Register a Company Online and
Open an Account
Company formation online: we’ll register your company online and help you open a business bank account
Register a Company Online and
We'll guide you every step of the way
Experts who
have your backConsult a dedicated expert at any time, whether via live chat or over a call.
Zero paperwork
on your endJust send us your documents online. We’ll fill out the application and send it over for you to e‑sign.
No need to
go anywhereWe handle everything remotely, from company registration to any KYC requirements.
Get a business
bank accountWe'll connect you to our partner digital bank Cashplus – you can open an account online within 4 minutes!
Helping entrepreneurs worldwide start businesses in the UK
89% of customers recommend us
9,500+ clients worldwide
Osome has been extremely proactive, talking me through every step of starting my company. They now take care of my accounting. I love the app, it's so easy to use!
Harriette Foulkes-Arnold We are Contented Ltd.
Osome is Awesome! They have provided me with help and support when I have needed it. I highly recommend them.
Dave Wallace DW4DAYS Ltd.
They deal with all the administration on my behalf, meaning that I can simply use my income and not worry about legal and administrative filings.
Pawel Wargan freelancer
I ended up signing my documents while I was on the tube! It is impressive how fast and responsive they are!
Randeep Sudan Multivertz Ltd.
I found Osome on Friday and on Monday morning everything was ready. It was fantastic!
John Lim Artac Ltd.
Here’s what you need to register a company in the UK. We’ll take care of it all.
Step 1 Prepare the documents and details
Company registration in the UK is easy. There are just a few details you need to have ironed out before you can get started:
- Prepare passports and proof of residential address both for yourself and for any other directors and shareholders that you want to add.
- Choose your SIC code. Your Standard Industrial Classification Code defines your industry and the rules and regulations applied to your business.
- Pick your Company address. Use your home address if you’re ok with this data going public, or get it as a service from us.
Step 2 Get your company registration in the UK
In the UK, all the incorporations are processed by the Companies House, a government body in charge of the business entities. You can apply yourself or hire us. We handle your documents online via chat, prepare the application and file it with the authorities.
Here are the key documents we prepare:- Form IN01
- Memorandum of Association
- Articles of Association
Step 3 Open an account: start paying, get paid
You will need a bank account to receive money and pay your invoices. We partner with a variety of local banks. We recommend opening an account with one of the neobanks. They process KYC online and can have your account set up and ready within days. You won’t have to go anywhere for it.
If you want a bank account with one of the traditional banks, you might have to visit the bank in person. Remember, we present you to our partners, but the decision to open an account is always up to banks.
Step 4 Set up the accounting routine
As a business owner, you’ll need to submit several accounting & tax reports to the authorities. We’ll handle your day-to-day bookkeeping, prepare reports, and keep track of the timelines to submit them. You will get a Chartered accountant dedicated to your business who will proactively advise on exemptions and reliefs, so you pay taxes smartly. It is important that you set up Accounting routines as soon as you open a company. As a foreigner, you’ll employ a local Nominee director who shares legal responsibility for all the reports to be submitted neatly and on time.
Here’s what we file for you:- Сorporation tax return (Form CT600)
- Сonfirmation statement filing
- Statutory Accounts to Companies House
- VAT returns filing
Check your Business
Activity SIC Code
Use our free search to find the code that best describes your business activities
Check if your startup can receive tax reliefs and incentives
As a limited company, you can take advantage of various government incentives that can boost your business’s financial health. Explore how to qualify, apply and get these in our brief guide.
No deposits, no hidden costs
We register companies and provide all necessary incorporation services at a fixed rate. But wait, we also do more — our accounting services will support your company long after it’s been registered. Get a jump start with incorporation-only or sign up for ongoing accounting support to set your business up for success.
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We know how to register a company for your UK business
Now that we have talked about the incorporation details, let’s look at the business opportunities themselves. No matter what industry you operate in, we’ve got you covered. Learn more below.
Company registration for E-commerce Industry
The UK has one of the most advanced e-commerce markets in the world. It’s never too late to start an online store especially with the country's e-commerce sales increasing 46.1% in 2020.
Company registration for Construction Business
In construction, you might find yourself involved in contracting, product manufacturing or professional services. The construction industry in the UK is expected to record a CAGR of 8.5% reaching £236.8 billion by 2024.
Company registration for Restaurant Business
Despite news of restaurants shutting down, the UK's restaurant-to-consumer delivery segment is growing rapidly. It's now worth over £11.4 billion.
Company registration for Private School
Private and independent schools educate around 6.5% of the total number of school children in the UK. They contributed £11,6 billion to the GDP in 2017, and an average of £13.7 billion, annually.
Company registration for Pharmacy Company
The pharmaceutical industry is an important player within the United Kingdom. In 2017, the annual turnover of pharmaceutical goods wholesalers in the UK was over £42 billion.
Company registration for Shipping Company
With global shipping numbers growing, the UK takes advantage of its 120 ports. Great opportunity to set up the headquarters of a logistics company.
Company registration for Financial Company
Fintech sector is one of the fastest growing industries. Due to the high concentration of financial institutions, the UK market welcomes cryptocurrency, blockchain, and mobile banking projects.
Company registration for Real Estate Agency
In 2019, there are more than 14,500 traditional estate agent offices in the UK. However, there are opportunities for new business models where agents work online and sell through private seller websites.
Company registration for Event Management Company
Although conferences and exhibitions will be permitted from 1 October 2020, more companies are turning virtual to generate profit at lower costs. The industry was worth £42.3 billion in 2019.
Company registration for Travel Agency
Travel agencies can concentrate on domestic tourism as residents are unable to fly out to travel. VisitBritain has forecasted a central scenario for Britain of £46.8 billion in domestic tourism spending in 2020.
Company registration for Food Business
96% of food and drink manufacturing businesses are SMEs and they have experienced growth over the past 5 years. Even at a time of economic uncertainty, there are huge opportunities available.
Q&A
What is company incorporation?
Incorporation is when your business is legally brought into existence as a company. Once your business is incorporated into a company, the assets and cash flow of your business are separated from your income as the business owner.
What is a company registration number?
This is an important and unique way to identify your company as a legal entity. It is also known as a business registration number, UK company number or a registered company number. You’ll find that the most common abbreviation used is “CRN” to refer to the company registration number. The CRN is made up of 8 numbers (or 2 letters) followed by 6 numbers.
What is a company registration certificate?
When the Companies House issues an incorporation certificate, it will feature your company registration name and number. Once you’ve submitted an application to form a company and it’s been approved by Companies House, you’re granted a certificate of incorporation, which is essentially proof of registration compliance.
What are the company registration documents?
To register for your company, you would need to submit these documents:
- Form IN01, which is your application form to register for a company
- Memorandum of association
- Articles of association
- A written hard copy explanation if your company name includes a sensitive word or expression
What are the features of incorporating a company in the UK?
Limited companies are business entities that are legally separate from their owners (typically shareholders) and managers (formally called directors). The UK requires that it should be incorporated with Companies House. Its unique company registration number differentiates it from the people running it and confers legal independence.
Following that, its management will be governed by company law (and the company’s articles). Information about its activities must be reported to Companies House. The information about limited companies is stored on the public register, which is accessible to anyone.
Limited companies are still separate and distinct legal entities, even if owned or operated solely by one person.
What is a Cashplus offer?
Cashback cannot be earned on cash advances, quasi-cash transactions, gambling, Government payments (including HMRC), ATM withdrawals, balance transfers, interest, fees and charges, non-member payment service provider payments, and non-card payments. The 1% Cashback is limited to the first £100,000 of eligible card purchases each calendar month.
Terms and Conditions apply, including applicants being resident in the UK & aged 18+ and, if relevant, businesses being based in the UK. For full website terms including information on Cashplus, Mastercard and use of Trademarks, please see their full legal disclosures. Advanced Payment Solutions Limited (APS) provides credit facilities subject to approval and affordability, and where accounts continue to meet APS credit criteria. APS is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the PRA. Our Firm Reference Number (FRN) is 671140.
How do I incorporate a company online?
You can set up a limited company usually within 24 hours by registering online with the Companies House here. You will be registered for Corporation Tax when you do so. Payment for registration costs £12. You can also use company formation agents like us for a fuss-free way to register your company while you settle other important parts of your business.
How do I register a company name?
When you incorporate your company on Companies House, you register your company name as well. Before you register your company, you will have to prepare a company name. Private limited company names have to be unique. Do this by checking if the company name you want is available by using the name availability tool on Companies House. Also, check with the UK Intellectual Property Office that your chosen company name does not clash with an existing trademarked name. No matter how unique your company name is, it will usually end with either ‘Limited’ or ‘Ltd’. If your company was registered in Wales, you can include the Welsh equivalents ‘Cyfyngedig’ and ‘Cyf’ instead.
What are the features of a Private Limited Company if I want to incorporate one?
Limited companies are business entities that are legally separate from their owners (typically shareholders) and managers (formally called directors). The UK requires that it should be incorporated with Companies House. Its unique company registration number differentiates it from the people running it and confers legal independence.
Following that, its management will be governed by company law (and the company’s articles). Information about its activities must be reported to Companies House. The information about limited companies is stored on the public register, which is accessible to anyone.
Limited companies are still separate and distinct legal entities, even if owned or operated solely by one person.
How much does it cost to register a company?
It’s surprisingly fast and easy to establish a private limited company compared with actually starting the business. The process of setting up a limited company can be completed within 24 hours, depending on which route you choose.
There are three ways to form a limited company. You can either do it through Companies House yourself, or you can hire a third-party agent or accountant.
There is a fee of £12 with Companies House to register your company, and it can be paid with debit, credit, or PayPal accounts. Your company is usually registered within 24 hours.
How to register a Limited Company?
To register, you need to have chosen a company name. First, check that the name is available. This will quicken the process.
You will then need to provide some details to Companies House and HMRC. First, a registered address. The authorities will send official mail here. The address needs to be in the UK. The authorities need to be able to reach the company directors at this address. Secondly, you will need to provide the details of your company directors, including their full name, date of birth, and residential address. Thirdly, each company must have one shareholder. Companies House and HMRC will want their details too.
Next, you’ll have to allocate shares to your shareholder(s). A simple approach would be to assign one share to each shareholder and make each share worth £1.
After that, the next step is to prepare your company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.
You can register online, where you will be registered for Corporation Tax simultaneously, or you can register by post, through an agent like us, or a 3rd party software. When you register your company, you’ll need to create a Government Gateway user ID and password. A personal Government Gateway ID is not valid.
Your company can usually be registered within 24 hours.
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