Register a company in the United Kingdom

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   Zero paperwork on your end

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   Access from anywhere

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• Registration basics

  
  What are the features of registering a Limited Company in the UK?What are the features of a Private Limited Company if I want to incorporate one?What is company incorporation?Can I register a UK company myself without the help of a solicitor or an accountant?How long does it take to form a company?How much does it cost to register a company?How do I incorporate a company online?How do I register a company name?How to register a Limited Company?

• Documents

  
  What are the company registration documents?What is a company registration number?What is a company registration certificate?Does Osome register my business directly with Companies House?

• Beyond registration

  
  How do I get funding for my new business?What are my responsibilities after setting up a limited company?How much tax will I save by setting up a limited company vs being a sole trader?I don’t live in the UK, can I still open a UK company and bank account?What if I change my mind and don’t need the company?

• Choose your company name

  Think of a suitable name for your business. Make it suitable for your industry (it can be fun or silly if you think it’s appropriate). Avoid sensitive words or expressions (you’ll need permission to use these).

  

• State a correct designation

  Ensure your name ends with the proper designation. For instance, will your company be a limited or a public limited company? If you’re unsure, just ask us.

  

• See if the name is available

  Check that the name you want is available. You can use the Osome tool or the Companies House company name availability checker.

  

• Company name is good to go

  If the name is free, protect and register your company name as soon as possible. Then voila! It’s yours to use and grow with.

  

1. Check whether your company name is available.

2. Provide Osome with some basic info for your application. This takes five minutes.

3. Receive your certificate of incorporation and other documents. You're ready to go!

1. Digital certificate of incorporation

   Your certificate of incorporation is a legal document that outlines your company information. It certifies that your business exists legally and is permitted to trade in the UK. Companies House issues these certificates.

   Your certificate of incorporation will contain information like:

   • Company’s registered name
   • Company registration number
   • Company registration location (England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland)
   • Incorporation date
   

2. Articles of Association

   These are written rules about running the company. Articles of association are agreed upon by the shareholders or guarantors, directors and the company secretary.

   All limited companies must have articles of association. You can write your own – or use model articles of association provided by the UK government. Model articles of association are the default articles your company can use.

   

3. Digital Statutory forms

   These forms contain information about the company’s directors, secretaries and members.

   Any form completed and sent to Companies House will be on the public record. This means the information, including any personal data, will be public unless the information is sensitive or restricted.

   It’s important to keep these statutory forms up to date.

   

4. Bank account

   A business bank account lets you receive and pay money in your company's name. Business bank accounts have features designed specifically for businesses.

   A business account is a legal requirement for limited companies. While Sole traders can use a personal account to manage their business, many banks will not allow this.

   A business account can only be used for business-related use. It is totally separate from your personal finances.

   

FAQ

• What are the features of registering a Limited Company in the UK?

  Legally a limited company is treated as a separate entity from its directors. Any debts owed or assets owned, belong to the company. Registering a limited company in the UK also provides tax and National Insurance advantages. A company that is limited by shares can retain its profits tax-free and distribute them as dividend payments to shareholders.

  Every limited company in the UK must be registered with Companies House, here all of your company’s financial information is on public record; which can be seen as a downside to some. But once your company name is registered with Companies House, it cannot be registered by any other business. Being a limited company will also increase your credibility and create a sense of confidence amongst both suppliers and customers, as well as banks and investors.

• 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.

• What is company incorporation?

  Incorporation is the process by which a business registers as a limited company. The business can be new or already existing. When you register a business as a limited company, this means the company is a legal entity with a separate identity from you. When you incorporate in the UK, this means you can legally trade and operate as a limited company.

• Can I register a UK company myself without the help of a solicitor or an accountant?

  Yes, you can. But it can take longer since the documents, requirements, and admin can be confusing. If you are willing to put in the hours, you can set up your company. This is perfectly legal.

• How long does it take to form a company?

  It depends on you. If you take the DIY approach it might take longer. But if you use an incorporation service, it can take as little as 3 to 6 working hours.

  Once your business is active (i.e. trading), you then have 3 months to register with HMRC (the UK's tax authority).

  If you choose to start trading straight away, your company is 'active' and you must register with HMRC for corporation tax within 3 months.

• 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 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.

• 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.

Read our articles about company incorporation