How to Register a Limited Company with Companies House

Starting a limited company in the UK is a popular and effective way to establish a business with separate legal identity and limited liability protection. Registering your company with Companies House is the essential first step to incorporate and operate legally. This guide walks you through the entire process, from choosing your company name to receiving your certificate of incorporation.

Choosing Your Company Name

Your company name is one of the first decisions you’ll make, and it needs to comply with Companies House rules. The name must be unique and not too similar to an existing company’s name. You can check name availability via the Companies House name availability checker on GOV.UK.

There are also some restrictions to consider. Avoid offensive words, sensitive terms, or names implying government association unless you have permission. Your name must end with “Limited” or “Ltd” to indicate your business is a limited company.

Keep in mind that your company name will appear on all official documents, invoices, and correspondence. A clear, memorable name can help establish your brand identity from the outset.

Preparing Your Registration Details

Before you start registering, gather all the necessary information. This includes:

• Company address: This must be a physical UK address where official correspondence will be sent. It will be publicly available on the Companies House register.
• Details of directors: You need at least one director who is a natural person aged 16 or over. You’ll provide their full name, date of birth, and usual residential address (which is kept private).
• Shareholders and share capital: Decide how many shares your company will issue and to whom. Even a single shareholder can own all shares.
• Memorandum and Articles of Association: These are the documents that govern how your company operates. You can use standard model articles provided by Companies House or create customised ones.
• SIC code: This Standard Industrial Classification code describes your company’s business activities.

Having all this information ready speeds up the registration process and avoids errors.

Register Your Company Online

The quickest and most cost-effective way to register is online through the Companies House Web Incorporation Service. The process usually takes less than 24 hours, and you pay just £12.

Step-by-step online registration

1. Go to the GOV.UK Companies House incorporation page.
2. Enter your proposed company name and check availability.
3. Fill in the company address details.
4. Add director and shareholder information.
5. Set out your share capital and shareholder allocations.
6. Choose your articles of association (standard or custom).
7. Confirm all information and pay the £12 registration fee.
8. Submit your application.

Once submitted, Companies House will review your application and, if everything is in order, issue your certificate of incorporation. This certificate confirms your company legally exists and includes your company number and formation date.

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Registering by Post or Using an Agent

If your company structure is more complex, or you prefer to file manually, you can register by post using the IN01 form. This costs £40 and takes longer — generally 8 to 10 days. The IN01 form requires detailed information about your company, directors, shareholders, and share capital, so be sure to complete it carefully.

Alternatively, you can use a company formation agent or your accountant to handle the registration for you. Agents often offer additional services such as registered office addresses, company secretarial support, and faster processing times. Fees vary but typically start around £50 and can be well worth it if you want expert help.

After Registration: What You Need to Do Next

After you receive your certificate of incorporation, your company officially exists, but there are several important next steps to ensure compliance and smooth operation:

• Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC: You must register within three months of starting to trade. This enables you to file corporation tax returns and pay tax on your profits.
• Set up company records: Maintain statutory registers of members, directors, and secretaries (if applicable).
• Open a business bank account: A dedicated account helps keep your company finances separate from personal finances.
• Understand your accounting and reporting duties: Prepare annual accounts and confirmation statements to file with Companies House.
• Consider VAT registration: If your taxable turnover exceeds £85,000 (2026/26 threshold) in a 12-month period, you must register for VAT.

For detailed guidance on your ongoing responsibilities, visit the GOV.UK running a limited company page.

Key Takeaways

• Choosing a unique, compliant company name is crucial and legally required.
• Gather all registration information in advance to streamline the process.
• Online registration via Companies House is the fastest and cheapest option.
• Postal applications and formation agents offer alternatives for complex situations.
• After incorporation, register for Corporation Tax and meet ongoing statutory obligations.
• Using resources on GOV.UK and HMRC will help ensure your company remains compliant and successful.