If you’re setting up a limited company, registering your company or partnership with Companies House is one of the most important steps.
Once you register your company, you’ll get a Certificate of Incorporation, which is a legal document confirming the existence of your new company.
Registering with Companies House can seem daunting, but as long as you’ve gathered the right information, it should be relatively painless. Or, if you prefer, you can pay a registrar to do it for you.
Whichever option you choose, find out how to register with Companies House and get your own Certificate of Incorporation.
What is a Certificate of Incorporation?
After you register your limited company with Companies House, you should get a Certificate of Incorporation. You can choose to get this in either paper or digital format.
The Certificate of Incorporation is a legal document and confirms your company’s:
- name
- registration number
- date of incorporation
- location of registration (e.g England and Wales, or Scotland)
These details will be added to the Companies House register, which is available to the public.
Some call the Certificate of Incorporation a company’s birth certificate – it states that your company exists, and you may need to show it to get access to products like business bank accounts, loans, and other funding.
Do I need to register with Companies House?
If you’re starting a limited company or limited liability partnership (LLP), you’re legally required to register with Companies House.
Before you register your limited company, make sure you come up with a good company name. You’ll need this to get your Certificate of Incorporation.
Do sole traders need to register with Companies House?
If you’re operating as a sole trader rather than a limited company, you don’t need to register with Companies House. However, you’ll need to register with HMRC and complete an annual Self Assessment tax return. You may also need to register for VAT.
If you’re not sure which legal structure to choose, read more about the differences between sole traders and limited companies.
How to register a limited company with Companies House
If you choose to register a limited company with Companies House yourself, the process is simple. First, there are a few pieces of information you’ll need. These can be split into company details and personal details.
Company details
- company name
- registered office address
- registered email address
- at least one SIC (standard industrial classification) code
- completed memorandum of association and articles of association
Personal details
For all directors and people with significant control (PSCs):
- full name, date of birth, and nationality
- residential address and service address (or correspondence address)
- at least three pieces of personal Information identity verification (such as mother’s maiden name, or father’s first name)
- directors and PSCs may also be required to verify their identity
You’ll then be able to register with Companies House. You should make sure that you keep your registration details safe, as you’ll need them to file further documents, which you’ll be required to do at least annually.
Provided that you’ve completed the form correctly and paid the fee, you should appear on the register within 24 hours.
Register a company with Companies House here.
You’re also able to register with Companies House through certain approved software.
Registering with Companies House: 5-step checklist
- Decide structure and company name – once you’ve decided to run a limited company, you’ll need to choose a business name
- Prepare details and documents – make sure you have all the basic details of your company and the people who own or have control over it
- Submit online or by post – completing the form is usually straightforward and could take as little as 10 minutes
- Pay registration fees – it costs £50 to register online or £71 if you register by post. It could cost more if you hire someone to register on your behalf
- Get confirmation – if you register online, you should receive confirmation within 24 hours. It’ll take longer if you register by post
How much does it cost to register with Companies House?
The cost for registering with Companies House depends on how you send your application, and whether you do it yourself or pay a third-party registrar.
- if you choose to register online, it costs £50, which can be paid by debit or credit card – the application normally takes 24 hours
- if you register by post, the fee is £71 (paid by cheque) and you’ll be set up within eight to 10 days
Can I use a third party to register with Companies House?
Yes, there are many registrars that can complete the Companies House registration process for you. They’ll handle all the paperwork, but it’ll often cost you more than doing it yourself.
Many new companies choose to use registrars for several reasons. Firstly, they can be confident that the application process will be handled correctly. Additionally, registrars often offer services including registered addresses (many of which are in prestigious London locations), directors’ service addresses (so that directors’ residential addresses aren’t on the public record), and mail forwarding from HMRC and Companies House.
How to register with Companies House – 4 key takeaways
- Most people register for Companies House themselves but you can get someone else to do it on your behalf
- When you start a limited company or limited liability partnership (LLP), registering with Companies House is a legal requirement
- After you register, you’ll get a Certificate of Incorporation. This is a legal document that confirms the existence of your company (often referred to as a company’s birth certificate)
- Registering online costs £50 and takes around 10 minutes – you’ll usually be officially registered within 24 hours. You can register by post but this takes longer and is more expensive
Registering with Companies House FAQs
How much does it cost to register a company with Companies House?
It costs £50 to register with Companies House online or £71 if you register by post. It will cost you more if you use a third party to register on your behalf.
What information do I need to register with Companies House?
To register with Companies House, you’ll need basic information such as your company name and details of company directors. You’ll also need to provide details of a company secretary, people with significant control, and accounting records.
Finally, you’ll need to provide a completed memorandum of association and articles of association.
How long does it take to register with Companies House?
You can complete the form to register with Companies House in around 10 minutes.
If you register online, it usually takes around 24 hours for your registration to be processed. However, it can be as quick as three to six working hours.
If you register by post, it could take up to 10 working days for your registration to be completed.
What is a person with significant control (PSC)?
A person with significant control, also known as a PSC, is someone who owns or has control of a limited company.
To be considered a PSC, you need to:
- hold more than 25 per cent of the company’s shares
- hold more than 25 per cent of the company’s voting rights
- have the right to appoint or remove a majority of the board of directors
What is a Companies House SIC code?
A SIC code, or standard industrial classification code, is a five-digit code that groups companies by their business activities.
SIC codes are designed to give Companies House a quick and easy way of understanding what your business does.
For example, Companies House uses SIC codes to track the number of businesses in different industries. You need to include a SIC code when you set up a limited company, and you also need to know your SIC code when you fill in your confirmation statement (annual return).
When registering with Companies House, you should give at least one SIC code, even if your company is dormant or not trading (SIC codes 99999 and 74990 respectively).
To find your SIC code for Companies House, use the condensed list of SIC codes.
What is an example of a SIC code?
SIC codes are split into trade groups, designated A to U, and there are specific codes for particular lines of business under those groups.
For example, section R is for arts, entertainment and recreation and the SIC code 90010 is for performing arts.
You can use up to four SIC codes, because you might carry out a number of different business activities.
A performing arts business might also provide support activities to performing arts, in which case it could add the SIC code 90020.
Can I register as a limited company if I’m the only person in the business?
Yes, you can register with a limited company if you’re the sole director of the business. By registering as a limited company, you can legally separate the liability of your business finances from your personal finances (which you can’t do if you’re a sole trader).
More guides to setting up a business
- The self-employed guide to Self Assessment tax returns
- How to start a business
- Going self-employed in the UK: a guide
- Can I get business insurance before registering my business?
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