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 £100, choose your directors. Give your SIC code. Then register for Corporation Tax within 3 months of starting to trade.
At a glance
- Cost:
- £100 online (from 1 Feb 2026)
- Total time:
- 24 hours (online registration)
- Steps:
- 6 steps
- Where to apply:
- gov.uk
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UK sources(October 2026).
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". There are some exceptions. It must not be like a name that is already registered. Check if the name is free on the Companies House register. Avoid sensitive words like "Royal" or "Accredited". These words need approval. Also avoid names that break trademark rules.
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go 1–2 hours
Decide on directors, shareholders, and the registered office
You need at least one director. A director must be aged 16+. Shareholders, also called members, own the company. You can be the only director and the only shareholder. The registered office must be a real UK address. Official mail is sent there. The address is shown on the public register. You can use your home address, but everyone will be able to see it. Many people use a company-secretarial address service instead.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay 1 hour
Register online with Companies House
Register at find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk. The online fee is £100 from 1 February 2026 onwards. The paper fee is £124 in total. The same-day digital fee is £156 in total. Directors must prove who they are to Companies House. New directors must do this before they act as a director. This rule applies from 18 November 2025 onwards. You must also give details of the directors and shareholders. You must give your SIC code. And you must give a memorandum and articles. Standard templates are provided.
Click to mark as done
- Receive 24 hours
Get your certificate of incorporation
Companies House gives you a certificate of incorporation. If you register online, it usually arrives within 24 hours. The certificate shows your company number. You use this number for tax, banking, and contracts. Download it and keep it safe. Your company legally exists from the incorporation date.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up 1 hour
Register for Corporation Tax
Register for Corporation Tax within 3 months of starting to trade. You register online. Use your company's Government Gateway account. Your UTR arrives by post. If you plan to take on staff, register for PAYE too. If you expect to pass the VAT threshold of £90,000 turnover (2024), register for VAT too.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up Ongoing
Meet ongoing filing duties
Every year, your company must do a few things. File a confirmation statement. It costs £50 online from 1 February 2026 onwards. File annual accounts with Companies House. Pay Corporation Tax. The rate is 19–25% based on your profit. The main rate is 25% for profit above £250,000 a year. Keep PAYE running if you have employees. Fines for late filing go up quickly. Put reminders in your calendar for your accounting reference date.
Click to mark as done
Be Careful
Don't make these mistakes
Picking a name that is already taken or needs approval. Your name must end in "Limited" or "Ltd", and it must not be like a name that is already registered. Sensitive words like "Royal" or "Accredited" need approval, and a name that breaks trademark rules will cause trouble. Check the Companies House register before you apply.
Using your home address as the registered office. The registered office is shown on the public register, so everyone can see it. If you do not want your home address public, use a company-secretarial address service instead.
Acting as a director before proving your identity. New directors must prove who they are to Companies House before they act as a director. This rule applies from 18 November 2025 onwards, so sort identity verification out first.
Missing the Corporation Tax deadline. Register for Corporation Tax within 3 months of starting to trade. Your 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, so leave time for that too.
Filing late and letting fines stack up. Companies House fines start at £150 if you are 1 day to 1 month late, and rise to £1,500 if you are 6+ months late. If you are late again and again, you also risk a criminal record. File on time, even if you have to fix the accounts later.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-UK resident register a UK limited company?
Yes. Directors and shareholders do not have to live in the UK. But you do need a UK registered office address. Opening a UK business bank account can be harder if you do not live in the UK. Check if a UK company means you owe tax in your home country too.
Is a limited company better than being a sole trader?
Being a sole trader is simpler and cheaper to run. But it gives you no protection for your personal money. If the business owes money, you owe the money. A limited company protects your personal assets. It can also save you tax when your profit is above roughly £30,000–£50,000 in a year. But it comes with filing duties and stricter record keeping. Accountants usually advise you to start as a sole trader. Then set up a limited company when your profits grow.
What happens if I file accounts late?
Companies House fines start at £150 if you are 1 day to 1 month late. They rise to £1,500 if you are 6+ months late. This is for a private company. If you are late again and again, you also risk a criminal record. File on time, even if you have to fix the accounts later.
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