How to Register a UK Limited Company in 2026

Registering a UK limited company is straightforward and can be done in a single day. Whether you're starting a new business, setting up a property holding company, or formalising a freelance operation, here's exactly what's involved.

What You Need Before You Start

To register a UK limited company you need: a company name that isn't already taken, at least one director (who must be a real person aged 16+), at least one shareholder, a registered office address in the UK, a SIC code describing your business activity, and details of anyone with significant control (PSC) over the company.

Option 1: Register Directly with Companies House

You can register online at Companies House for a fee of £50 (or £30 for paper filing). The online process typically takes about 24 hours for approval. You'll need to prepare your own Memorandum and Articles of Association and complete all the forms yourself. This is the cheapest route but requires more effort.

Option 2: Use a Company Formation Agent

Formation agents handle the entire registration process for you, often with same-day incorporation. They typically provide ready-made Articles of Association, a registered office address service, and help with initial compliance. Prices start from around £13 plus the Companies House fee. This is the faster and easier route, especially if you want a registered office address that isn't your home.

Agents like 1st Formations have formed over a million UK companies and offer packages that include a London registered office, digital compliance tools, and mail forwarding. If speed and convenience matter, a formation agent is the practical choice.

Choosing Your Company Name

Your company name must be unique — no other company on the register can have the same or a confusingly similar name. You can check name availability for free on UK Business Finder by searching our database of 2.6 million active companies. Avoid names that imply government affiliation or require special permissions (like "Royal" or "British").

Understanding SIC Codes

Every UK company must choose at least one SIC code — a five-digit number that describes its business activity. You can browse companies by industry on UK Business Finder to see which SIC codes are used in your sector. Common examples include 68100 (buying and selling own real estate), 62020 (IT consultancy), and 47910 (retail via mail order or internet).

What Happens After Registration

Once your company is incorporated, you'll receive a Certificate of Incorporation with your unique company number. You'll then need to open a business bank account, register for Corporation Tax with HMRC within three months, set up your accounting records, and consider whether you need to register for VAT (mandatory if turnover exceeds £90,000). You'll also need to file annual accounts and a confirmation statement each year.

Costs Summary

• Companies House registration fee: £50 (online)
• Formation agent fee: £13–£150 depending on package
• Registered office address: £30–£100/year (if using a service)
• Accounting software: £0–£50/month
• Business insurance: varies by activity