What is UK Company Formation?
UK company formation is registering a new business entity with Companies House. Most popular:
Limited Company (Ltd)
2026 Statistics:
– 800,000+ new companies registered annually
– 24-hour formation time (standard)
– £50 government fee + service charges
Types of UK Companies
1. Private Limited Company (Ltd)
Best for: Most small businesses
– Limited liability protection
– Can have 1+ shareholders
– Must file annual accounts
– Cost: £50 + service fees
2. Public Limited Company (PLC)
Best for: Large businesses seeking investment
– Can offer shares publicly
– Minimum £50,000 share capital
– Strict compliance requirements
3. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Best for: Professional partnerships
– Partners have limited liability
– Flexible profit sharing
– Each partner files own tax return
Step-by-Step Formation Process
Step 1: Choose Company Name ✅
– Check availability at Companies House
– Avoid restricted words
– Must end with “Limited” or “Ltd”
Step 2: Appoint Directors & Shareholders** ✅
– Minimum 1 director (age 16+)
– Minimum 1 shareholder (can be same person)
– Collect personal details
Step 3: Register Office Address** ✅
– Must be UK physical address
– Appears on public register
– Can use virtual office
Step 4: Create Articles of Association ✅
– Company rules/constitution
– Model articles available free
– Can customize for your needs
Step 5: Complete Companies House Form ✅
– Form IN01
– Submit online or by post
– Pay £50 filing fee
Step 6: Receive Certificate ✅
– Issued within 24 hours (online)
– Company number assigned
– Can start trading immediately
Costs Breakdown 2026
| Item | Cost |
|——|——|
| Companies House Fee | £50 |
| Same-Day Service (optional) | +£30 |
| Registered Office (annual) | £40-£150 |
| Service Address (optional) | £30-£100 |
| **DIY Total** | **£50** |
| **With Services** | **£90-£330** |
Required Information
For Each Director:
– Full name, DOB
– Nationality
– Occupation
– Residential address
– Service address
For Company:
– Company name
– Registered office address
– SIC code (business activity)
– Share capital amount
– Shareholder details
Timeline
– Name check: Instant
– Application prep: 30 mins – 2 hours
– Companies House: 24 hours (online)
– Certificate delivery: Email (instant) or Post (5 days)
Total: Same day to 5 days
After Registration
✅ Open business bank account
✅ Register for Corporation Tax (within 3 months)
✅ Set up accounting system
✅ Register for VAT (if turnover >£85,000)
✅ Get business insurance
✅ Register as employer (if hiring)
Common Questions
Q: Can I register with £1 share capital?
A: Yes. Minimum is £1.
Q: Do I need an accountant?
A: Not required, but highly recommended.
Q: Can I change my company name later?
A: Yes, for £10 fee.
Q: What’s SIC code?
A: Standard Industrial Classification – describes your business activity.
Register Your Company Today
[Check Name Availability](#) | [View Packages](#) | [Start Now](#)
Packages:
– Basic: £14.99
– Standard: £49.99 (Most Popular)
– Premium: £96.00
All include Companies House filing, registered office & support.