Simple Guide: How to Register a Company In the UK

Whether you're a UK resident or based overseas, registering a UK company is a simple and straightforward process. You can choose to register directly with Companies House, work with an accountant, or use a company formation agent. The option you select will affect the overall cost and level of support you receive.

Further reading: How much does it cost to register a limited company?

9 Steps to Register Your Limited Company

Forming a company in the UK is easier than ever, thanks to streamlined online systems and digital company formation agents like us. However, understanding the entire process and doing it correctly requires knowing which documents, decisions, and compliance rules apply at each stage.

Here’s a complete guide to help you navigate the company registration process confidently.

Step 1: Determine Your Ideal Business Structure

The most common option is a private company limited by shares, a format that provides limited liability protection to its shareholders. However, there are several other structures worth considering:

Common UK Limited Company Types

• Private Company Limited by Shares (Ltd): Ideal for most small to medium-sized businesses. Shareholders are only liable up to the value of their unpaid shares. It’s also an excellent option for solo entrepreneurs transitioning from a sole trader structure.
• Private Company Limited by Guarantee: Typically used by non-profits and charities. There are no shareholders; instead, guarantors commit to contributing a fixed amount if the company is wound up.
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): Suited for professional firms (like law or accountancy practices) that want the flexibility of a partnership with the benefit of limited liability.
• Public Limited Company (PLC): Designed for large enterprises planning to raise capital through public share offerings.

Step 2: Choose Your Company Name

Choosing a company name is more than a branding decision; it’s a legal and strategic step that impacts your ability to register your company with Companies House, secure a business domain, and open a business bank account.

To register a UK company, your name must:

• Be unique and distinguishable from all existing names on the Companies House register
• End in “Limited” or “Ltd” (unless you’re exempt, such as a charity or company limited by guarantee)
• Avoid sensitive or restricted terms without special approval (e.g., “Royal”, “British”, “Authority”)
• Refrain from using offensive language or misleading claims

Use our company name check tool to verify if your preferred name is available for registration. The tool also flags names that may require additional documentation, such as restricted terms or names that are too similar to existing companies, helping you avoid delays in the registration process.

Step 3: Identify a Registered Office Address and Director Service Address

UK company law requires every company to have a registered office address. This address establishes the company’s separate legal identity and acts as its official point of contact for all statutory correspondence.

Additionally, each director must provide a director service address, which serves as the official location for receiving legal and regulatory mail addressed to them.

Step 4: Provide a registered email address

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 introduced a new requirement for all UK companies to provide a registered email address as part of the incorporation process. This email address will be used by Companies House and other government bodies to send statutory communications, including filing reminders, compliance notices, and legal updates.

Your registered email address does not appear on the public register, but it must be kept up-to-date and accessible. Failure to maintain a valid registered email address may result in penalties or missed filings that could impact your company’s good standing.

Step 5: Provide Details of Company Members, Officials and Identify Persons with Significant Control

At this stage of the company formation process, you are required to supply key information about the individuals involved in your business. This step ensures your company meets statutory requirements and that the correct legal documents can be generated.

To proceed, you must provide the following:

• At least one director (must be aged 16 or over)
• At least one shareholder (can be the same person as the director)
• Details of any Persons with Significant Control (PSC) – anyone who owns or controls more than 25% of the company
• A valid registered office address in the UK – this will appear on the public register and is used for official correspondence.

You will also need to define your company’s share capital structure, including:

• The number of shares to be issued
• The nominal value of each share (typically £1)
• How shares will be allocated among shareholders

These details form the basis of your company’s Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, two foundational legal documents required for incorporation. They set out the company’s structure, rules, and responsibilities from the moment it is formed.

Step 6: Finalise and Adopt Your Memorandum and Articles of Association

As part of forming a UK company, you must adopt two key legal documents: the Memorandum of Association and the Articles of Association. These documents lay the legal foundation for your company’s structure and governance.

• The Memorandum of Association is a brief legal document that confirms the founding members' agreement to form the company and become its initial shareholders or guarantors. It is created automatically during the registration process and cannot be changed once the company is incorporated.
• The Articles of Association outline the rules governing the company's operation. This includes details on director responsibilities, decision-making procedures, shareholder rights, issuing shares, and handling company meetings.

Most new companies adopt the Model Articles provided by the UK government. However, you can submit custom Articles if your company has unique governance needs, such as different share classes or bespoke voting rights.

Step 7. Outline Your Share Structure

At this stage, you’ll need to decide how your company’s ownership will be divided by issuing shares. Your share structure defines who owns what portion of the company and can directly impact control, profit distribution, and future investment potential.

With just one share each, changing ownership proportions later may require cancelling and reissuing shares, which adds unnecessary complexity.

When documenting your share structure, you'll need to specify:

• The number of shares to be issued
• The nominal value of each share (commonly £1)
• How the shares will be distributed among shareholders
• Whether you’ll use a single class of shares or multiple share classes (e.g. with different voting, dividend, or liquidation rights)
• Authorised share capital, which determines the maximum number of shares your company can legally issue. While there's no longer a statutory limit in UK law, specifying an authorised share capital in your Articles can help you control dilution and clarify ownership expectations for future investors or team members.

These details form part of your Statement of Capital and are legally required at the time of incorporation.

Step 8: Submit Your Application to Companies House

Once you’ve completed Form IN01 with all the necessary company details—including your proposed company name, registered office address, director and shareholder information, and share structure—it’s time to submit it to Companies House.

How to Submit Form IN01 to Companies House:

• Online Submission: The quickest and most cost-effective method is through the Companies House Web Incorporation Service. This allows you to file Form IN01 digitally and typically get your company registered within 24 hours.
• Postal Submission: Alternatively, you can submit a printed version of Form IN01 along with the required documents to Companies House by mail. This method usually takes 8–10 days and involves a higher fee.

What You’ll Need to Include:

• Fully completed Form IN01
• Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Registration fee (payment methods vary based on submission method)

Tip: Double-check all the information on your application to avoid delays or rejection. Mistakes or missing details can significantly slow down the registration process.

Companies House Filing Fee:

• Online: £50
• Paper application by post: £71

Once submitted and approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation, confirming that your company legally exists.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Opening a business bank account is the essential next step after your company has been incorporated. It allows you to:

• Keep personal and business finances legally and financially separate
• Comply with UK tax and accounting regulations
• Present a credible, professional image to clients, suppliers, and partners

While sole traders aren’t legally required to open a separate account, it is mandatory for limited companies. As a separate legal entity, your company must process all financial transactions through a business account registered under its official company name and Company Registration Number (CRN).

What You’ll Need to Open a Business Account?

Most UK banks—traditional or digital—require the following:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Company Registration Number (CRN)
• Registered office address
• Valid photo ID and proof of residential address for directors and shareholders
• A brief overview of your company’s business activities and trading plans

Your Company Formations banking partner recommendations come with the following exclusive offers:

We partner with a curated network of UK-based and internationally friendly banks, including both traditional institutions and leading fintech providers. Our banking partners offer:

• Free business bank accounts with zero monthly fees
• Cashback offers that cover your Companies House filing costs
• No proof-of-UK-address options for non-residents
• Fast, 100% online applications, often approved within 24 hours
• Seamless integration with accounting tools like Xero, QuickBooks, and FreeAgent

Whether you’re an overseas entrepreneur forming a UK company or a UK-based founder launching a limited company, Your Company Formations ensures your banking setup is quick, compliant, and hassle-free.

Why Use Your Company Formations to Register a Business

From choosing your preferred company name to submitting your application to Companies House, Your Company Formations (YCF) simplifies the entire registration process into eight efficient steps. Whether you're based in the UK or overseas, YCF provides a streamlined, expert-led approach to company formation.

Benefits of Working With Your Company Formations

1. AI-Powered Business Structure Selection Process

YCF offers expert guidance to help you select the most suitable company type for your business goals, whether it's a Private Limited Company (Ltd), LLP, or Company Limited by Guarantee. You can also use our built-in AI companion to quickly determine the best structure based on your business model, plans, and liability preferences. This ensures first-time founders avoid costly mistakes and set the proper foundation from day one.

2. Select and Secure Your Company Name

With YCF’s real-time company name checker, you can instantly confirm name availability and avoid names that trigger rejection. The tool also flags restricted or sensitive words, ensuring a smooth approval process.

3. Set Up Your Registered Office and Director Service Address

All Your Company Formations packages include a fully inclusive service, providing both a professional registered office address and a director service address, ensuring your personal information stays private and your business stays compliant with UK regulations.

For international entrepreneurs, YCF offers a specialised Non-Resident Package that includes everything needed to register and operate a UK company remotely, including:

• Registered UK office address
• Director’s service address
• Digital company documents
• Assistance with opening a UK business bank account
• Mail forwarding and official correspondence handling

This package is ideal for overseas clients who want a legitimate UK presence without the hassle of physical relocation.

4. Enter Company Details, Set Up Share Structure, and Generate Legal Documents

YCF’s intuitive online platform ensures every part of your application is completed accurately and in line with Companies House regulations. As you enter essential details, such as director, shareholder, and PSC information, our system flags common mistakes in real-time to prevent costly rejections.

We also conduct mandatory Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks, as required by law, to help you meet your legal obligations smoothly and securely.

When defining your share structure, our platform offers smart defaults and flexible options, ensuring you’re not locked into a setup that limits future growth. Common pitfalls, such as issuing only one share per person or not authorising sufficient share capital, are flagged, and our templates help you structure equity for long-term success and ease the onboarding of future investors.

All legal documents, including your Memorandum and Articles of Association, are auto-generated and fully compliant. You can use the government-standard Model Articles or opt for customised rules if your business has unique requirements.