Over 750,000 new companies are registered in the UK every year, and the process itself has genuinely got faster over time, often taking hours rather than days. It has also recently got stricter: since February 2026, every director and person with significant control must complete identity verification before a company can be incorporated, a step earlier guides do not yet mention.
This guide covers how to register a company in the UK, step by step, including the current fees and identity requirements.
Choosing the Right Structure First
Before registering, decide on your business structure. If you are testing an idea alone with minimal risk, our guide on sole trader versus limited company covers whether incorporation is even the right move yet. Over 95% of UK companies that do incorporate choose a private company limited by shares, the default structure for most founders unless a partnership or guarantee-based structure specifically suits your situation.
Step 1: Choose and Check Your Company Name
Your company name must be unique on the Companies House register and must not include certain sensitive words or expressions, such as “Bank,” “Royal” or “Trust,” without separate approval. Checking availability takes moments through the official Companies House name checker before you get attached to a specific name.
Step 2: Set a Registered Office Address
Every company needs a registered office address where HMRC and Companies House send official correspondence, including reminders to file accounts and confirmation statements. This address appears on the public register, so many founders use a registered office service rather than a home address for privacy.
Step 3: Appoint Directors and Identify People With Significant Control
You need at least one director, who can be the owner, and you must identify anyone with more than 25% of shares or voting rights as a Person with Significant Control, or PSC. These details form part of the public record once the company is incorporated.
Step 4: Complete Mandatory Identity Verification
Since 1 February 2026, identity verification through GOV.UK One Login is mandatory for every director and PSC before incorporation can complete, a significant tightening of the process compared to previous years. Building this step into your timeline early avoids delays right before you expect to be trading.
Step 5: Choose a SIC Code and Share Structure
A SIC code identifies what your company actually does and must be included in your application, alongside your chosen share structure, which sets out how ownership is divided among shareholders.
Step 6: Prepare Your Governing Documents
Limited companies need documents agreeing how the company will be run, typically a memorandum and articles of association, which you can either draft using standard templates or customise for your specific circumstances.
Step 7: Submit Your Application
You can register directly through the Companies House Web Incorporation Service or via a third-party formation agent. Since the fee change on 1 February 2026, online registration now costs £100, paid directly to Companies House, with most approvals confirmed within 24 hours. Postal applications remain available but are slower and less commonly used.
Comparing Registration Routes
| Route | Cost | Typical Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct online (Companies House) | £100 | Within 24 hours | Founders comfortable handling the process themselves |
| Formation agent | Varies, often bundled with extras | A few hours to 24 hours | Founders wanting guidance and bundled services |
| Postal application | Higher, slower processing | 8 to 10 working days or more | Complex structures or those unable to apply online |
What Happens After Incorporation
- You receive a Certificate of Incorporation confirming your Company Registration Number
- Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC, and set up your HMRC business tax account
- Open a dedicated business bank account, since limited companies must keep finances separate from personal accounts
- Consider whether your business name also needs trademark protection beyond simple name registration
- Keep your registered office and PSC details updated as circumstances change
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a company in the UK?
Online registration through Companies House currently costs £100, following a fee increase introduced on 1 February 2026. Postal applications cost more and take considerably longer to process.
Is identity verification really mandatory now?
Yes. As of February 2026, every director and person with significant control must complete identity verification through GOV.UK One Login before a company can be incorporated.
How long does UK company registration take?
Most online applications are approved within 24 hours, though processing can occasionally take longer depending on application volume or any issues with the submitted details.
Do sole traders need to register with Companies House?
No. Sole traders do not register with Companies House, since they are not a separate legal entity. Companies House registration is specifically required for limited companies.
Final Thoughts
Registering a company in the UK is faster than most founders expect, but the process has become stricter with the February 2026 identity verification requirement. Preparing your company name, registered office, director and PSC details, and completing identity verification early keeps the process smooth rather than delaying your official start date.
