How to Register a Limited Company in the UK (2026)

Learning how to register a limited company in the UK is simpler than most first-time founders expect - you can complete it online in one sitting, often for £100, and be trading within 24 hours. This 2026 step-by-step guide walks you through exactly what you need, how to register with Companies House, what it costs, and the important tasks that come after incorporation. Whether you're a contractor, freelancer, or startup founder, you'll finish with a clear plan to set up your limited company correctly the first time.

Key Takeaways

• You register a limited company with Companies House, usually online, for a £100 fee (as of 2026).
• Online registration is normally approved within 24 hours; postal applications take 8 to 10 days.
• You need at least one director and one shareholder (they can be the same person), a registered office address, a SIC code, and your memorandum and articles of association.
• Registering usually enrols your company for Corporation Tax at the same time, and you receive a UTR.
• After incorporation you'll need a business bank account, and to plan for VAT, PAYE, your confirmation statement, and Corporation Tax deadlines.

Should you register a limited company?

A limited company is a separate legal entity from you personally. That gives you limited liability - your personal assets are generally protected if the business runs into trouble - plus potential tax efficiencies and a more credible, professional image with clients and suppliers.

The trade-off is more admin: annual accounts, a confirmation statement, and Corporation Tax filings. If you're weighing the options, it's worth understanding the ongoing obligations before you incorporate - our guide to Corporation Tax deadlines covers what you'll need to file and when.

Limited company vs sole trader: a quick comparison

Not sure a limited company is right for you? Here's how it stacks up against staying a sole trader, so you can decide before you register.

A limited company usually wins on liability protection, credibility, and often tax efficiency once profits grow - which is why most contractors and scaling businesses incorporate. If your income is modest and you want minimal paperwork, sole trader may suit you for now.

What you need to register a limited company

Before you start the company registration process, gather the following. Having everything ready means you can complete the whole application in one go.

How to register a limited company in the UK: step by step

1. Choose your company name

Your company name must be unique and not too similar to an existing name on the register. Most private companies must end in 'Limited' or 'Ltd'. Avoid 'sensitive' words (like 'Royal' or 'Bank') unless you have permission, and check the name isn't an existing trade mark. You can search availability on the Companies House register before you commit.

2. Appoint directors and identify people with significant control

You need at least one director (aged 16+), who is legally responsible for filing accounts and keeping the company compliant. A company secretary is optional. You must also identify your people with significant control (PSC) - typically anyone holding more than 25% of the shares or voting rights - as this information goes on the public register.

3. Decide shareholders and shares

Most small companies are limited by shares. You need at least one shareholder (often the same person as the director) and a statement of capital setting out how many shares exist, their value, and who owns them. A common, simple setup is a single ordinary share of £1.

4. Provide a registered office and email address

Your registered office address is the company's official address for government mail and appears on the public register, so it must be a real address in your country of registration (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland). You also need a registered email address that Companies House can use to reach you.

5. Choose a SIC code

A SIC code is a five-digit code that describes your company's main activity. You can pick more than one if your business does several things. It's used for statistics and doesn't restrict what you actually do.

6. Prepare your memorandum and articles of association

The memorandum of association is a legal statement signed by all initial shareholders agreeing to form the company. The articles of association are the written rules for running it. When you register online, you can use the standard 'model articles', which suit the vast majority of small companies.

7. Register with Companies House

With everything ready, you submit your application to Companies House. Registering online is the fastest and cheapest route. The current fees and timescales are:

Fees are the Companies House rates in force from 1 February 2026 - always confirm the current amount on [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/limited-company-formation/register-your-company) before you pay. Once approved, you'll receive your certificate of incorporation confirming the company legally exists, with its company number and date of formation.

8. Register for Corporation Tax

When you register your company online, you're usually enrolled for Corporation Tax at the same time, unless the company is dormant. You'll receive a 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) by post. If you weren't registered automatically, you must register for Corporation Tax within 3 months of starting to trade.

Identity verification (new for 2026)

Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, Companies House is rolling out mandatory identity verification for directors and people with significant control. If you're incorporating in 2026, check the current GOV.UK guidance on who needs to verify their identity and when, as the rules are being phased in.

What to do after your company is registered

Incorporation is the start, not the finish. To stay compliant and run smoothly, plan for these next steps:

• Open a business bank account in the company's name to keep company and personal finances separate.
• Register for VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds the VAT threshold (or voluntarily if it benefits you).
• Set up PAYE with HMRC if you'll pay yourself or employees a salary.
• Set up bookkeeping so your accounts and tax returns are straightforward.
• Diarise your filing dates - your annual accounts, confirmation statement, and Corporation Tax deadlines.

This is where software pays off. Invoclouds helps you handle company formation, then keeps your HMRC and Companies House filings and deadlines in one place - so nothing slips through the cracks. You can get started with Invoclouds and manage the whole lifecycle from one dashboard.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing a name that's too similar to an existing company or a registered trade mark.
• Using your home address as the registered office without realising it becomes public - consider a registered office service.
• Mixing personal and company money - always trade through a dedicated business bank account.
• Forgetting the confirmation statement - it's due every year even if nothing has changed.
• Missing Corporation Tax deadlines - the payment date falls before the filing date, which catches many new directors out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to register a limited company in the UK?

Registering online with Companies House costs £100 (as of 2026). A same-day digital service costs £156, and a postal application on form IN01 costs £124.

How long does it take to register a limited company?

Online registrations are usually approved within 24 hours. Postal applications take around 8 to 10 days.

Can I register a limited company myself?

Yes. You can register directly with Companies House online without an accountant or agent. Many founders use a formation agent or software to make sure the details are correct and to bundle in extras like a registered office address.

Do I need a business address to register a company?

Yes - you need a registered office address in your country of registration. It's public, so many people use a registered office service instead of their home address.

Do I have to register for Corporation Tax separately?

Usually not - registering your company online normally enrols it for Corporation Tax at the same time. If it doesn't, you must register within 3 months of starting to trade.

What's the difference between a sole trader and a limited company?

A sole trader is not legally separate from you, so you're personally liable for debts. A limited company is a separate legal entity with limited liability and different tax treatment, but more reporting obligations.

Can a non-UK resident register a UK limited company?

Yes. You do not need to be a UK resident or citizen to register a UK limited company. You do, however, need a UK registered office address, and you should check the identity verification and banking requirements that apply to you.

Conclusion

Registering a limited company in the UK comes down to preparing a few key details - name, directors, shareholders, registered office, and SIC code - then submitting to Companies House online for £100, usually with approval inside 24 hours. Get the setup right and you'll avoid the common pitfalls that create admin headaches later.

Ready to form your company and keep every filing on track? Start with Invoclouds to register, then manage your Companies House and HMRC obligations from one place.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Fees, thresholds, and rules can change - always confirm current requirements on [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/limited-company-formation) or with a qualified professional.