Ready to register your company?
Knowing how to register a company in the UK is the first step to turning your idea into a real business. Getting professional help with your company incorporation keeps the process fast, compliant, and stress-free.
Whether you’re setting up a limited company or comparing different structures, the registration process can feel complex the first time around. Understanding the legal requirements early helps you avoid delays, rejected applications and unnecessary costs so you can focus on launching your business with confidence.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What you need before registering your company
- How to complete the Companies House registration process
- What to do after incorporation to stay compliant
Want to make sure your company setup ticks every legal box?
What you need before registering a company
Before you start filling out forms, make sure you have all the key details ready. Companies House will ask for specific information to complete your application, so a bit of preparation will save you time later.
You’ll need:
- A company name that’s unique and follows the official naming rules
- A registered office address where official mail from Companies House and HMRC will be sent
- At least one director who’s over 16 and not disqualified from running a company
- Details of shareholders and how many shares each will own
- A Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code to describe your business activity
- A statement of capital showing the total value of shares issued
- Memorandum and articles of association, which outline how your company will be run
Your registered office address must be a real UK address, not a PO box. If you don’t want your home address made public, you can use a professional address service instead.
Choosing the right company structure
Before registering, decide which business structure fits your goals. The one you choose affects how you pay tax, what records you keep, and how much legal protection you have.
Structure | Best for | Key features | Tax and liability |
Private limited company (Ltd) | Small to medium businesses wanting credibility and protection | Separate legal entity with shareholders and directors | Pays Corporation Tax on profits. Personal assets protected. |
Public limited company (PLC) | Large companies planning to sell shares publicly | Must have at least £50,000 share capital and two directors | Same as Ltd but with stricter reporting and auditing rules. |
Limited liability partnership (LLP) | Professionals such as accountants, consultants or law firms | Combines partnership flexibility with limited liability | Each partner pays Income Tax on their share of profits. |
Sole trader | Individuals running a small business or freelance operation | Easy setup and full control | Pays Income Tax and National Insurance on profits. Personal assets not protected. |
You can also find clear examples of what counts as an active business and what doesn’t in Trading vs Non-Trading for Corporation Tax in the UK.
Step-by-step: How to register a company with Companies House
Once you’ve chosen your structure, it’s time to register your company. You can complete the process online in under an hour if you have your information ready.
1. Choose your company name
Your company name must be unique and follow the rules set by Companies House. Avoid anything too similar to an existing company or that contains restricted words. You can check availability using the Companies House name checker.
If you plan to trade under a different name, that’s fine. The registered company name is for legal use, while your trading name is what you use publicly. Learn more in our guide on trading under a different name.
For brand protection, consider registering your name as a trade mark with the UK Intellectual Property Office. This prevents others from using something too similar.
2. Set up your registered office address
Every company needs a registered office address where official mail from Companies House and HMRC is sent. It must be a real UK address in the same country where your business is incorporated.
If you don’t want your home address made public, use a professional address service instead. It keeps your privacy intact and helps your business look more credible. You can read more in our guide to company registered office addresses.
3. Choose your Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code
Your SIC code describes what your company does. You’ll select one or more codes during registration to define your business activity. If you’re unsure, use our SIC code guide to find the right fit.
You can update your SIC code later if your business changes direction.
4. Appoint your company directors
You must appoint at least one director who is legally responsible for running the company. Each director must be at least 16 years old and not disqualified.
You’ll need to provide:
- Full name and date of birth
- Service address (public)
- Residential address (private)
- Consent to act as a director
5. Decide your share structure
Your share structure shows how ownership is divided. Most new companies issue one or more ordinary shares, which give shareholders voting rights and a share of profits.
You’ll also need a statement of capital, which lists the total number of shares and their value. Our guide to the advantages of share capital explains how to set this up.
6. Identify shareholders and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
Anyone who owns more than 25% of shares or voting rights must be listed as a Person with Significant Control. You’ll need to include their name, service address and nature of control in your registration form.
7. Review and sign your company documents
Before submitting, you’ll confirm the memorandum and articles of association, which set out how your company will be managed. Companies House provides model articles if you don’t have your own.
8. Submit your application and pay the fee
When everything is ready, submit your application through Companies House online services or by post.
Method | Cost | Approval time |
Online | £50 | Within 24 hours |
Postal | £71 | Up to 10 days |
Once approved, you’ll receive your certificate of incorporation, confirming your company legally exists.
What happens after you register your company
Once your company is approved, you’ll receive a certificate of incorporation confirming its legal existence. From there, a few quick steps will keep you compliant and ready to trade.
1. Register for Corporation Tax
You must register with HMRC within three months of starting to trade. You’ll need your company’s UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) and accounting period dates. Learn how in our guide on registering for Corporation Tax.
2. Open a business bank account
Keep your personal and business finances separate. Most banks will ask for your certificate of incorporation and proof of identity for all directors.
3. File annual accounts and confirmation statements
You must file accounts and a confirmation statement each year with Companies House. This keeps your company records up to date. If you miss a deadline, penalties apply, so it’s worth reading our guide on overdue confirmation statements.
4. Register for VAT if required
If your turnover exceeds £85,000 in a 12-month period, you’ll need to register for VAT. You can also register voluntarily if it benefits your cash flow.
5. Set up PAYE if you hire staff
If you plan to pay employees (including yourself as a director), you’ll need to register as an employer with HMRC to manage PAYE and National Insurance.
6. Keep good records from day one
Store invoices, receipts and statements digitally so your annual filing is simple. Reliable bookkeeping makes tax time easier and keeps you compliant with HMRC.
Set a reminder to review your company's filings each quarter. Staying proactive helps you avoid late penalties and keeps your company in good standing.
How Sleek makes company registration simple
Setting up a company can feel complicated the first time, but it doesn’t have to be. Sleek helps you register your company online in just a few clicks. Our experts handle the paperwork, check your details for accuracy and make sure your business is compliant from day one.
You’ll get your certificate of incorporation, Companies House registration, and access to a registered address service if you want to keep your home details private. Sleek also offers add-ons such as VAT and PAYE registration, bookkeeping and accounting support, so you can manage everything in one place.
Whether you’re starting fresh or moving from self-employment, Sleek’s streamlined process saves you time and helps you focus on growing your business.
Ready to make your business official? Register your company online with Sleek and get set up in just one day.
FAQs on how to register a company
How much does it cost to register a company in the UK?
It costs £50 to register online with Companies House or £71 by post. If you want a fully managed service,
Sleek’s Incorporation Packages start from £195 + VAT and include everything you need to stay compliant, such as a registered office address, director’s service address, and confirmation statement filing.
How long does it take to register a company?
Most online applications are approved within 24 hours. Postal applications take around 8 to 10 days.
Can I use my home address to register a company?
Yes, but your address will appear on the public record. Many business owners use a professional registered office address instead to protect their privacy.
How to register a company name in the UK?
You’ll register your company name as part of your application to Companies House. To check availability, use the name search feature directly on our Incorporation page — it’s quick, free, and shows if your desired name is still available.
Do I need to register a trademark after setting up my company?
It’s not required but highly recommended. Registering a trade mark with the UK Intellectual Property Office protects your business name and branding from being copied.
How to register as a limited company in the UK?
You’ll need to provide your company name, registered office address, director and shareholder details, share structure, and SIC code, then file your application online with Companies House.
What happens after my company is registered?
You’ll receive a certificate of incorporation. Then you must register for Corporation Tax within three months of trading, open a business bank account and file annual accounts and confirmation statements every year.
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.
