How to Register Your Business with Companies House: A Simple Guide for UK Startups
Starting a business is exciting but navigating the legal setup can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. One of the most important early steps is registering your business with Companies House, the official registrar of companies in the UK.
In this guide, we break down exactly how to register your business, what you’ll need beforehand, and what to do once your company is officially formed all in plain English.
What Is Companies House and Why Do You Need to Register?
Companies House is the UK government body responsible for incorporating and dissolving limited companies. When you register your business with Companies House, your company becomes a legal entity, separate from you as an individual.
Registering allows you to:
- Trade as a limited company (Ltd)
- Protect your personal finances with limited liability
- Open a business bank account
- Appear more credible to clients, investors, and partners
- Meet legal and tax obligations in the UK
For most startups and growing businesses, a private limited company is the most common and flexible structure.
Step 1: Choose the Right Company Structure
efore registering, you’ll need to decide how your business will be set up. Common options include:
- Private limited company (Ltd) – the most popular choice for startups
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
- Sole trader (does not require Companies House registration)
If you’re planning to grow, hire, or raise investment, a limited company is usually the best option.
Step 2: Choose and Check Your Company Name
Your company name must:
- Be unique and not too similar to an existing business
- Avoid restricted or sensitive words (unless approved)
- End with “Limited” or “Ltd”
You can check availability directly on the Companies House website before submitting your application.
💡 Tip: Even if the name is available, it’s worth checking domain names and social media handles at the same time.
Step 3: Prepare the Information You’ll Need
To register your company, you’ll need the following details ready:
- Registered office address (must be a UK address)
- At least one director (aged 16 or over)
- Shareholder details and share allocation
- A SIC code (this describes what your business does)
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (most founders use standard templates)
👉 Many founders use a virtual office address rather than their home address to protect privacy and appear more professional, especially when dealing with clients or investors.
Step 4: Register Your Company (Online or by Post)
Online Registration (Recommended)
- Register directly via Companies House
- Cost: £50
- Approval time: often within 24–48 hours
Postal Registration
- Complete and send Form IN01
- Cost: £71
- Takes around 8–10 working days
Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation, confirming your company officially exists.
Step 5: What Happens After Registration?
Once your business is registered, there are a few important next steps:
Register for Corporation Tax
Companies House automatically notifies HM Revenue & Customs, but you must register for corporation tax within 3 months of starting to trade.
Open a Business Bank Account
You’ll need your certificate of incorporation and company number to do this.
Stay Compliant
Each year, you’ll need to:
- File a confirmation statement
- Submit company accounts
- Report any changes to directors, shareholders, or address
Staying compliant keeps your business in good standing and avoids fines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using your home address publicly without realising it’s visible online
- Choosing the wrong SIC code
- Making errors in director or shareholder details
- Forgetting ongoing filing deadlines
Getting the setup right from day one saves time and stress later.
How Link Spaces Can Help
At Link Spaces, we support founders and growing businesses with more than just workspace.
Our services include:
- Professional registered office & virtual address services
- Mail handling and forwarding
- Flexible offices and meeting rooms
Whether you’re registering your first company or scaling an existing one, having the right foundation makes all the difference.
👉 Thinking of registering your business?
Using a professional address can enhance credibility and protect your privacy from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions: Registering a Business with Companies House
You only need to register with Companies House if you’re forming a limited company (Ltd) or an LLP.
If you’re operating as a sole trader, registration with Companies House isn’t required although many growing businesses choose to incorporate later for credibility and protection.
Online registration usually takes 24 to 48 hours if all details are correct.
Postal applications can take 8–10 working days.
Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation, confirming your company is officially registered.
Online registration: £50
Postal registration: £71
There may be additional costs if you use a formation agent or professional services such as a registered office address.
Yes, but your registered office address is publicly visible on the Companies House register.
Many founders prefer to use a virtual office or professional business address to:
Protect their privacy
Look more credible to clients and investors
Separate personal and business life
This is especially useful for remote founders and home-based businesses.
A registered office address is the official legal address of your company. This is where:
Government bodies send official mail
Companies House and HM Revenue & Customs contact your business
It must be a UK address and can be different from where you actually work.
A SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) code describes what your business does.
You must choose at least one SIC code when registering your company.
Choosing the most accurate code helps with:
Correct tax classification
Industry reporting
Future compliance requirements
You can update your SIC code later if your business evolves.
Yes. Once your company is registered, you should open a business bank account to:
Keep finances separate
Receive payments
Pay taxes and expenses
Most banks require your company number and certificate of incorporation.
Companies House notifies HMRC that your company exists, but you must still register for Corporation Tax yourself within three months of starting to trade.
Failure to do this can result in penalties.
es. You can update:
Directors and shareholders
Registered office address
SIC codes
Company name
These changes are made directly through Companies House and are usually processed quickly.
If you fail to submit required filings, Companies House can:
Issue financial penalties
Strike your company off the register
Dissolve your business
Staying compliant is essential for protecting your company’s legal status.
A virtual office address is ideal if you:
Work remotely or from home
Want to protect your personal address
Need a professional presence for clients or investors
Are registering a business before leasing an office
It’s a simple way to enhance credibility without committing to long-term office space.