Best UK Company Registration 

Starting a business in the UK begins with registering your limited company — a process that takes as little as a few minutes when you use the right formation service. This guide covers everything you need: the legal requirements set by Companies House, the best UK company registration services available in 2026 (including options that save you up to £100 on the standard fee), and how to set up your banking and accounting from day one.

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Essential Requirements for UK Company Registration

The UK government requires specific elements for company registration. Here are the basic requirements you need to prepare:

When registering a company, directors must submit several essential items. Let’s examine each requirement in detail:

1. Unique Company Name — Every company needs a distinctive name that complies with UK regulations. You can verify name availability through the official Companies House website or any company registration service. The name must end with ‘Limited’ or ‘Ltd’ for private companies, cannot match or closely resemble existing company names, must avoid sensitive words without proper permission, and cannot be offensive or imply a connection with government bodies.
2. Registered Office Address — A registered office address is a legal requirement for all UK companies. It must be a physical address in the UK (not a PO Box) and can be your home address, business premises, or a service address. Companies House will send official correspondence to this address, while HMRC allows you to specify a different address for tax purposes. For privacy protection, many formation agents offer virtual office services providing a professional business address for public records while keeping your personal address private. Annual costs start from £50–100 and most formation packages incorporate this service.
3. Company Director Details — The company must provide comprehensive information about its directors, including full name, date of birth, nationality, and a service address (which can differ from their residential address). Directors must be at least 16 years old, though there is no UK residency requirement. The registration process also requires three security questions and answers for verification purposes.
4. Shareholder Information — Shareholders are the owners of the company and their details must be properly documented. The company structure allows for flexibility — the director can also be the sole shareholder. While only one share needs to be issued legally, it is typically recommended to issue between 10–100 shares at £1 each for better flexibility in managing ownership and investment.
5. Share Capital Structure — The share capital structure defines your company’s ownership distribution. You’ll need to specify the total number of shares issued, their value, and any rights attached to different share classes. A statement of capital must show the total company value, along with prescribed particulars for each share class if applicable.
6. SIC Codes — Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes identify your company’s business activities. You can select up to four codes that accurately describe your operations. They should match your current business activities but can be updated later if your business focus changes.
7. Company Documents — Several essential documents formalise your company’s existence and operation. The Memorandum of Association is automatically created during registration. Articles of Association outline your company’s rules (standard or custom). A Statement of Capital and initial shareholdings details your financial structure. Documentation about people with significant control ensures transparency, and written operational rules provide governance guidelines.

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What is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)?

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is a business officially registered with Companies House to carry out identity verification and company formation on behalf of clients. Since the introduction of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, ACSPs play a key role in the UK’s anti-money laundering (AML) framework — verifying director identities and filing incorporation documents with legal accountability.

In practical terms, using an ACSP means your company registration is handled by a regulated, trusted intermediary. It also means your identity verification is completed as part of the formation process, satisfying the new Companies House requirements that apply from 2025 onwards. All six formation services reviewed in this guide — Rapid Formations, 1st Formations, Your Company Formations, Tide, ANNA Money, and Countingup — are registered ACSPs.

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Best Company Registration Services in the UK

Choosing the right formation service can save you time, money, and compliance headaches. The six providers below are all registered ACSPs, offering fast online registration, digital document delivery, and free business bank account introductions. We’ve highlighted key differences to help you pick the right one for your situation.

• Rapid Formations
• 1st Formations
• Your Company Formations
• Tide
• ANNA Money
• Countingup

Rapid Formations combines efficiency with professional expertise in company registration. Their online platform simplifies the formation process through clear step-by-step guidance, providing detailed support from name selection to document submission. Packages include essential services such as registered office address options and post-registration support. The service stands out for its quick processing times and responsive customer support team.

Plan	Price	Highlights
Basic	£2.99 + £100 Companies House Fee	LTD Company Formation Free Business Bank Account Digital Company Documents Filing of the First Confirmation Statement
Privacy	£14.99 + £100 Companies House Fee	LTD Company Formation Free Business Bank Account Digital Company Documents Filing of the First Confirmation Statement London Registered Office London Service Address London Business Address
All Inclusive	£39.99 + £100 Companies House Fee	LTD Company Formation Free Business Bank Account Digital and Printed Company Documents Filing of the First Confirmation Statement London Registered Office London Service Address London Business Address VAT Registration PAYE Registration Full Company Secretary Service
Ready to Form Your Company? Trusted by thousands of UK entrepreneurs — fast, simple, and fully compliant with Companies House. Form Your Company Now → 🔒 Secure process  |  ✅ FCA-aware platform  |  📋 No hidden fees

Prices are subject to change and may include special discounts or offers. Please verify the latest pricing directly with the company.

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1st Formations offers an accessible approach to company registration through their user-friendly platform. Their service includes complete preparation and filing of all necessary documentation, with digital copies of all company documents delivered immediately after registration. Their packages include ongoing support for common post-registration tasks and the service particularly excels in providing clear communication throughout the registration process.

Plan	Price	Top Features
Digital	£2.99 + £100 Companies House Fee	Limited Company Free Business Bank Account Free Online Company Manager Free .com or .co.uk Domain Name Filing of the First Confirmation Statement Business Telephone Number Free for 3 Months Email Copy of Company Documents
Privacy	£17.99 + £100 Companies House Fee	Everything in Digital, plus: Email Copy of Company Register with First Entries Registered Office Service London WC2 (12 months) 1x Service Address London WC2 (12 months) Business Address Service London WC2 (12 months)
All Inclusive	£39.99 + £100 Companies House Fee	Everything in Privacy, plus: Full Set of Hard Copy Company Documents Full Company Secretary Service VAT Registration PAYE Registration Free 4 Hours of Meeting Room Hire GDPR Compliance Package
Ready to Form Your Company? Trusted by thousands of UK entrepreneurs — fast, simple, and fully compliant with Companies House. Form Your Company Now → 🔒 Secure process  |  ✅ FCA-aware platform  |  📋 No hidden fees

Prices are subject to change and may include special discounts or offers. Please verify the latest pricing directly with the company.

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Your Company Formations delivers a comprehensive company registration service with a focus on simplicity and support. Their platform offers clear guidance through the registration process, backed by experienced professionals. They specialise in helping first-time business owners understand their legal obligations while providing competitive formation packages. Key benefits include a quick online formation process, electronic certificate delivery, free business bank account introduction, a dedicated support team, a range of address services, and full company documentation.

Plan	Price	Top Features
Digital	£2.48 + £100 Companies House Fee	Ready-to-trade company Fastest online formation All company documents sent by email PVC Code (Personal Verification Code) Free cancellation (Cancellation Protection) Bank account with £55 cash back Merchant account with £50 cashback Free Google Adwords voucher Free online company manager Maintain Statutory Books Free support for the life of your company HMRC Registration for Corporation Tax Fully compliant with AML and KYC regulations
Digital & Print	£6.98 + £100 Companies House Fee	Everything in Digital, plus: Printed Certificate of Incorporation Printed Share Certificates
Privacy	£17.48 + £100 Companies House Fee	Everything in Digital & Print, plus: Registered Office Address London Directors’ Office Address London Free .co.uk Domain Name
Fully Inclusive ⭐ Most Popular	£44.48 + £100 Companies House Fee	Everything in Privacy, plus: Virtual Trading Address London Free 4 Hour Meeting Room Use Bound Articles of Association Printed Minutes of First Board Meeting Company Filing Service (worth £200+) VAT Registration
International	£98.48 + £100 Companies House Fee	Everything in Fully Inclusive, plus: International Post Forwarding International Document Postage Bank account with up to £155 cash back
Entrepreneurs 🏆 Worth £800+	£315.00 + £100 Companies House Fee	Everything in International, plus: Dormant Accounts or £110 Accounting Credit PAYE Registration 12 Months Call Answering Service
Ready to Form Your Company? Trusted by over 1 million UK entrepreneurs — fast, simple, and fully compliant with Companies House. Form Your Company Now → 🔒 Secure process  |  ⭐ 4.9/5 Customer Rating  |  ⚡ Rapid Formation Time

Prices are subject to change and may include special discounts or offers. Please verify the latest pricing directly with the company.

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Register Your Company with Tide for £14.99

Tide offers one of the most cost-effective company formation services in the UK. Instead of paying the standard £100 Companies House fee directly, you register through Tide for just £14.99 — a saving of over 85%. Tide is a registered Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), which means your identity is verified and your incorporation is handled by a regulated, compliant service. Most certificates of incorporation are issued within one business day. Your registration includes a free Tide business bank account with no monthly fee, a company name availability check, and a Personal Authentication Code (PAC) to manage your filing obligations going forward.

👉 Read our full Tide review →

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ANNA Money — Free Company Formation + Admin Support

ANNA Money combines company registration with a full year of business admin support — making it a strong choice for founders who want more than just an incorporation certificate. The only mandatory cost is the £100 Companies House fee (included in higher-tier plans). ANNA is a registered ACSP and handles identity verification, HMRC registration, and ongoing compliance reminders directly through its app. What sets ANNA apart is the breadth of post-formation support included, particularly on paid plans: confirmation statement filing, VAT and PAYE registration, a virtual London office with same-day mail scanning, and a 24/7 Cardiff-based support team for HMRC and Companies House queries.

👉 Register with ANNA →
👉 Read our full ANNA review →

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Countingup — Free Formation with a Built-In Business Account

Countingup takes a different angle: it’s primarily a business current account with built-in accounting software, and company formation is offered as a free add-on. You pay the £100 Companies House fee upfront, which is reimbursed once you become an active Countingup customer — making your formation effectively free. Applications are processed within hours, with most companies registered by the next working day. Countingup is registered with Companies House as an ACSP and is an HMRC-recognised Company Formation Agent. The free 3-month trial of their business current account is included with every registration. Note that you must be a UK resident to apply through Countingup.

👉 Register with Countingup →
👉 Read our full Countingup review →

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UK Company Registration for Non Residents

Starting a UK company from abroad presents a straightforward opportunity for international entrepreneurs. The UK’s business-friendly environment welcomes foreign investors and company directors without requiring UK residency. International directors must provide the same documentation as UK residents, including proof of identity and address from their home country. The main requirement specific to international registrations is securing a UK registered office address, which formation agents can provide through their virtual office services. International directors can manage their companies entirely online through Companies House services and digital banking platforms.

	Non-Residents £99.99 + £100 Companies House Fee Non-Residents Plus £149.99 + £100 Companies House Fee	Learn More
	Non-Residents Package £99.99 + £100 Companies House Fee	Learn More
	International £98.48 + £100 Companies House Fee	Learn More

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Open your FREE Business Bank Accounts

While operating a limited company doesn’t legally require a separate business account, maintaining one significantly improves financial management and professional credibility. A dedicated business account creates a clear separation between personal and company finances, simplifying tax reporting and accounting processes. It also enhances your company’s professional image when dealing with clients and suppliers. Modern business accounts offer features like integrated accounting software connections, multiple user access, and automated payment processing.

Explore our recommended business banking options with exclusive offers for new companies.

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Best Accounting Software for Small and Medium Companies to Save Money

FreeAgent transforms financial management into a straightforward process for UK companies. This comprehensive platform integrates accounting, invoicing, and tax management into one intuitive system. Business owners can automatically import bank transactions, track expenses, manage projects, and generate real-time financial reports. The software excels in tax compliance by directly filing your Corporation Tax return, Annual return, and Self Assessment tax returns for company directors with HMRC. VAT calculations and submissions are automated, saving valuable time and reducing errors. Mobile access ensures you can manage your finances from anywhere, while automated bank feeds keep your accounts current without manual data entry.

Start managing your business finances effortlessly with FreeAgent — an easy-to-use accounting tool perfect for small businesses and freelancers. Use our exclusive discount code 4ip82cra to get 10% off for life.

👉 Looking for other options? Explore the best accounting software for UK businesses to find the right fit for your company.