How to Register a Company in the UK

Choosing your business structure

The most common business structures in England are:

• Sole trader — Simplest. No registration with Companies House. Register with HMRC for Self Assessment. Unlimited personal liability.
• Private limited company (Ltd) — Separate legal entity. Directors have limited liability. Must register with Companies House. £50 registration fee online.
• Partnership — Two or more people share profits and liabilities. Can be a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) for more protection.

Registering a Limited Company (step by step)

1. Choose a company name — Must be unique. Check availability on the Companies House register.
2. Choose a registered office address — Must be a physical address in England, Wales or Scotland. Can be your home address or a registered office service.
3. Appoint directors — At least one director, who must be aged 16+.
4. Set up shares — Decide on share structure. Simple: 100 shares of £1 each for a single shareholder.
5. Register online — Use the GOV.UK Companies House service. Takes 24–48 hours. Costs £50 online.
6. Register for Corporation Tax — Must do this within 3 months of starting to trade. Do it via GOV.UK.
7. Register for VAT (if needed) — Mandatory if annual turnover exceeds £90,000. Optional below that threshold.

After registration

• Open a business bank account (required for Ltd companies)
• Get appropriate insurance (Public Liability, Professional Indemnity)
• Set up bookkeeping (HMRC requires Making Tax Digital for VAT)
• File a Confirmation Statement every year (£34 online)
• File annual accounts within 9 months of financial year end

Costs summary

Use our free Startup Cost Calculator