Registering a company in the UK is a clear and structured process that lets you start your business legally and operate with confidence.
Each decision shapes how your business will run.
This guide breaks down every step, from understanding your legal responsibilities to submitting your registration with Companies House.
Key Takeaways
- Register a company in the UK to make your business official, protect personal assets, and improve your credibility with clients and partners.
- Choose the right company structure, such as a private limited company or sole trader.
- Prepare key details, like your SIC code and director information, which are required for Companies House registration.
- Have your startup's legal documents ready to outline how your company will operate, including the memorandum and articles of association.
- Stay updated with your legal responsibilities, including keeping accurate company records and submitting annual tax filings.
- Non-UK residents can register a company just as easily as those living in the UK, as there are no residency or nationality requirements.
For more details, see the official GOV.UK company registration process.
Legal Nodes acts as your reliable legal partner, managing every aspect of your UK company setup with precision and speed. Our expert legal team streamlines the process, minimizes risks, and ensures cost-effective results from day one.
Schedule a free discovery call today and see how Legal Nodes can make launching your UK company effortless.
The Basics Of UK Company Registration
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How to open a business in the UK? Start by choosing a business structure. Then register with Companies House (for UK limited companies) or HMRC (for sole traders and partnerships).
Companies House checks company names, stores information about company owners and directors, and issues your official incorporation documents. All limited company details are publicly available for transparency.
It gives your business legal status, limited liability protection, and potential tax advantages. Registration is key for compliance, credibility, and access to contracts or business banking.
Without it, you risk legal fines and loss of name protection.
How to Register a Business in the UK With Legal Nodes
Legal Nodes offers a streamlined solution for UK company registration, making it easier and faster to launch your business.
With deep expertise in company formations, Legal Nodes can handle the entire process for you, from initial setup to ongoing compliance.
You can expect:
- Direct access to legal experts for real-time advice
- End-to-end document handling to avoid costly mistakes
- Jurisdiction fit analysis to match your business model and goals
- Transparent pricing without any hidden fees
- Fast turnaround, with most registrations completed in about a week
- Ongoing legal support beyond incorporation
Legal Nodes acts as a company formation agent and makes the company registration process easier by handling all the paperwork with Companies House for you.
We also help you understand the rules set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), especially if you’re in fintech or financial services.
Through our user-friendly digital platform, you can track all steps, download documents, and see live updates. You can form your limited company online and manage every step digitally, making the process simple and convenient.
Book a free discovery call today to see how Legal Nodes can help with your UK company formation.
How To Choose The Right UK Company Type
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When registering a business in the UK, you need to pick the right company type. Each has its rules for liability, taxes, and paperwork.
Private Limited Companies (Ltd)
LTD is a company owned by shareholders and has its own legal identity, which is separate from its owners.
How it works
Shareholders invest in exchange for shares and have limited liability. The company pays Corporation Tax, currently 19%-25% depending on profits, while shareholders may owe personal tax on salaries or dividends.
Benefits
- Reduces personal risk
- Works under clear legal rules
- Attracts banks and investors
- Gives access to loans or funding
Best for
Entrepreneurs who are ready to grow their business, attract investment, and minimize financial risk.
Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
LLP is a hybrid business structure combining partnership flexibility with limited liability.
How it works
It requires at least two designated partners. The LLP itself doesn’t pay tax on profits—each partner pays tax on their share through Self Assessment.
Benefits
- Limited liability for partners
- Flexible profit sharing
- No corporate tax at the entity level
Best for
Professional services and businesses with two or more partners wanting shared control and reduced personal risk.
Sole traders
Sole traders run their business independently and have unlimited personal liability.
How it works
You are responsible for all aspects of the business—if it owes money, your assets are at risk. All profits are taxed as your income through Self Assessment.
Benefits
- Simple setup and reporting
- Full control over decisions
- Minimal administrative burden
Best for
This structure suits freelancers and small, low-risk businesses run by a single person.
Partnerships
A partnership is a business owned by two or more people.
How it works
In a traditional partnership, all partners have joint and several liability—each partner is both individually and collectively responsible for all business debts. Each pays tax on their share of the profits through Self Assessment.
Benefits
- Simple to form and run
- Shared responsibilities and resources
- No corporate tax
Best for
Businesses with two or more owners who want to keep things simple without worrying about liability protection.
Companies Limited by Guarantee
This legal structure is often used by non-profit or charitable organizations.
How it works
Instead of shareholders, it has members who agree to pay a small amount (usually £1) if the company closes. Members’ assets are protected.
Benefits
- Limited personal liability
- Reinforces mission-driven operations
- Suitable for grant and public funding
Best for
Non-profits, community groups or social enterprises looking for liability protection without a profit motive.
Public Limited Companies (PLC)
PLC is a company that can sell stakes to the public on the stock exchange.
How it works
You need a minimum £50,000 share capital, two directors and a qualified company secretary. Like private limited companies, shareholders’ liability is limited to the value of their shares.
Benefits
- Can raise large amounts of capital
- Enhanced public visibility
- Limited liability for shareholders
Best for
Larger businesses that want to raise money from the public.
As you can see, choosing the right structure affects your taxes, your paperwork, and your personal risk level.
How to Register a Company Name in the UK
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Pick a unique name that can’t be identical or too similar to an existing company on the official register.
- Make sure your name is unique by using the Companies House name availability checker.
- Avoid sensitive or offensive terms and any words that imply a connection to the government, unless approved.
- Search the UK Intellectual Property Office database to confirm no trademark conflicts.
Registering a strong name protects your brand. Consider trademarking it for added legal protection against similar brands.
When you apply, include personal details about yourself and your shareholders, like your date of birth or national insurance number.
Online applications are quick, while postal ones take longer.
Key Requirements For Company Incorporation In The UK
If you’re ready to register a business in the UK, consider the following:
- Register an official company address (no PO Boxes allowed)
- Set at least one director aged 16+; a company secretary is optional
- Appoint at least one shareholder or guarantor
- Register with Companies House (online: ~24 hrs; paper: 8–10 days)
- Submit Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Choose the correct Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code
- Register for Corporation Tax within three months
- Register for VAT if above the threshold (currently £90,000)
- Keep up with financial reporting requirements
Once set up, your company must stay compliant with all filing and tax obligations.
How To Open A UK Business Bank Account After Registration
Once you register your company, open a business bank account to manage your finances. You need to submit:
- Certificate of incorporation
- Proof of registered UK office address
- Valid ID (passport or driver’s license)
- Proof of home address for all directors/owners
Leading UK banks for startups include Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander, and HSBC, and may require extra details, such as a business plan or past financial statements.
With digital banks, you can get a fast, low-fee or free business bank account, but with limits or extra fees for international transactions.
Non-UK founders may face extra anti-money laundering and identity verification checks and have additional tax questions to consider.
How To Use Virtual Offices For UK Companies
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Every company must have a UK-registered office address—this is where Companies House and HMRC send official mail.
A virtual office lets you meet this legal requirement without renting physical space. You can use it for company formation and official paperwork.
Benefits of a virtual office:
- Keeps your home address private
- Improves your business’s professional image
- Offers secure mail handling (forwarding or scanning)
- Ideal for international founders and remote teams
- Provides flexibility as your business grows
Virtual offices make UK company setup fast, affordable, and compliant—no matter where you are in the world.
How To Register Company In UK As An International Entrepreneur
The UK allows anyone—regardless of nationality or residency—to register a company. You can do it entirely remotely:
- Provide a passport, proof of address, and company details
- Use a UK-registered office address (virtual offices accepted)
- Submit Articles and Memorandum of Association
- Register directors and shareholders with Companies House
- Stay compliant with ongoing reporting and tax rules
- Pay UK taxes on UK-earned profits and register for VAT if required
If you want to open a branch or a physical office in the UK for your overseas company, you’ll need to register as an overseas company.
With the right setup, international founders can easily run a UK company from abroad.
Conclusion On How To Open a Business In UK
Registering your company in the UK gives you access to a major financial hub, making it attractive for fintech, AI, SaaS, and traditional tech businesses.
Don't forget to:
- Choose a unique business name
- File accurate documents with Companies House
- Understand your legal and tax responsibilities
- Select the correct structure for your business goals
- Stay updated with ongoing compliance rules
If you want a streamlined process, Legal Nodes connects you with trusted legal experts who manage incorporation from start to finish.
You can expect:
- Fast, expert-led company setup
- Banking and investor-ready structures
- Real-time tracking and full document management
- Personalized guidance at every step
Ready to start? Book a free discovery call to discuss your needs with professionals who can help you register your company confidently and efficiently.
FAQs On How to Set Up a Business in UK
What is the cost to register a company in the UK?
It usually costs £50 to register online with Companies House. If you send a postal application, it's £71. You can use a debit or credit card for payments.
Check the fees on the official government website.
What is required to register a company in the UK?
You'll need a unique company name and a UK official address.
At least one director's details and information about people with significant control (PSC) are also required.
Personal info for verification—like your national insurance number, passport number, or your birth date—comes into play, too.
Can foreigners register a company in the UK?
Yes, you don't have to live in the UK. Non-residents can form a company, but you must use a UK-based address for the registered office.
Can a US citizen start a business in the UK?
You can start a business even if you're not a UK citizen. The only catch is that you still need a UK address for your company.
There aren't any restrictions on nationality for directors or shareholders.
What information do I need to provide during company registration?
You'll need to provide your name, address, date of birth, and details about shareholders or guarantors. Companies House also asks for at least three pieces of personal information to confirm your identity.
How long does it usually take for a UK company to be officially registered?
Online registrations usually get processed within 24 hours. Postal applications can take 8 to 10 days. Sometimes it takes longer if there's a backlog—so patience helps.
Can I use a virtual office address for my UK company registration?
Yes, you can use a virtual office or serviced office as your registered address. It just needs to be based in the UK. Lots of non-residents and remote owners do this.
