- What you need before you start
- How to register a company, step by step
- Companies House fees as of October 2026
- The Government Gateway detail that trips people up
- Tax registration happens at the same time
- Choosing a name that gets accepted
- When you have to register by post
- What happens once you're registered
- Plain advice before you register
- Frequently asked questions
You register a UK limited company online with Companies House through GOV.UK. As of October 2026 it costs £100 online (£124 by post), you pay by debit or credit card, and your company is usually registered within 24 hours. Before you start, you'll need a company name, a registered office address, at least one director and one shareholder, your SIC code, and the personal code you get after verifying your identity.
Setting up a limited company is quicker than most people expect, but there are a few things you need ready before you open the form. I followed GOV.UK's step-by-step guide to setting up a limited company and Companies House's own fee list to put this together.
What you need before you start
- A company name that follows the naming rules and isn't already taken.
- A registered office address in the UK, plus a registered email address.
- At least one director. A company secretary is optional.
- At least one shareholder, who can also be the director (or a guarantor, for a company limited by guarantee).
- Details of your people with significant control, for example anyone with more than 25% of the shares or voting rights.
- A SIC code that describes what the company does.
- Your Companies House personal code, which you get after verifying your identity.
How to register a company, step by step
- Check a limited company is right for you rather than registering as a sole trader.
- Choose whether the company is limited by shares or by guarantee.
- Appoint your director, and a company secretary if you want one.
- Decide who the shareholders or guarantors are, and identify your people with significant control.
- Prepare the memorandum of association and articles of association, plus a statement of capital or guarantee.
- Check what company and accounting records you'll need to keep.
- Choose your name and check it against existing names and trade marks.
- Register online with Companies House, giving your registered office address and SIC code.
Companies House fees as of October 2026
| Filing | Online | Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Register (incorporate) a company | £100 | £124 |
| Change of company name | £20 | £30 |
| Confirmation statement (first in each 12-month period) | £50 | £110 |
Companies House also lists same day incorporation at £156. It updated this fee list on 25 September 2026. The confirmation statement fee is the one to diary, because it comes round every year once the company exists.
The Government Gateway detail that trips people up
GOV.UK says you'll need to create a Government Gateway user ID and password for the company when you register it, and you can't use your personal Government Gateway ID. Set up a separate login for the company and store it safely, because you'll use it for the company's tax account. Keep it somewhere your accountant or co-director can reach if you're away.
Tax registration happens at the same time
When you register, GOV.UK says you'll usually be set up for Corporation Tax at the same time, unless your company is dormant. The same service also lets you register for PAYE if you'll employ staff, and that includes yourself if you're the only director and you'll pay yourself a salary. Afterwards, you add Corporation Tax services to your business tax account.
Choosing a name that gets accepted
Your company name has to follow Companies House rules, and GOV.UK's guide asks you to check three things: the naming rules, whether the name is already taken, and existing trade marks. A name that's free on the register can still clash with someone's trade mark, so search both before you commit. Have a second choice ready in case your first is rejected, and make sure the matching web address and social handles are free too.
When you have to register by post
If you don't want the word limited at the end of your company name, GOV.UK says you must register by post. That route costs £124 rather than £100.
What happens once you're registered
You'll receive a certificate of incorporation, which confirms the company legally exists and shows its company number and date of formation. From there, open a separate business bank account, set up your bookkeeping and note your first confirmation statement and accounts deadlines.
When you get to the banking stage, my guide to business online banking helps you compare what matters, and these are the reasons to get legal advice when you start a company if your set-up is more complex.
Plain advice before you register
Get your identity verified and your Companies House personal code first, because it's the step most likely to hold you up on the day. Use the online service, which costs less and is usually done within 24 hours. And set up a separate Government Gateway login for the company straight away, so its tax affairs never get tangled with yours.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to register a company in the UK?
As of October 2026, Companies House charges £100 to register a company online or through software, and £124 by post. Same day incorporation costs £156.
How long does it take to register a company?
GOV.UK says your company is usually registered within 24 hours when you use the online service.
Can I register a company myself?
Yes. You can register online with Companies House through GOV.UK. You'll need your company details, your people with significant control and your identity verification code.
Do I need a company secretary?
No. GOV.UK says you must appoint a director but you don't have to appoint a company secretary.
Do I need to register for Corporation Tax separately?
Usually not. GOV.UK says you'll normally be set up for Corporation Tax when you register the company, unless it's dormant.
What is a people with significant control register?
It lists people with significant control over the company, for example anyone with more than 25% of the shares or voting rights. You confirm them when you register.
