How Much Does it Cost to Register a Limited Company in the UK?

When it's time to launch your business, the first decision you will have to make as far as company registration is concerned is whether you’ll register directly with Companies House or hire a formation agent. Each option has its own costs and levels of support, which we’ll address in this article.

How much does it cost to set up a limited company with Your Company Formations?

The cost to register a company with Your Company Formations’ basic package is £52.48, which includes the standard Companies House fee of £50 plus our £2.48 service fee. Unlike other providers, we are the only company in the market that gives you £50+ in cashback through our exclusive high street banking introductions with Lloyds, Barclays, and others. This cashback can cover both the Companies House fee and our service fee, making Your Company Formations the most affordable way to set up a UK company.

Our packages include:

1. Basic Package (£52.48)

If you're a UK resident looking to form a company on a budget, our Basic Package is perfect for you. It’s straightforward and cost-effective, providing all the essentials to get your business off the ground.

For just £52.48, you’ll receive the key legal documents you need, including:

• A certificate of incorporation
• Share certificates
• Articles of association
• HMRC UTR number

You’ll also enjoy a free accountancy consultation, lifetime email and chat support, and automated reminders to help you stay compliant.

This package is ideal for new business owners who want to start with just enough professional support.

2. Fully-Inclusive Package (£94.48)

For those who want a hassle-free start, the Fully-Inclusive Package is the way to go. This option goes beyond the basics, providing everything you need to comply with Companies House company formation requirements.

It includes:

• All statutory addresses, such as a registered office and a London trading address.
• You receive both digital and printed company documents, and we’ll take care of your statutory filings.
• A 12-month company filing service worth over £200, to help you with confirmation statements filing, share transfer, and appointment of company officials, in your first year.
• A free .co.uk domain for a year.
• A secure online portal for managing your company and ongoing support.

3. Non-Resident Package (£148.48)

If you’re an international entrepreneur looking to enter the UK market, the Non-Resident Package is designed for you. It simplifies the process of setting up a company in the UK by including:

• Digital copies of your company documents (incorporation certification, share certificate and memorandum of association)
• All necessary company addresses, a London trading address, and international mail forwarding, allowing you to manage your business from anywhere.
• 12 months of compliance support, valued at £200, to help you navigate UK filing requirements.

This package provides a straightforward and reliable way to start trading in the UK.

Find the Perfect Company Formation Package for Your Needs

Each package is tailored to different needs. The Basic Package is for those who want to keep costs low while meeting legal requirements. The Fully Inclusive Package is for those who prefer a stress-free experience with ongoing support. The Non-Resident Package is ideal for international clients looking to establish a UK company without the hassle. No matter where you are in your journey, Your Company Formations has a package that fits your needs and sets you up for success.

How to set up a UK company with no upfront cost?

The idea of setting up a UK company with no upfront cost is appealing, but in reality, it is not possible. Even if you take the DIY route, you still have to pay the statutory £50 Companies House registration fee. This baseline cost applies to every UK company registration, whether you file directly with Companies House or use a company formation agent.

With Your Company Formations’ £2.48 basic package, combined with our exclusive cashback programs of up to £155 in partnership with high street banks, you can offset the Companies House fee and more. In practice, this reduces your company registration cost to almost zero, making it one of the most affordable ways to register a company in the UK.

Some fintech ventures promote a free company formation offer. While attractive at first, these deals usually only support single-director companies and lack essential features such as compliance reminders or customer support. These are common examples of the hidden costs of company registration that many business owners discover too late.

By choosing a transparent and affordable company formation package, you reduce your initial costs and avoid hidden extras, since everything you need to stay compliant is included from the start.

Can you save money by using a company formation agent to register your company? Absolutely!

Registering a limited company through a formation agent often costs less than going directly through Companies House, especially if you need extra help. For instance, agents like Your Company Formations review your application to help you avoid mistakes and offer company addresses to keep your home address private. If you buy these services separately, they could cost over £100. Additionally, with our £50 cashback offer, you can get back the Companies House fee when you choose one of our trusted banking partners. While some banks offer free company registration, these options typically support only one director and don’t include essential features such as address protection or compliance assistance.

Are you thinking about registering your business directly with Companies House? Go for it!

To register your company directly with Companies House, you can choose between a digital application and a paper application.

The digital process, known as the Web Incorporation Service, costs £50. It is faster and more affordable than the paper route, making it a popular choice. This option is suitable if you feel confident about the registration process and already know the type of company you want, its structure, and the registration requirements. The main drawback is that you are on your own. There is no guidance if you are uncertain about choosing a company name, preparing documents, or understanding your responsibilities as a company director. All the information you file, including your home address and director details, may appear on the public register, which is searchable online.

To register by post, the cost is £71 and requires you to print and complete Form IN01 by hand, then post it to the Registrar of Companies. This method usually takes 8 to 10 working days and carries a higher risk of rejection due to mistakes or missing information, making it slower and less reliable.

Most applicants choose the digital £50 option over the £71 paper application because it is quicker, cheaper, and less likely to be rejected.

Should I ask my accountant to handle my company registration? Maybe Not.

If you choose to register your company through an accountant, be prepared to spend between £150 and £500, depending on your location and the specific services you require. An accountant can help you pick the proper structure for your business and usually handles the application for you. However, this process can take time and is often bundled with expensive business advisory services that you may not need when you're just starting.

Another downside is that many accountants don’t offer ongoing support or reminders for essential tasks, such as filing confirmation statements, registering for VAT, or managing PAYE. Without this continuous assistance, many entrepreneurs find that hiring an accountant isn’t the most cost-effective way to register a UK limited company.

What ongoing support do I get after I register a new company?

Once your limited company is formed, staying compliant becomes just as important as the initial setup. At Your Company Formations, we offer free lifetime support so you’re never left unsure about what to do next.

Our service goes well beyond registration; we guide you through post-formation responsibilities and help ensure you meet every key deadline with confidence.

Here’s what our ongoing support includes:

• Deadline reminders for your confirmation statement, accounts filing, and other important updates.
• Email and live chat support from our expert company secretarial team. Ask us anything.
• An AI-powered compliance agent to guide you through your legal obligations. It can also send personalised emails or WhatsApp reminders for upcoming due dates.
• Help manage changes to your company, such as updating your address or appointing new directors.
• Support understanding your company’s future filing duties and legal responsibilities.

Whether you’re just starting or managing an active business, our ongoing support is designed to keep you compliant, informed, and in control.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to set up a limited company in the UK?

If you register your company with Your Company Formations, approval usually takes between 3 and 6 working hours, depending on Companies House’s workload. In most cases, same-day approval is possible, giving you official company documents quickly so you can start trading without delays.

See also: How long does it take to open a new company in the UK?

Can I register a company online for free?

No, you cannot register a UK company online entirely free of charge. Companies House charges a statutory fee, but when you register with us, you receive £50+ cashback from our trusted banking partners. This cashback can effectively cover your formation costs, making registration highly affordable.

Can I set up a business bank account immediately after company incorporation?

Yes, you can open a business bank account after your company is incorporated.

UK company law requires that limited companies maintain separate financial records from those of their founders. Since your business is a separate legal entity, it must have its own bank account to receive payments, pay expenses, and remain compliant with accounting and tax regulations.

Is a company secretary compulsory?

A company secretary is not required for private limited companies, but many still choose to appoint one. Our comprehensive company secretary service ensures you meet deadlines and stay compliant, eliminating administrative hassle.

Can I use a UK company formation service from abroad?

Yes, you can. Overseas residents can register a UK company through our International Package. We provide a UK-registered office address, prepare your official incorporation documents, forward statutory mail, and offer compliance support so you can set up and manage your company from anywhere in the world.