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UK Company Formation & Corporate Services

Start Your UK Business With Confidence

Planning to establish a business in the United Kingdom? Understand company registration, Companies House requirements, registered office arrangements and the practical steps involved in getting started.

From company formation to banking documentation, accounting and tax planning, build a clearer path towards your UK business goals.

Company formation · Registration guidance · Banking support · Accounting & tax

⌂Company Formation
▤Registration Guidance
↗Banking Preparation
✓Compliance Planning
Your UK business journey

A Clearer Route to UK Company Formation

Setting up a UK company involves choosing a legal structure, preparing registration information and understanding your responsibilities after incorporation.

For many founders, a private company limited by shares is a common option. The right structure depends on ownership, liability, business activities and future plans.

See the company setup process →

What Should You Prepare?

  • Your proposed company name and business activity.
  • Director, shareholder and ownership information.
  • An appropriate registered office address in the relevant UK jurisdiction.
  • A registered email address for Companies House communications.
  • Information needed for tax, accounting and banking arrangements.
Our service areas

Business Services for Your UK Expansion

Explore the support that may be relevant when establishing and operating a UK business. Confirm service availability with One Incorp before publishing.

⌂

UK Company Formation

Understand company structures, registration steps and the information required to incorporate your business.

Explore company services →
▤

Business Licensing

Identify whether your intended activities require specific licences, permissions or regulatory approvals.

Explore licensing →
▣

Business Banking Support

Prepare company information and supporting documents for a business bank application. Account approval remains the bank's decision.

Explore banking services →
▦

Accounting & Tax

Plan financial record keeping, accounting processes and relevant tax obligations for your business.

Explore accounting →
◎

Trade Finance

Explore documentation and financial service considerations for businesses involved in international trade.

Explore trade finance →
✓

Ongoing Compliance

Understand recurring filing, record keeping and company reporting responsibilities after incorporation.

Discuss your requirements →
Understand the essentials

Key Requirements for a UK Limited Company

Know the main registration requirements before submitting your application to Companies House.

01

Company Directors

A private limited company must have at least one director, and at least one director must be an individual. Directors do not generally have to live in the UK.

Official director guidance →
02

Registered Office

Your registered office must be an appropriate physical address in the same part of the UK where the company is registered. A PO Box alone is not sufficient.

Official address requirements →
03

Company Information

Prepare details about the company name, shareholders, people with significant control, registered email address and business activity.

Official setup guide →

A company secretary is generally optional for a UK private limited company. Requirements can differ for public companies and particular circumstances.

The process

Four Steps to Establish Your UK Company

A straightforward overview of the typical incorporation journey.

01

Choose Your Structure

Decide whether a limited company or another business structure fits your needs.

02

Prepare Details

Choose a name and prepare director, shareholder, ownership and address information.

03

Register the Company

Submit the incorporation application and required details to Companies House.

04

Plan Operations

Review tax registrations, accounting, banking, licences and ongoing filing responsibilities.

After incorporation

Plan for UK Tax & Compliance

Registering a company is only the beginning. UK companies may have ongoing obligations relating to Corporation Tax, annual accounts, confirmation statements and other filings.

  • Check Corporation Tax registration and filing requirements.
  • Assess whether VAT registration is required.
  • Maintain appropriate accounting and company records.
  • Track Companies House filing deadlines.
  • Review PAYE and payroll requirements if employing staff.
Read official limited company guidance →

Important Responsibilities

Corporation Tax

Companies generally need to deal with Corporation Tax on taxable profits and meet applicable registration and filing requirements.

Annual accounts and confirmation statement

Companies have ongoing filing obligations with Companies House, including annual accounts and a confirmation statement.

VAT and payroll

VAT registration and PAYE requirements depend on the business and its circumstances.

Explore Corporation Tax guidance →
Frequently asked questions

UK Company Formation FAQs

Answers to common questions about registering and running a UK company.

Can a non-UK resident register a UK company?

Directors do not generally have to live in the UK. However, the company must meet applicable registration requirements, including having an appropriate registered office in the relevant part of the UK.

What is Companies House?

Companies House is the UK registrar of companies. It receives incorporation applications and maintains public company information and filings.

How long does UK company registration take?

Processing times vary depending on the application method and circumstances. Check the current Companies House service information before planning around a specific date.

What address does a UK limited company need?

The company needs an appropriate registered office address in the same part of the UK where it is registered. The address is publicly available on the Companies House register.

Does a private limited company need a company secretary?

A private limited company generally does not need a company secretary, although its directors remain responsible for the company's legal duties.

Does incorporation automatically open a business bank account?

No. Banks have their own eligibility checks, documentation requirements and due diligence processes. Incorporation does not guarantee account approval.

Will a UK company need to pay Corporation Tax?

Companies generally need to assess Corporation Tax obligations based on their taxable profits and circumstances. Review current HMRC guidance or seek qualified tax advice.

Does every UK company need to register for VAT?

No. VAT registration depends on applicable taxable turnover thresholds and other rules. Some businesses may choose voluntary registration when eligible.

Useful resources

Official UK Government Resources

Use official guidance to check the latest requirements before registering your company.

Take the next step

Ready to Explore Your UK Business Setup?

Discuss your proposed business activity, ownership structure and operational needs to understand the next steps for your UK company.

Contact One Incorp ↗

Disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Requirements depend on the company structure and circumstances. Confirm current requirements with Companies House, HMRC and qualified professionals.