Companies House vs Formation Agent: Which Is Best in 2026?

Starting a UK company has two clear routes. You can file with Companies House yourself. You can use a formation agent.

Both routes can create a real UK limited company. The main difference is the help around the filing.

This guide compares both options. It covers cost, speed, checks, addresses, banking, and support.

Quick answer

Use Companies House direct if you have a UK registered office, know the filing steps, and want to manage every task yourself.

Use a formation agent if you want help with the application, identity checks, address privacy, or post-formation tasks.

A formation agent is not a legal requirement. It is a support service.

Route one: file direct with Companies House

The official Companies House service lets you register a company online. You choose a name, appoint directors, add shareholders, select SIC codes, and provide a registered office address.

You also provide the details needed for identity checks. The information must be accurate. A mistake can delay the filing or require a later correction.

The direct route suits founders who:

• Have a physical address in the correct UK jurisdiction.
• Understand the difference between a registered office and a service address.
• Can choose suitable SIC codes.
• Can complete identity checks without help.
• Can track tax and filing duties after incorporation.

Start with the official Companies House formation guidance. Then check the company name before you submit.

Route two: use a formation agent

A formation agent prepares and submits a company application for you. Many agents also provide address services, identity-check guidance, document support, and reminders.

An agent may be an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, known as an ACSP. An ACSP can carry out identity verification and submit filings under the Companies House process. Always check the provider and the exact package terms.

A formation agent suits founders who:

• Want a guided online application.
• Live outside the UK.
• Need a registered office or director service address.
• Want help before submitting details.
• Need a simple path from formation to banking and compliance.

See the UK LTD Registration formation service for the current package and filing options.

Cost comparison

The direct route has a government filing fee. The fee can change, so check the official rate before applying.

An agent adds a service fee. That fee may include more than filing. It can cover a company address, digital documents, identity support, name checks, or a first confirmation statement.

Compare the full cost, not only the headline price. Ask these questions:

1. Is the Companies House fee included?
2. Is VAT included?
3. Is the registered office included for one year?
4. Is a director service address included?
5. Are identity checks included?
6. Is the first confirmation statement included?
7. What will renewal cost next year?

Our pricing page lists the current UK LTD Registration packages. The package page should be the final source for a purchase decision.

Speed and control

Direct filing gives you full control. You enter the details and submit them when ready.

An agent adds a review step. This can save time when the application is complex. It can also prevent common errors before submission.

Neither route can control the workload of Companies House. Identity checks, sensitive names, payment errors, and manual reviews can add time.

Treat same-day processing as a target, not a legal guarantee.

Address needs

Every UK company needs a registered office address. It must be an appropriate physical address in the correct part of the UK.

A registered office receives official mail. A director service address protects a director's home address from public display for officer correspondence. A business address is a separate service for trading mail and public contact.

Do not treat these addresses as the same product. Read what each address does before you buy it.

Our registered office and virtual office options explain the main differences.

Banking after formation

Companies House does not open a bank account for your company. Banks and payment providers make their own decisions.

They may review your owners, business model, expected activity, countries served, and proof of address. A formation agent may introduce you to providers, but no agent can guarantee approval.

Read the business banking guide for non-residents before you choose a provider.

What happens after registration?

Formation is the start of the company journey. After incorporation, you may need to:

• Store your certificate and company documents.
• Set up a business bank account.
• Tell HMRC when the company starts trading.
• Track Corporation Tax and VAT duties.
• Keep director and PSC details current.
• File annual accounts and a confirmation statement.

A direct filing can be cheaper at the start. An agent can reduce the work you must manage. The best route depends on the support you need after the certificate arrives.

Decision checklist

Choose direct Companies House filing when you want the lowest process cost and can manage the full task list.

Choose an agent when you value review, address privacy, identity support, or one place for formation and related services.

Before either route, check the official Companies House requirements, confirm your company name, and prepare accurate officer details.

Ready to compare a guided route? Review the formation packages or contact our support team.

Final view

Companies House is the official registrar. A formation agent is an optional helper.

Direct filing is practical for prepared founders. Agent support is useful when the filing, address, identity, or compliance work feels unclear.

Choose the route that matches your time, knowledge, address needs, and risk tolerance. Do not choose only by the lowest headline price.