Registering a limited company in the UK is faster and cheaper than most first-time founders expect. Understanding the actual steps, current fees, and what happens immediately afterward helps you avoid the common early mistakes that cause problems later.
Quick Answer
You can register a UK limited company online through Companies House for £100, with approval typically within 24 hours. You need a unique company name, at least one director, a registered office address in the correct UK jurisdiction, and a defined share structure. Since November 2025, director and Person with Significant Control identity verification is also mandatory as part of the process.
Step 1: Choose Your Company Name
Your company name must be unique and not too similar to an existing registered company. Check availability using the Companies House name availability checker before proceeding, since a rejected application due to a name clash wastes time and, in some cases, filing fees.
Step 2: Appoint at Least One Director
Every limited company needs at least one director, who is legally responsible for running the company in compliance with the Companies Act 2006 and for filing accounts and returns on time. At least one director must be a natural person rather than another company. A single individual can be both the sole director and sole shareholder for a one-person limited company.
Step 3: Provide a Registered Office Address
This is the address where Companies House, HMRC, and other authorities send official correspondence. It must sit in the same UK jurisdiction as your company, meaning a company registered in England and Wales needs an address in England or Wales specifically. Many contractor accountants and formation agents offer registered office address services for those who prefer not to use a home or office address.
Step 4: Decide Your Share Structure
You need to determine how shares in the company will be allocated among shareholders. For a single-founder company, this is often as simple as one share held entirely by that individual. More complex ownership structures require clearer documentation of share classes and allocations from the outset.
Step 5: Complete Identity Verification
Since 18 November 2025, identity verification has been mandatory for new directors and Persons with Significant Control. This can be completed directly through Companies House using GOV.UK One Login, or through an authorised formation agent as part of their service. There is no separate Companies House charge for verifying directly yourself.
Step 6: Submit Your Application to Companies House
Once you have the required information, submit your incorporation application. Standard online registration costs £100, increased from £50 on 1 February 2026, and is typically approved within 24 hours. Same-day digital incorporation costs £156, while postal registration costs £124 and takes 8 to 10 working days.
UK Company Registration Costs at a Glance
| Method | Cost | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Standard online registration | £100 | Within 24 hours |
| Same-day digital incorporation | £156 | Same day |
| Postal registration | £124 | 8 to 10 working days |
| Annual confirmation statement | £50 | Filed yearly |
What to Do in the First 90 Days
- Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC, which carries no fee but has a specific deadline after incorporation
- Open a dedicated business bank account, keeping company finances separate from personal finances
- Register for VAT if your taxable turnover is expected to exceed the current £90,000 threshold within a 12-month period
- Set up basic bookkeeping and accounting processes ahead of your first annual accounts deadline
- Understand your ongoing filing obligations, including the annual confirmation statement
Sole Trader vs Limited Company
As a sole trader, you and your business are legally the same entity, offering simpler bookkeeping and no Companies House registration, but full personal liability for business debts. A limited company creates a separate legal entity with limited liability protection, at the cost of additional filing obligations and public disclosure of certain company information on the Companies House register.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a limited company in the UK?
£100 for standard online registration through Companies House, since the fee increased from £50 on 1 February 2026.
How long does UK company registration take?
Standard online registration is typically approved within 24 hours. Same-day digital filing and postal applications have different timeframes and costs.
Do I need an accountant to register a limited company?
No, registration itself does not require an accountant, though many founders use one for ongoing tax and compliance support afterward.
Can one person be both the director and shareholder?
Yes, a single individual can hold both roles in a one-person limited company.
Is identity verification required to register a company?
Yes, since 18 November 2025, identity verification is mandatory for new directors and Persons with Significant Control.
Related Reading
For official guidance referenced in this article, see GOV.UK’s guidance on setting up a limited company.