Set Up Limited Company

Top Ways to Register a Limited Company in the UK

You can register a UK limited company directly with Companies House online for £100, by paper for £124, or same-day via software for £156. You will need a company name, director and shareholder details, a registered office address, a SIC code, and your Memorandum and Articles of Association. Most contractors and small businesses use an accountant or formation service to simplify the process.

By Jordan Macey MAAT Reviewed by Noor Fiaz Updated 15 Apr 2026 7

Key takeaways

Companies House charges £100 for standard online incorporation, £124 for paper filing, and £156 for same-day digital incorporation via approved software providers.
A UK private limited company requires at least one director and one shareholder, with no minimum share capital and no nationality or residency restrictions on directors.
Every registration needs a company name, SIC code, registered office address, director and shareholder details, and Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Online incorporation is usually processed within 24 hours; paper filing takes 8 to 10 working days from receipt.
Using an accountant or formation agent handles the full filing and often bundles compliance services such as confirmation statements and corporation tax registration.

Methods to Register a Limited Company in the UK

Registering a limited company in the UK is a straightforward process, and you have 6 methods to choose from depending on your preferences and budget. Below, we explore these methods in detail to help you understand the steps and costs involved.

1. Online Registration via Companies House

Registering online through Companies House is the fastest and most convenient method. Here’s how you can do it:

Visit the Companies House Website: Start by accessing the Companies House Web Incorporation Service.
Create an Account: Register for an account by providing your email address and creating a password.
Fill in the Company Details: Enter essential information such as the company name, registered office address, details of directors and shareholders, and your chosen SIC code (a code that describes your business activities).
Upload Documents: Submit the required documents, including the Memorandum and Articles of Association, which outline your company’s purpose and rules.
Pay the Registration Fee: Pay the £50 fee via debit card, credit card, or PayPal.
Submit the Application: Once you’ve reviewed the information, submit your application for review.

The online registration process usually takes 24 hours if all details are correct and approved by Companies House. The government will review your application to confirm all provided details are accurate and meet the legal requirements. After the successful review, you’ll get a certificate of incorporation via email showing the company number and date of formation.

2. Register by Post

If you prefer a manual approach and ready to handle the paper work, you can register a limited company by submitting a paper application to Companies House.

Complete the IN01 Form: Download and fill out the IN01 form, which captures all essential details about your company.
Prepare Supporting Documents: Include your Memorandum and Articles of Association, along with any additional required paperwork.
Send the Application: Mail your completed application and a cheque for the £71 fee to the Companies House address provided on the form.

Postal applications take longer to process, typically around 8-10 days. This method is suitable for those who prefer traditional methods or have specific needs not addressed by online systems.

3. Using a Company Formation Agent

What is a Company Formation Agent?

‍Formation agents are private businesses that specialise in helping individuals set up companies. They act as intermediaries between you and Companies House, handling the paperwork and submission process on your behalf.

Advantages

Same-Day Registration: Many providers offer express services, allowing your company to be registered on the same day for an additional fee.
Additional Services: They often offer extras such as VAT registration, business bank account setup, virtual office address, and tax consultation.
Ideal for those who want a hands-off approach or are unfamiliar with the registration process.

Costs Involved

‍Using a formation agent typically costs between £60 and £100, depending on the services you choose.

4. Registering Through an Accountant

Many businesses choose to register a limited company with the help of an accountant for limited company who offers company formation services as part of their business packages.

Simplified Process: Accountants and agents handle the registration process on your behalf, reducing paperwork and minimising errors.
Expert Guidance: They provide advice on selecting the right business structure for your company, tax planning, and compliance with UK laws.
Additional Services: Beyond registration, they can help with setting up your Corporation Tax account, preparing financial statements, and offering ongoing financial advice.

This method is ideal for those who want professional assistance or have complex business requirements.

5. Using Third-Party Software

Third-party software provides an efficient and modern way to register a limited company. These platforms integrate with Companies House, allowing users to complete the registration process in a simplified and user-friendly environment.

How It Works

Third-party software providers integrate directly with Companies House. You simply enter your details into the software, and it communicates with Companies House to process your registration.

Advantages

Streamlined process with step-by-step guidance tailored to beginners.
Some platforms include extra features such as document templates, automated reminders for filing deadlines, and access to financial management tools.
Many platforms offer different packages to suit various business needs, from basic registrations to comprehensive business support.
Ideal for tech-savvy users who prefer a digital-first experience.

Costs

The cost for third-party software can vary, with basic packages starting at £20. Premium plans with additional features, such as accounting integrations or ongoing compliance tools, may cost up to £100 or more.

Timeline

Applications submitted through third-party software are typically processed within 24 hours, similar to direct online registration via Companies House.

By using third-party software, you can enjoy a smooth and efficient registration process while accessing helpful tools to manage your business post-registration. This method combines convenience with extra functionality, making it a versatile option for entrepreneurs and startups.

6. Using Company Registration Service by GoForma

GoForma offers a seamless and affordable UK company registration service for a one-time fee of £65. This service is ideal for those who want expert support without spending too much time on paperwork.

Key Features

Complete the registration process with guidance from professionals.
Access to additional services, including free accounting software for GoForma clients and advice on switching accounting services.
Fast approval through an efficient submission process.

How It Works

Provide your company details (name, address, SIC code, directors, and shareholders) to GoForma.
GoForma handles the application with Companies House and keeps you updated.
You’ll receive your Certificate of Incorporation once the company is officially registered.

With several options available, you can pick a method that best fits your budget, timeline, and preferences. If you’re looking for simplicity and expert support, GoForma’s service is an excellent choice.

Essential Documents Required for Limited Company Registration

1. Memorandum and Articles of Association

The Memorandum is a legal document that outlines the company’s purpose and confirms the intention of the founding members (shareholders or guarantors) to form the company. This document is required for all limited companies.

The Articles of Association detail the rules for managing the company. It includes guidelines about decision-making, directors' responsibilities, and how shares are distributed. Companies House provides model articles, but you can also create a customised version tailored to your business.

These documents form the foundation of your company’s legal structure, so they must be accurate and comprehensive.

2. Shareholder Details

You’ll need to provide the names, addresses, and share allocation details for all shareholders. Share allocation determines how the ownership of the company is divided. For example, if there are two shareholders with equal shares, each will own 50% of the company.

If your company has more than one type of share class (e.g., ordinary or preference shares), include specific details about the rights attached to each class. This helps avoid confusion and disputes later.

3. Proof of Identity and Address

Every director, shareholder, and person with significant control (PSC) must provide proof of identity and address. This helps confirm that the individuals involved are real and meet legal requirements.

Acceptable forms of proof include:

Identity: Passport, driving licence, or national identity card.
Address: Recent utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill (dated within the last three months).

4. SIC Code for Your Business Activity

A Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code identifies the type of work your company does.

Selecting the Right Code: Companies House provides a list of SIC codes, so you’ll need to choose the one that best matches your main business activity.
Multiple Activities: If your company is involved in more than one type of activity, you can select up to four SIC codes.
Purpose: This code is used by Companies House and HMRC to categorise your business and track its activities.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to register a limited company?

Companies House charges £100 for standard online incorporation, £124 for paper filing, and £156 for same-day digital incorporation through approved software providers. Accountants and formation agents add their own service fee on top of the Companies House charge, usually bundled with supporting services like registered office provision or tax registration.

What documents do I need to register a limited company?

You need a company name, a SIC code describing your business activity, a registered office address in the UK, and details of at least one director and one shareholder including proof of identity. Companies House provides model Memorandum and Articles of Association, which most small companies adopt without amendment.

Can non-UK residents register a UK limited company?

Yes, there are no nationality or residency restrictions on directors or shareholders of a UK limited company. You must provide a UK registered office address where Companies House and HMRC correspondence can be delivered. Non-resident directors may need to complete additional identity verification under new Companies House rules.

How long does UK company registration take?

Standard online incorporation is usually processed by Companies House within 24 hours. Same-day digital incorporation is processed on the same working day if submitted before the Companies House cut-off time. Paper filings take 8 to 10 working days from receipt at the Cardiff office.

What is a SIC code and why do I need one?

A Standard Industrial Classification code is a five-digit number that identifies your main business activity. Companies House requires at least one SIC code at registration, and you can declare up to four if your business spans multiple areas. HMRC and the Office for National Statistics use SIC codes to categorise UK businesses for statistics and regulation.

Do I need an accountant to register a limited company?

No, you can register directly with Companies House yourself. However, an accountant or specialist formation service saves time, checks that your share structure and registered office setup work for your situation, and usually bundles VAT and corporation tax registration alongside the filing. Most small business owners find the time savings worth the service fee.

Can I use my home address as the registered office?

Yes, a home address is legally acceptable as a registered office. However, it appears on the public Companies House record and is where official correspondence is sent. Many directors use a virtual office, accountant's address, or dedicated service address to keep their home address private while staying compliant.

Do I need to register for corporation tax separately?

Companies House automatically notifies HMRC when your company is incorporated, and HMRC issues a corporation tax reference (UTR) by post to the registered office within a few weeks. You then need to activate the corporation tax account and tell HMRC when your company becomes active, usually within three months of starting to trade.