UK Company Registration – A Complete Guide for 2025
UK company registration is one of the most efficient and respected ways to officially launch your business, both locally and globally. Whether you're starting a small consultancy, launching a tech startup, or registering a holding company, the United Kingdom offers a transparent, business-friendly process for incorporation.
This guide covers everything you need to know about registering a company in the UK, including requirements, steps, fees, and important updates coming in 2025.
✅ Why Register a Company in the UK?
The UK is known for:
A fast and affordable registration process
Legal protection for business owners
Access to business banking, funding, and international markets
A trusted jurisdiction for global entrepreneurs
By registering a limited company in the UK, you create a separate legal entity from yourself, limiting your personal liability and boosting business credibility.
🏛️ Types of Companies You Can Register
The main business structures in the UK include:
Private Limited Company (Ltd) – most common, limited by shares
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – suited for professional partnerships
Public Limited Company (PLC) – for larger businesses that offer shares to the public
Sole Trader – easy to set up, but not a separate legal entity
This article focuses on how to register a Private Limited Company – the most popular structure.
🛠️ Step-by-Step UK Company Registration Process
1. Choose a Company Name
Make sure the name is unique and follows UK naming rules. Avoid offensive words or trademarks. You can check availability on the Companies House name checker.
2. Decide on a Business Address
Every UK company must have a registered office address in the UK. This can be your home, office, or a virtual address.
3. Appoint a Director
You need at least one director who is over 16 years old. The director is legally responsible for running the company and keeping records.
4. Identify People with Significant Control (PSC)
These are the individuals who ultimately own or control the company (e.g., holding more than 25% shares).
5. Prepare Company Documents
You’ll need:
Memorandum of Association (basic agreement signed by shareholders)
Articles of Association (rules for running the company; standard templates are available)
6. Register Online with Companies House
You can apply:
Online via the official website – takes about 24 hours
By post – takes around 8-10 days
💷 How Much Does UK Company Registration Cost?
£50 for standard online registration
£78 for same-day registration (must apply before 3pm)
£71 for postal application (Form IN01)
These are official fees payable to Companies House.
🧾 After Registration: What’s Next?
Once your company is registered, you’ll receive:
A Certificate of Incorporation
Your company number (CRN)
A notice to register for Corporation Tax within 3 months
You can then:
Open a UK business bank account
Register for VAT (if turnover exceeds £90,000)
Start trading legally under your company name
🔒 Upcoming Changes in 2025
🆔 Identity Verification Required
From late 2025, all company directors, owners (PSCs), and filing agents will be required to verify their identity. This is part of Companies House reforms to tackle fraud and increase transparency.
New companies: ID verification will be part of the registration process
Existing companies: Must verify during annual confirmation statement
These checks will help prevent fake directorships and protect business identities.
⚠️ Avoid These Common Mistakes
Choosing a company name that’s too similar to an existing brand
Forgetting to appoint a PSC or submitting incorrect PSC info
Using a PO Box as a registered address (now not allowed)
Missing your first tax registration deadline
🌍 Can Non-UK Residents Register a Company?
Yes! You do not need to be a UK citizen or live in the UK to register a company there. Many international entrepreneurs use a UK-based address service and register their businesses for global credibility.
📌 Summary Checklist
✔ Unique company name✔ UK-registered office address✔ At least one director✔ PSC details✔ Company documents (Memorandum + Articles)✔ Payment of registration fee✔ Tax registration with HMRC✔ Identity verification (from 2025)
📝 Final Thoughts
UK company registration in 2025 is fast, affordable, and secure—with added transparency due to upcoming identity verification rules. Whether you're a UK-based entrepreneur or a global investor, setting up a company in the UK provides a solid legal foundation to grow your business with trust and credibility.