How to Register a Limited Company with Companies House
Registering a limited company in the UK is straightforward and can be done online in under an hour. A limited company is a separate legal entity from its owners, providing limited liability protection and, in many cases, tax efficiency. Here is exactly how to do it.
Before You Register: Key Decisions
Before filing with Companies House, decide: the company name, the registered office address (must be a physical UK address where official correspondence can be received — a PO Box alone is not sufficient), the company type (most private businesses form a private company limited by shares), the directors (you need at least one, who must be 16 or over and not disqualified), the shareholders and share structure, and the company's principal activities (SIC code).
Choosing a Company Name
The name must end in 'Limited' or 'Ltd'. It cannot be the same as or too similar to an existing company on the register, offensive, or suggest a connection with the government or royalty without permission. Certain words (such as 'Bank', 'Institute', 'University') require prior approval. Check availability at find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk before proceeding. Note that a company name registered at Companies House does not automatically protect your trading name as a trademark — consider trademark registration separately.
The Memorandum of Association
This is a simple document signed by each founding shareholder (called subscribers) agreeing to form the company and take at least one share each. For online incorporation, this is generated automatically.
The Articles of Association
The Articles are the internal rules of the company. You can adopt the Model Articles provided by Companies House (the default for most private companies) or submit bespoke articles. Model Articles cover standard matters including directors' powers, shareholders' meetings, and share transfers. Many small companies use Model Articles without modification.
Directors and Shareholders
Provide the full name, date of birth, nationality, country of residence, and usual residential address (which is kept private) for each director, plus a service address (public-facing). Each shareholder's name, address, and number of shares must also be provided, along with the total share capital and nominal value per share.
People with Significant Control
You must identify all PSCs — individuals or entities with significant control over the company (typically 25%+ shareholding or voting rights). PSC information is public and must be kept up to date.
How to Register
Register online at find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company-registration. The fee is £50 for online registration (or £71 for same-day service). Alternatively, use a company formation agent — typically £10–£50 including the Companies House fee — which can be even faster. You will receive your Certificate of Incorporation electronically usually within hours of a successful online application.
After Incorporation
Register with HMRC for Corporation Tax within 3 months of starting to trade (gov.uk/limited-company-formation/set-up-your-company-for-corporation-tax). If you intend to pay directors or employees, register as an employer with HMRC. If your turnover will exceed £90,000, register for VAT. Open a business bank account in the company's name. Set up bookkeeping from day one.
