- You cannot register a company name on its own in the UK. The name is registered when you form a limited company with Companies House.
- Before registering, you must check the name is unique, not too similar to existing companies, and complies with Companies House naming rules.
- Registering a company usually takes about 24 hours online once directors, shareholders, and company details are submitted.
If you’re looking to register your company name, you must form a limited company with Companies House, because company names cannot be reserved independently in the UK. The name becomes officially registered only when the company is incorporated.
You can complete this process yourself through Companies House or use a managed formation service. With Sleek’s company incorporation service, the entire setup is handled for you, including Companies House registration, registered office address, and first confirmation statement filing, starting from £265 + VAT.
Before submitting the application, you need to confirm the name is available and compliant with Companies House rules. The name must not be identical or too similar to an existing company, and certain sensitive words require approval before they can be used.
Once the name is approved and the formation details are submitted, Companies House typically registers the company within about 24 hours, officially securing your company name on the public register.
What it actually means to register a company name
To register company name in the UK, you must incorporate a limited company with Companies House. The name becomes legally attached to that company once the registration is approved.
You cannot reserve or “hold” a company name on its own. If you want to secure it, the only option is to complete the company formation process.
When Companies House approves your application, the company name is added to the public register. This prevents another business from registering the same or a very similar name.
However, this protection only applies within the Companies House register. It does not automatically grant trade mark protection or prevent businesses from using similar trading names in all situations.
If you want to understand how incorporation works more broadly, our guide on company registration explains the full process and legal requirements.
Companies House increased several statutory filing fees in February 2026. The government fee to incorporate a company online is now £100, up from £50 previously. If you see older guides quoting lower prices, they may be outdated.
Many founders now choose managed formation services because the government fee is only one part of setting up a compliant company. Packages often include registered office addresses, compliance filings, and additional setup support alongside the Companies House registration.
Step-by-step: how to register your company name
Registering a company name is simply part of registering a limited company. The process is usually completed online and often takes less than a day.
1. Check your company name is available
Start by checking whether the name is already registered with Companies House.
The name must:
- Not be identical to an existing company
- Not be too similar to another business
- Avoid restricted or sensitive words without approval
- End with Limited or Ltd for private companies
If the name is rejected, you will need to submit a different one before incorporation can proceed.
Companies House provides official guidance on acceptable names and restricted words through its company naming rules on GOV.UK.
2. Decide who will run and own the company
You must provide certain details during registration.
At minimum, you need:
- At least one director
- At least one shareholder
- Details of people with significant control (PSC)
- A registered office address
In many small businesses, the founder acts as both director and shareholder. This structure is perfectly acceptable and very common for startups.
3. Choose your company structure and share allocation
Most UK companies are registered as private companies limited by shares.
During incorporation you must specify:
- The number of shares issued
- The value of those shares
- Who owns them
Share allocation determines ownership and voting rights within the company. For example, if you issue 100 shares and own all of them, you control 100 percent of the company.
If you are unsure how ownership structures work, our guide on how many shareholders your company can have explains the rules in detail.
4. Submit your company formation application
Once the name and company details are prepared, the application is submitted to Companies House.
The registration includes:
- Your company name
- Registered office address
- Director and shareholder information
- Share structure
- Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code describing your business activity
Most online registrations are approved within 24 hours.
When accepted, Companies House issues a certificate of incorporation confirming the company legally exists. You can learn more about this document in our guide on obtaining a UK certificate of incorporation.
Rules your company name must follow
Companies House enforces strict naming rules. If a name breaks these rules, the application will be rejected.
Key restrictions include:
Identical names
Two companies cannot have the same registered name.
Even small differences such as punctuation or symbols do not make a name unique.
Names that are too similar
Names that closely resemble existing businesses may be rejected if they could confuse customers.
This includes phonetic similarities or slight spelling changes.
Sensitive or restricted words
Certain terms require approval from regulators before they can be used.
Examples include words implying official status, financial regulation, or government authority.
Full guidance is published by Companies House on the GOV.UK company naming rules page.
Choose a company name that is easy to spell, easy to pronounce, and easy to search online. Complex or difficult names often create marketing and brand recognition problems later.
Can you reserve a company name without forming a company?
No. In the UK you cannot reserve a company name without incorporating a company.
If securing the name is your only goal, some founders create a dormant company. This protects the name until they are ready to begin trading.
However, even dormant companies must still meet compliance requirements such as filing confirmation statements and annual accounts.
Understanding these obligations early helps avoid penalties. Our guide on HMRC and Companies House fines explains the most common compliance mistakes.
Get expert fully-managed company formation with Sleek
Registering a company name is straightforward, but getting the structure and compliance right from the beginning matters. Companies House will reject incorrect applications, and mistakes in director details, addresses, or share structure can create issues later.
Sleek handles the entire process through a fully managed incorporation service designed to remove administrative friction and reduce compliance risk.
Our formation packages start from £265 + VAT and include:
- Companies House registration
- London registered office address
- Director service address
- Confirmation statement filing
- Free business bank account setup
Higher-tier packages also include bookkeeping, Xero accounting software, and tax return support, giving you the financial infrastructure needed to run the company properly from day one.
Get a personalised breakdown of the best company formation option for your business, including pricing, compliance support, and what’s included from day one.
Disclaimer: The preceding information is not legal advice. This content is aimed to provide general guidance. For more formal or legal advice, contact Sleek directly.
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FAQs on register company name
Do I need to register a business name in the UK?
You only need to formally register a name if you are forming a limited company with Companies House. Sole traders can trade using a business name without registering it, provided it does not infringe on existing trademarks or mislead customers. However, limited companies must register their official company name during incorporation.
How much does it cost to register a company name in the UK?
You cannot pay to register a company name on its own. The name is registered as part of company formation with Companies House. Fees vary depending on the method used and whether you use a formation service. Managed formation packages often include additional services such as addresses, compliance support, and banking setup.
Where do I register a company name in the UK?
Company names are registered through Companies House, which is the UK government’s official registrar of companies. The process is completed during company incorporation, either directly through Companies House or through a company formation provider that submits the registration on your behalf.
What is the difference between a business name and a company name in the UK?
A company name is the legal name of a registered limited company listed at Companies House. A business name, sometimes called a trading name, is the name a business chooses to operate under publicly. A limited company can trade under a different name, but its official registered company name must still appear on legal documents.
Do sole traders need to register a business name in the UK?
Sole traders are not required to register a business name with Companies House. They can trade under their own personal name or choose a separate trading name. However, the name must not contain terms such as “Ltd” or “Limited”, and it must not mislead customers about the structure of the business.
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Can I change my company name after registering in the UK?
Yes, limited companies can change their registered company name after incorporation. This requires filing a name change with Companies House and passing a special resolution among shareholders. Once approved, Companies House updates the public register and issues a certificate confirming the new company name.
What documents are needed to register a company in the UK?
To register a company, you must provide details including the company name, registered office address, director information, shareholder details, and share structure. You must also confirm the company’s business activity using a SIC code and submit the memorandum and articles of association as part of the incorporation process.
