Register Your Company in the UK: Complete Guide

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Starting a business in the UK? One of the first essential steps is to Register Your Company in the UK with Companies House. Whether you are a local entrepreneur or an overseas founder, setting up a company in the UK offers credibility, legal protection, and access to a thriving market.

🔗 Need expert guidance on business registration and legal structuring? Explore our services: Chisty Law Chambers – Company Registration Services

1. Choose Your Company Structure

In the UK, the most common type of company is a private company limited by shares (Ltd). Other options include:

  • Private company limited by guarantee (usually for non-profits)
  • Public limited company (PLC)
  • Unlimited company

For most businesses, registering a limited company (Ltd) is the preferred route because:

  • Shareholders’ liability is limited to their investment
  • The company is legally separate from its owners
  • You can easily attract investment and scale

2. Step-by-Step Process to Register Your Company

According to GOV.UK official guidance, here’s the complete process in 2025:

Step 1: Choose a Company Name

  • Must be unique and not too similar to an existing company’s name.
  • Cannot include sensitive or restricted words without permission (e.g., “British,” “Bank”).
  • Check name availability using the Companies House name checker.

Step 2: Prepare Your Company Details

You’ll need:

  • Registered office address (must be a real address in the UK)
  • Director information (at least one director aged 16+)
  • Shareholder details (can be the same person as director)
  • Share structure (how many shares and at what value)

You’ll also prepare:

  • Memorandum of association (legal statement signed by all initial shareholders)
  • Articles of association (rules about running the company)

Template documents are available at GOV.UK – Model Articles.

Step 3: Register with Companies House

You can register:

  • Online (fastest and cheapest, usually within 24 hours)
  • By post (takes longer, higher fee)

Using an agent (like a solicitor or accountant)

Online Registration Fee (2025):

  • £50 for online registration via Companies House Web Incorporation Service.

Registration automatically registers you for:

  • Corporation Tax
  • Pay As You Earn (PAYE) if employing people

🔗 Need help with company formation? Learn more about our assistance at: Chisty Law Chambers – Business Services

3. What Happens After Registration?

Once Companies House approves your registration, you’ll receive:

  • A Certificate of Incorporation (official proof your company exists)
  • Your company number
  • Details confirming your company’s legal existence

You must:

  • Display your company name at your registered address.
  • Keep proper financial records.
  • File annual accounts and confirmation statements with Companies House.
  • Register for VAT if your turnover exceeds £90,000 (as of 2025).

4. Key Points to Remember (2025 Update)

  • Registered Address: It must be in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, depending on where your company is based.
  • Director’s Duties: Directors are legally responsible for running the company properly and ensuring compliance.
  • Privacy Options: Directors can protect their home address from being publicly available by providing a service address.

Why Set Up Your Company in the UK?

  • Access to global markets and trade agreements
  • Robust legal protection for businesses
  • Highly respected business reputation internationally
  • Opportunities for innovation, growth, and investment

At Chisty Law Chambers, we assist entrepreneurs and businesses worldwide in setting up their companies in the UK efficiently and correctly.

📑 Final Checklist Before You Start

✅ Unique company name
✅ Correct registered office address
✅ Appointed director(s) and shareholder(s)
✅ Memorandum and articles of association
✅ Online registration via Companies House

🚀 Ready to Launch Your UK Company?

Registering your business correctly is the foundation for long-term success. Whether you’re an individual entrepreneur, a small business owner, or an international investor, expert legal advice ensures a seamless process.

📞 Contact Chisty Law Chambers today for personalised company formation services and business legal support!

🔗 Visit Chisty Law Chambers Official Website

FAQs

What are the steps to register a company in the UK?

You must choose a company name, appoint directors and shareholders, prepare legal documents, provide a UK address, and register online or by post with Companies House.

How much does it cost to register a company in the UK?

The fee for online registration is £12, while postal applications cost £40. Additional services like expedited registration may incur extra charges.

Can a non-UK resident register a company in the UK?

Yes, non-UK residents can register a company. However, the company must have a registered office address in the UK.

Can Chisty Law ChaWhat happens after company registration?ambers help with Europe visa applications?

You will receive a Certificate of Incorporation, and you must register for Corporation Tax within three months of starting business activities.

You can get professional support from Chisty Law Chambers, specialists in company formation and UK business law.

Want to know more or have a chat? Contact an expert today to see if you’re eligible:

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