How to Register a Limited Company in the UK (2026 Guide)
Incorporating a limited company limited by shares is the most common way to set up a UK business — it gives you limited liability protection while letting you (and any co-founders) own the company through shares. The process is fully digital, usually takes as little as 24 hours, and the rules around it have tightened up considerably over the past year. This guide from Filing Accounts UK walks through exactly how to register a company in 2026, using only verified facts from official Companies House guidance.
At Filing Accounts, we help new directors incorporate correctly and stay compliant from day one. Official guidance is available at GOV.UK: Set up a limited company.
What Is a Company Limited by Shares?
A company limited by shares is a private company where each shareholder’s liability is limited to the amount they’ve agreed to pay for their shares — typically £1 per share. It’s the standard structure for profit-making businesses, since it offers strong personal liability protection and a clear ownership structure through share capital. The alternative, limited by guarantee, is used mainly for charities and non-profits, which have no share capital at all.
Step-by-Step: How to Register Your Company
Step 1: Choose Your Company Name
Your name must be unique and not too similar to an existing company, and can’t contain sensitive words (like “Royal” or “Bank”) without special permission. Check availability directly on the Companies House register before you get attached to a name.
Step 2: Appoint Directors and Shareholders
- You need a minimum of one director, who can also be the sole shareholder
- Directors must be at least 16 and not disqualified from acting as a director
- Since 18 November 2025, all directors must complete identity verification before incorporation is accepted — this is now a hard requirement, not optional
Step 3: Decide Your Share Structure
Most new companies issue either 1 or 100 ordinary shares at £1 each to keep things simple. You can always create different share classes later if your business needs change.
Step 4: Prepare Your Company Details
You’ll need to provide:
- Your chosen company name
- A registered office address (this can be your home address or a virtual office/service address for privacy)
- Directors’ details — full name, date of birth, nationality, and address
- Shareholders’ details and how shares are allocated
- Details of anyone who is a Person with Significant Control (PSC)
- A Memorandum and Articles of Association — the standard Companies House template is fine for most new companies
Step 5: File Online With Companies House
- Go to the official Companies House incorporation service
- Sign in or create an account via GOV.UK One Login
- Complete the online incorporation form (IN01)
- Confirm director identity verification
- Pay the incorporation fee
- Submit — most applications are approved within 24 hours, and you’ll receive your Certificate of Incorporation once accepted
Incorporation Costs (2026)
Companies House fees increased significantly from 1 February 2026:
| Filing Method | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard digital incorporation | £100 |
| Same-day digital incorporation (via software) | £156 |
| Paper incorporation | £124 |
The standard digital fee doubled from £50 to £100 as part of a wider round of Companies House fee increases, which also raised Confirmation Statement fees to £50.
What Happens Right After Incorporation
Once your Certificate of Incorporation arrives:
- Your company legally exists and receives a Company Registration Number (CRN)
- You must register for Corporation Tax with HMRC within 3 months of starting to trade
- Your first Confirmation Statement is due within 14 days of your confirmation date, usually 12 months after incorporation
- Setting up a business bank account is strongly recommended, though not a strict legal requirement
- You may need to register for VAT or PAYE depending on turnover and whether you’re taking on staff
For the full breakdown of everything to sort out in your first year, see our First Year Limited Company Checklist.
Common Mistakes New Directors Make
Choosing a Name Too Similar to an Existing Company
This is one of the most common reasons an application gets rejected — always check the register thoroughly first.
Forgetting Director Identity Verification
Since November 2025, incorporation simply won’t complete until every director has verified their identity — sort this out before you start the application, not during it.
Using a Home Address Without Considering Privacy
Your registered office address is publicly visible on the Companies House register — a service address is worth considering if you work from home.
Missing the Corporation Tax Registration Window
The 3-month registration deadline runs from when you start trading, not from your incorporation date — a distinction that catches out a lot of new directors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to register a limited company?
Usually around 24 hours for standard digital applications, or same-day if you use the software-based same-day service.
How much does it cost to register a company in 2026?
£100 for standard digital incorporation, £156 for same-day digital, or £124 by paper.
Do I need a company secretary?
No — this hasn’t been a legal requirement for private limited companies since 2008.
Can non-UK residents register a UK limited company?
Yes — there’s no UK residency requirement for directors or shareholders.
How many shares do I need to issue?
As few as 1 share is valid, though many new companies issue 100 for flexibility later on.
Ready to Register Your Company? Talk to Filing Accounts UK
At Filing Accounts, we help new directors incorporate correctly the first time — including identity verification, PSC details, and everything you need to get started compliantly.
You may also find these related guides helpful: