How to Register a Limited Company (UK)
Register a private limited company online at Companies HouseUK Companies House — The official register of UK companies. You incorporate a limited company and file annual accounts through it.Click for official info ↗ for £50, appoint directors, state your SIC code, and register for Corporation Tax within 3 months of trading.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UK sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go 30 min
Choose a name and check it is available
The name must end in "Limited" or "Ltd" (with exceptions) and be unlike any existing registered name. Check availability on the Companies HouseUK Companies House — The official register of UK companies. You incorporate a limited company and file annual accounts through it.Click for official info ↗ register. Avoid sensitive words ("Royal", "Accredited") which need approval, and names that infringe trademarks.
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- Before You Go 1–2 hours
Decide on directors, shareholders, and the registered office
You need at least one director (16+). Shareholders (members) own the company — you can be the sole director and shareholder. The registered office must be a real UK address where official mail is received (it appears on the public register). Your home address can be used but will be public — many use a company-secretarial address service.
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- Submit & Pay 1 hour
Register online with Companies House
Register at: find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk — the online incorporation fee is £50 (2025; same-day service by 6-hour post also £50 as of May 2024 changes; paper registration is £71). You will need to verify your identity (new 2024/25 rule) and provide director/shareholder details, SIC code, and a memorandum/articles (standard templates provided).
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- Receive 24 hours
Get your certificate of incorporation
Companies HouseUK Companies House — The official register of UK companies. You incorporate a limited company and file annual accounts through it.Click for official info ↗ issues a certificate of incorporation — usually within 24 hours online. The company number on it is used for tax, banking, and contracts. Download and store it; the company legally exists from the incorporation date.
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- Follow Up 1 hour
Register for Corporation Tax
Within 3 months of starting to trade, register for Corporation Tax (online, via the company's Government Gateway — the UTRUnique Taxpayer Reference — The 10-digit number HMRC assigns for Self Assessment. You need it to file a UK tax return.Click for official info ↗ arrives by post). If you expect to take on employees or pass the VAT threshold (£90,000 turnover, 2024), register for PAYE/VAT too.
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- Follow Up Ongoing
Meet ongoing filing duties
Every year the company must: file a confirmation statement (£13 online), file annual accounts with Companies HouseUK Companies House — The official register of UK companies. You incorporate a limited company and file annual accounts through it.Click for official info ↗, pay Corporation Tax (19–25% depending on profit, main rate 25% above £250,000), and maintain PAYE if it has employees. Penalties for late filing escalate quickly — set calendar reminders for your accounting reference date.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-UK resident register a UK limited company?
Yes — there is no residency requirement for directors or shareholders. But you need a UK registered office address, and opening a UK business bank account as a non-resident can be harder. Check whether a UK company creates tax obligations in your home country too.
Is a limited company better than being a sole trader?
Sole trader is simpler and cheaper to run but offers no liability protection — business debts are your debts. A limited company protects personal assets and can be more tax-efficient above roughly £30,000–£50,000 profit, but comes with filing duties and stricter record keeping. Accountants usually advise starting sole trader and incorporating when profits grow.
What happens if I file accounts late?
Companies HouseUK Companies House — The official register of UK companies. You incorporate a limited company and file annual accounts through it.Click for official info ↗ penalties: £150 (1 day to 1 month late) rising to £1,500 (6+ months late) for a private company, plus a criminal record risk for persistent lateness. File on time even if you must amend later.
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