The free guide to
The Free Guide to Setting up a company
Setting up a limited company in the UK is faster and cheaper than most people expect — you can be incorporated in a day. The tricky parts are usually the small decisions: what address to use, who the directors are, and what you legally have to keep on file. This free guide walks through it in plain English.
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Visit Cheapest UK Office →What you need before you start
You need a company name that is not already taken, at least one director (16+), at least one shareholder (can be the same person), a registered office address in the UK, and details of your "people with significant control". You do not need an accountant to incorporate, though many people get one afterwards.
The steps to incorporate
Check your name on the Companies House register, choose your SIC code (what your business does), decide your share structure, and file the incorporation (IN01). You can do it directly with Companies House for a small fee, or through a formation agent who bundles extras. Once approved you get a Certificate of Incorporation and a company number.
The registered office address decision
Your registered office is on the public record and is where official mail goes. Many founders do not want their home address published for the world to see. A registered office address service gives you a real, professional address and forwards your mail — keeping your home private and your company looking established. This is the single most common reason people use a service rather than their kitchen table.
After incorporation: what you must keep up
You will need to file an annual confirmation statement, file annual accounts, register for Corporation Tax within three months of trading, and keep statutory registers. Diarise these dates — late filing penalties are avoidable and annoying.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my home address as the registered office?
Yes, but it becomes public on the Companies House register and receives official mail. Many founders use a registered office address service instead to keep their home address private.
How much does it cost to set up a company?
The Companies House incorporation fee is modest. Costs rise if you add a registered office address service, an accountant, or a formation package — but the core incorporation is inexpensive.
How long does it take?
Online incorporations are often approved within 24 hours.
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