s official address where government and legal mail will be sent to). You can do this by using a registered office address service.
Therefore, a non-UK resident can register a UK company, provided they meet the specified criteria.
Documents required to register a UK company
The following documents are required for UK company registration.
| Document | Role | Do you need to supply this? |
|---|---|---|
| Form IN01 | The main part of the application where key company information is specified (e.g. company name and the details of the directors/shareholders) | If you are registering online, this document is typically completed for you. |
| Articles of association | Your company’s constitution, setting out the rules for how it is to be run | If you are registering with a company formation agent, they will usually supply this for you. If not, you may need to provide your own or use the model articles provided by the Companies Act 2006. |
| ID documentation | Confirms the identity of the directors and people with significant control. | You will need to carry out identity verification, typically using a passport or driver's license. |
Key information you’ll need to register a company
Company name
This is your company’s legal name, and must meet the following criteria:
- Must end with “Limited” or “Ltd”
- Must be unique
- Must not be similar to other company names
- Must not be offensive
- Must not use sensitive words or expressions, unless appropriate permission is received
Use the name checker tool on the 1st Formations homepage to see if yours is available.
Registered office address
This is your company’s official address. It has several roles, including receiving government and legal mail. The rules for this address are:
- Must be in the UK (in the jurisdiction you incorporate in, e.g. England and Wales)
- Must not be a PO Box
- Post sent here must come to the attention of someone acting on behalf of the company
- Post sent here must be able to receive an acknowledgement of delivery
Using a registered office address service keeps your home address private and protects your privacy. For non-residents, it also provides the UK address your company is required to have.
Registered email address
This is where Companies House, the government’s official registrar of UK companies, will send reminders and notices to. It’s private, so it isn’t published online. You can use any email address you want, so long as it’s monitored by the company.
Company activities
You must tell Companies House what your company will do by selecting between 1 and 4 Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes. You must get as good a coverage of your activities as possible.
Share structure
You need to specify the following about your company’s shares:
- How many shares will be issued in total
- The nominal amount (paper value) of those shares
- The paid-up status of the shares
- If you have multiple classes, the class names and the rights of those shares
What personal information is needed to register a company?
| Information | Director | Secretary | Shareholder | PSC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Role | The person(s) who run the company. You need to appoint at least one director. | Optional. Assist the directors with their legal obligations. | Owners of the company. You need at least one shareholder, taking up one share. | The people who have significant influence or control over your company. |
| Full name | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Title (Mr, Miss…) | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| Date of birth | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| Nationality | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| Occupation | ✅ | |||
| Home address | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| Service address* | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ID documents for verification (e.g. passport) | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| Number of shares held | ✅ | |||
| Conditions of control | ✅ |
*Use a Service Address Service to keep your home address off the public record.
How much does it cost to register a UK company?
Companies House charges £50 to process an online incorporation application. Most formation agents will charge somewhere upwards of the price. For example, 1st Formations offers a Basic package from just £52.99 plus VAT.
How do I submit my incorporation application?
There are a few ways you can submit your application:
- Through a company formation agent – this is usually entirely online and provides key additional services (e.g. address services).
- Through a solicitor or accountant – the exact process and offering differ from company to company.
You can also submit an application directly; however, there is limited support and no additional services provided.
How long does it take to register a UK company?
It normally takes around one working day for Companies House to register your company.
A same-day service is also available if you’re in a rush. The price for this is £156, and Companies House needs to receive your application by 3pm.
UK company registration checklist: What’s needed
To register a limited company in the UK, you’ll need:
- A unique company name (must meet Companies House rules)
- A valid UK registered office address
- A business email address for communications
- 1 to 4 SIC code(s) describing your company’s activities
- Company director details
- Shares and shareholder details
- PSC details
- Articles of association (model or custom)
- Identity verification (e.g., passport or driver’s licence) for directors and PSCs
What happens after you register a company?
Once registered, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation, confirming your company exists and is ready to trade.
You’ll also be given a company registration number, which you will need throughout your company’s life, including when filing at Companies House or setting up a bank account.
What to do after company incorporation
The following must be carried out once your company is registered:
- Register for Corporation Tax by adding it to your HMRC business tax account, ensuring the tax is paid, and you submit Corporation Tax Returns.
- Register for VAT if your company expects to make more than £90,000 in the next 12 months. You’ll then also need to submit regular VAT returns and pay the amount of VAT due
- Register for PAYE if you’re employing staff
- Submit annual accounts and confirmation statement to Companies House
- Tell Companies House when there have been changes to your company (e.g. to its addresses or directors)
- Ensure the company complies with all legislation
- Follow the directors duties at all times
Ready to register your company?
Need support getting started? Discover our company formation packages, which include address services to safeguard your privacy. Our expert team will be there to support you every step of the way, helping you get your company registered in as little as 24 hours.
Nicholas Campion
Nicholas is Director, Company Secretarial at 1st Formations, responsible for completing the company’s statutory filings and ensuring all the company secretarial department is fully trained on company law and company secretarial procedures. Nick is also Company Secretary for the BSQ Group and all subsidiary brands, an accredited industry leader and a Companies Act 2006 specialist.
