- You can register a company in the UK online through Companies House in as little as 24 hours for £50
- The process requires a company name, UK address, director details, and share structure before submission
- Using a formation service reduces errors, speeds up approval, and ensures full compliance from day one
To register a company in the UK, you usually need to choose a company name, prepare your company details, submit the application to Companies House, and pay £50 online. In many cases, approval takes around 24 hours.
For most founders, the fastest route is to use a structured company formation service or file directly with Companies House. Either way, the details must be accurate from the start, especially your registered office, directors, shareholders, and share structure.
If you want a simple answer, this is it: register online, provide the required information, pay the fee, and wait for your certificate of incorporation.
How to register a company in the UK
Here’s the process most UK businesses follow.
1. Choose your company name
Your company name must be available and comply with Companies House naming rules. It also normally needs to end in “Limited” or “Ltd” for a private limited company.
Before you submit anything, check that the name is not too similar to an existing company and does not contain restricted or sensitive terms.
2. Decide on the right company structure
Most founders registering a business in the UK choose a private company limited by shares. That structure is common because it creates a separate legal entity and limits personal liability in most cases.
However, it is not the only option. If your plans are more complex, your setup should reflect ownership, control, and future funding from the start.
3. Set your registered office address
Every limited company needs a registered office address in the UK. This is the official address for Companies House and other statutory post.
Because that address appears on the public register, many founders use a dedicated registered office address service instead of listing a home address.
What you need to register a company
Before you start your application, gather the required details. This makes the process quicker and reduces the chance of rejection.
You’ll usually need:
- Your proposed company name
- A UK registered office address
- Full details for at least one director
- Shareholder details
- Information on any person with significant control
- Your share structure
- At least one SIC code
If you are unsure what business activity code to use, review this SIC code UK guide before filing.
The core registration steps at a glance
The application itself is straightforward, but accuracy matters. Most founders move through these stages:
- Check the company name
- Confirm the registered office
- Add director and shareholder details
- Set the share structure
- Choose your SIC code
- Submit the incorporation application
- Receive the certificate of incorporation
That’s the practical answer most readers are looking for. The rest of the process is about avoiding mistakes and understanding what happens next.
How much it costs to register a company
The standard Companies House filing fee for online incorporation is £50.
If you apply by post, the fee is usually higher and the process is slower. Costs may also increase if you choose a formation provider, but that often includes practical support with setup, compliance, and document handling.
In simple terms:
- Online registration: £50
- Postal registration: usually higher than online
- Formation service: varies by provider and level of support
How long it takes to register a company
If you submit your application online and everything is correct, company registration often takes around 24 hours.
Some applications take longer. Delays usually happen because of:
- Incorrect or incomplete details
- Company name issues
- Problems with addresses or share information
- Extra checks on the application
So, while the process is quick in principle, accuracy has a direct impact on timing.
Choose your share structure with care. A basic split may look fine now, but it can create friction later if you add founders, issue new shares, or raise investment.
What information Companies House will ask for
Companies House usually wants the same core details for every standard private limited company application.
These include:
Requirement | What it means |
Company name | The legal name being registered |
Registered office | The official public address of the company |
Director details | The person legally responsible for running the company |
Shareholder details | The people or entities that own the company |
PSC details | Anyone with significant control over the company |
SIC code | The code that describes what the company does |
For the official process and filing rules, Companies House guidance on GOV.UK is the best primary source: Set up a private limited company.
Common mistakes when registering a company
Many registration issues are avoidable. Usually, they come from rushing the setup or treating the application as admin rather than a legal filing.
Common mistakes include:
- Choosing a name that triggers rejection
- Using a home address without considering privacy
- Allocating shares without thinking ahead
- Selecting the wrong SIC code
- Missing PSC information
- Submitting inconsistent director or shareholder details
Even a simple mistake can cause delay. More importantly, a poor setup can create problems later when you need to onboard investors, open a business bank account, or update statutory records.
What happens after you register a company
Once your company is incorporated, the registration stage is finished, but your compliance obligations are just starting.
You will usually need to:
- Keep statutory company records
- Register for Corporation Tax when required
- File annual accounts
- File a confirmation statement
- Keep Companies House information up to date
One of the first next steps for most businesses is to register for corporation tax. You may also need your certificate of incorporation when opening a bank account or proving that the company exists.
Should you register directly or use a formation service?
You can register a company yourself. For some founders, that’s enough.
However, many businesses prefer a formation service because the process is not just about filing a form. It is also about choosing the right structure, protecting personal information, and reducing the chance of avoidable compliance mistakes.
Direct registration may suit you if:
- Your structure is simple
- You understand the legal information required
- You are comfortable managing the setup yourself
A formation service may suit you if:
- You want a guided process
- You need help with addresses or compliance
- You want fewer errors and a cleaner setup
- You plan to grow quickly and want the structure right from day one
How Sleek helps founders register correctly
Sleek helps founders register companies with a compliance-first approach that goes beyond basic filing.
That means support with the structure itself, not just the submission. If you need help with company formation, registered office requirements, or ongoing accounting and tax obligations, Sleek gives you a more joined-up process from the start.
For founders who want a simple route into setup, the Essential Company Formation Package is designed to make incorporation clearer and more structured. If you want broader support beyond formation, Sleek also offers accounting services for businesses that want to stay organised after registration.
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 how to register a company UK
What are the different types of companies in the UK?
The most common structure is a private company limited by shares, used by most small and medium-sized businesses. However, other options include companies limited by guarantee, LLPs, and public limited companies. Each structure has different rules for ownership, liability, and reporting, so the right choice depends on how you plan to operate and grow.
Do I need to register a company in the UK to start a business?
No, you do not need to register a limited company to start a business. You can operate as a sole trader instead. However, a limited company creates a separate legal entity, which can offer liability protection and a different tax structure. The decision depends on your income level, risk exposure, and long-term plans.
Can a non-resident register a company in the UK?
Yes, non-residents can register a UK company. There is no requirement to live in the UK or appoint a UK-based director. However, you must provide a UK registered office address and complete identity verification checks. Many overseas founders use formation services to handle compliance and documentation remotely.
What documents are required to register a UK company?
You do not usually need to upload formal documents during standard online registration. Instead, you provide structured information, including director details, shareholder details, and your company structure. Companies House then generates key documents such as the Memorandum and Articles of Association as part of the incorporation process.
What is Companies House and what does it do?
Companies House is the UK government body responsible for incorporating and maintaining records of companies. It holds the official public register, processes company formations, and collects filings such as annual accounts and confirmation statements. It also ensures transparency by making company information available to the public.
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Can I register a UK company online?
Yes, most companies are registered online through the Companies House digital service or via a formation provider. Online registration is the fastest method and is typically processed within 24 hours if all information is correct. It is also the lowest-cost option compared to postal applications.
Can I register a company in the UK without a UK address?
No, every UK company must have a registered office address located in the UK. This address is used for official correspondence and appears on the public register. If you do not have a suitable address, you can use a professional registered office service to meet this requirement.
