How to Register a Business in the UK (2026 Guide to Companies House Registration)
Starting a company is easier than many people think. Whether you’re launching a startup, freelance business, or small company, understanding how to register a business in the UK is the first step to becoming officially recognised.
Many entrepreneurs search for things like:
how to register a business
register a business UK
how to register a company
new company registration
companies house company registration
register a company UK companies house
In this guide, we’ll explain how to register a new business, register with Companies House, register with HMRC, and set up your company correctly.
Step 1: Decide Your Business Structure
Before you begin UK business registration, you must choose your business structure.
The most common options are:
Sole Trader
A sole trader is the simplest way to register a small business.
You only need to:
register a business with HMRC
complete HMRC business registration
register for Self Assessment
Many people search:
register business HMRC
registering a business with HMRC
register as a business UK
Sole traders do not need Companies House registration.
Limited Company
A limited company must complete Companies House company registration.
This is often searched as:
register a company with Companies House
register company UK companies house
companies house register company
companies house new company registration
When you set up a limited company, your business becomes a separate legal entity.
Step 2: Register a Company with Companies House
If you’re setting up a limited company, you must register a company at Companies House.
This process is known as:
companies house registration
company house registration
registration of company
companies house company set up
You can register a company online via GOV.UK or through a formation agent.
Common search queries include:
gov uk register a company
register company gov.uk
company registration gov uk
gov company registration
Steps for Companies House Company Registration
To register a new company, you must provide:
A unique company name
A registered office address
At least one director
Details of shareholders
A SIC code (business activity)
This process is commonly referred to as:
companies house create company
companies house open company
companies house set up limited company
companies house setting up a limited company
Once approved, your company will appear on the Companies House register company database.
Step 3: Get Your Company Registration Number
After completing Companies House new company registration, your company will receive a Company Registration Number (CRN).
People often search:
how to get a company registration number
how to get a business registration number
This number confirms your UK companies registration and proves that your company has been legally incorporated.
Step 4: Register Your Business with HMRC
After company house company registration, you must also complete HMRC business registration.
This includes registering for:
Corporation Tax
PAYE (if hiring staff)
VAT (if required)
Common search terms include:
register business hmrc
register a business with hmrc
registering a business with hmrc
This step ensures your company is correctly set up for tax.
Step 5: Register Your Business Name
Before completing new business registration, you should check your company name.
People frequently search:
how do I register my business name
how do I register my company name
how can I register my company name
how to register your business name
For limited companies, the name must be unique on the Companies House register company database.
This step is often referred to as:
registering a business name
registering name for business
register your business name
Registering a Small Business in the UK
Many startups search for small business registration or how to register a small business.
The process usually involves:
Register a company with Companies House
Complete HMRC registration
Open a business bank account
Secure a registered office address
Some businesses also choose a professional workspace, such as:
office space coworking
office with meeting rooms
These options provide a registered business address and flexible workspace, which is ideal for startups.
Starting a Business Checklist
If you’re planning new company registration, here is a simple starting a business checklist:
- Choose your company structure
- Register your company with Companies House
- Register your business with HMRC
- Register your business name
- Open a business bank account
- Choose a registered office address
- Consider coworking or office space
Completing these steps ensures your registration of a business is fully compliant in the UK.
Do Sole Traders Need to Register with Companies House?
This is one of the most common questions.
People often search:
do sole traders have to register with companies house
does a sole trader need to register with companies house
do sole traders register with companies house
The answer is no.
Sole traders only need to register with HMRC, not Companies House.
Do Sole Traders Have a Company Registration Number?
Another common question is:
do sole traders have a company registration number
The answer is no.
Only limited companies receive a Company Registration Number from Companies House.
How to Register a Business Online in the UK
Many entrepreneurs prefer to register business online.
The quickest method is:
Go to GOV.UK company registration
Submit your Companies House application
Receive confirmation within 24 hours
This process is commonly searched as:
register company gov.uk
register a company gov uk
gov register business
FAQ: Registering a Business in the UK
To register a company UK Companies House, you must submit your company details through GOV.UK or a company formation service. This process is known as Companies House company registration.
Yes, if you are forming a limited company, you must register with Companies House. Sole traders only need HMRC registration.
You can register a company online via GOV.UK, but there is a small Companies House filing fee. Some services advertise register a company for free, but usually charge for additional services.
Most Companies House new company registration applications are approved within 24 hours when submitted online.
No. Sole traders do not receive a company registration number, because they are not registered with Companies House.
To register a new business, you should:
Choose a structure
Register with Companies House (limited companies)
Register with HMRC
Register your business name
Final Thoughts
Learning how to register a business in the UK is the first step to building a successful company.
Whether you’re looking to:
register a company UK Companies House
register a business with HMRC
register a small business
register your business name
The process is straightforward and can often be completed within one day online.
Once your company is registered, you can focus on growing your business and finding the right workspace, whether that’s coworking space or an office with meeting rooms to meet clients and run your company professionally.