Companies House
Registers UK companies and keeps their public records, such as directors, accounts and confirmation statements.
Home » Business and self-employment » Set up a limited company
Set up a limited company
Register a company with Companies House and search the official company register.
Official links
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: set up a limited company www.gov.uk/limited-company-formation | Whole UK |
| Companies House: search the register find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/ | Whole UK |
Who handles it
Step by step
- Choose a name that is not the same as an existing company. It usually has to end in 'Limited' or 'Ltd'.
- Get a registered office address (a physical address in the UK, in the same country where you register) and a registered email address.
- Appoint at least one director aged 16 or over and decide your shareholders and people with significant control.
- Verify each director's identity with GOV.UK One Login to get their personal code, then register online with Companies House. It is usually done within 24 hours.
- When the company starts doing business, add Corporation Tax to its HMRC business tax account if it was not set up automatically.
What you need
- The personal code of each director from identity verification
- A registered office address in the UK and a registered email address
- Names and addresses of shareholders and details of the shares (statement of capital)
- Articles of association (you can use the standard model articles)
Common mistakes
- Using a home address as the registered office without realising it becomes public.
- Using a PO Box as the registered office: it is no longer allowed.
- Trying to register with your personal Government Gateway ID: the company needs its own.