How to Register a Company in the UK

Registering a company in the UK is straightforward, but there are a number of decisions to make before you begin. This guide walks you through the process from start to finish.

What You'll Need Before You Start

Step 1: Choose Your Company Name

Your company name must be unique on the Companies House register and must end with Limited or Ltd. Use the Companies House name availability checker to confirm your chosen name is free.

Be aware that Companies House applies "same as" rules — minor variations like punctuation changes or the addition of "the" or "company" are treated as identical. See our full guide to UK company name rules for details.

Also check that your name does not infringe an existing trademark — registration at Companies House does not protect against trademark claims.

Step 2: Appoint Directors and Identify PSCs

Every private limited company must have at least one director. Directors are legally responsible for the company and must ensure that statutory filings (confirmation statements, accounts) are made on time.

A Person with Significant Control (PSC) is anyone who:

• Owns more than 25% of shares or voting rights
• Has the right to appoint or remove the majority of the board
• Has significant influence or control over the company

PSC details are publicly available on the Companies House register.

Step 3: Prepare Your Articles of Association

The articles of association govern how the company is run — voting rights, dividend distribution, share transfers, and director appointments. Companies House provides model articles which are suitable for most small businesses and are adopted by default if you don't submit your own.

The memorandum of association is a declaration by the initial shareholders (subscribers) confirming they wish to form the company. It is generated automatically during online registration.

Step 4: Register Online at Companies House

The fastest and cheapest method is the Companies House Web Incorporation Service (part of GOV.UK). The registration fee is £50 and most applications are processed within 24 hours, often much faster.

You will need to create a Government Gateway account if you don't already have one.

Step 5: Receive Your Certificate of Incorporation

Once Companies House approves your application, you'll receive a certificate of incorporation as a PDF. This confirms:

• Your company name
• Your unique company registration number (CRN)
• The date of incorporation
• Where the company is registered (England & Wales, Scotland, or Wales)

The company legally exists from the date on this certificate. You can now open a business bank account, enter contracts, and issue invoices in the company's name.

Step 6: Register for Taxes

You must tell HMRC that your company exists within 3 months of starting to trade. Failing to do so can result in penalties.

• Corporation Tax — register via your HMRC business tax account. Your first accounting period begins on the date of incorporation.
• VAT — mandatory if your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period. You can register voluntarily below this threshold.
• PAYE — register as an employer if you plan to pay salaries (including to yourself as a director).

Ongoing Obligations After Registration

Buying vs Registering: Which Is Right for You?

Registering a new company from scratch is the right route for most people — it's cheap, fast, and gives you full control over the name from day one.

However, if the name you want is already taken, or you specifically need a company with an older incorporation date for credibility or banking purposes, then purchasing a pre-registered company name is the only practical option. We specialise in exactly this — read our guide on aged company names or browse our portfolio.