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Help and advice centre
Straight answers about forming and running a UK company. Can't find what you need? Contact our team in Edinburgh.
Starting a company
What do I need to form a UK limited company?
You need a company name, at least one director aged 16 or over, at least one shareholder, a UK registered office address and a registered email address. Each director and person with significant control must also verify their identity with Companies House — we can do this for you as a Companies House ACSP. Start with a name check.
How long does it take to register a company?
Most companies are registered within 24 hours of Companies House receiving a complete application, once every director and person with significant control has verified their identity. Delays usually come from missing details or identity verification that has not been completed.
How much does it cost?
Our packages start at £290 for the Digital Package, including VAT and the £100 Companies House fee. Compare packages to see what each one adds.
Can I be the only director and shareholder?
Yes. A private limited company can have one person who is both the sole director and the only shareholder.
What is a SIC code?
A SIC code is a five-digit number that describes what your company does. You choose at least one when you register, and we can help you pick the right one from your description.
Should I form a limited company or stay a sole trader?
It depends on your income, plans and personal situation, including tax. We can explain how a company works, but for advice on which structure suits you, speak to an accountant.
Which type of company do I need?
Most businesses use a private company limited by shares. Non-profits and clubs often use a company limited by guarantee, professional partnerships often use an LLP, and larger businesses raising money from the public need a PLC.
Identity verification
Who has to verify their identity?
Since 18 November 2025, every new director and person with significant control (PSC) must verify their identity with Companies House. Existing directors and PSCs verify when their company files its next confirmation statement, during a transition period that ends around 18 November 2026.
How do I verify my identity?
The simplest way is to let us do it. As a Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), we can complete the check for you remotely as part of your order and give you your personal code. You can also verify yourself through GOV.UK One Login if you prefer.
Can you verify my identity for me?
Yes. Form My Company is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) registered with Companies House, so we can verify directors and PSCs ourselves, remotely, and give you your personal code. You do not have to use GOV.UK One Login on your own.
What is a personal code?
When your identity is verified, Companies House issues you a personal code. If we verify you, we give you the code; if you verify yourself, you give it to us so we can link your verified identity to the company. Keep it safe — you will use it for any company you are involved in.
Can I verify my identity if I live outside the UK?
Yes. We can complete the check for you remotely, wherever you live, as part of your order. Many overseas passports are accepted.
Is this the same as your anti-money-laundering check?
No. Companies House identity verification is a legal requirement for directors and PSCs. Our anti-money-laundering (AML) check is separate: as a formation agent we must also confirm who our clients are under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017. We carry out both checks as part of your order.
What happens if a director does not verify?
A new company cannot be registered until its directors and PSCs have verified. For existing companies, an unverified director may be unable to act and the company may not be able to file its confirmation statement.
Addresses and privacy
What is a registered office?
It is the company's official address, shown on the public register, where Companies House and HMRC send official letters. It must be an "appropriate address" in the same UK nation as the company, and cannot be a PO box. See our Registered Office Address service.
Can I use my home address?
Yes, if it is an appropriate address in the right UK nation. But it will be public on the Companies House register. Many people use our address instead to keep their home private.
What is a director service address?
It is the address shown publicly for a director. Directors' home addresses are kept on a private record, but the service address is public. Our Director Service Address keeps your home address off the public record.
What is a registered email address?
Every company must give Companies House a registered email address. It is not shown publicly and is used for official contact from Companies House.
Can you forward my post?
Yes. Official government post to our registered office is scanned for you. For other business post, add Mail Handling and Forwarding.
Do you offer a business address in London?
Yes. We offer a London Virtual Office and an Edinburgh Virtual Office for use on your website, invoices and letterheads.
What happens if I do not renew my address service?
We will remind you before it expires. If it is not renewed, you must change your registered office or service address at Companies House, because you can no longer use ours.
After registration
What do I need to do after my company is registered?
Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC within 3 months of starting to trade, keep your company records up to date, and file a confirmation statement and annual accounts on time. Our Digital Package and higher include Corporation Tax registration.
What is a confirmation statement?
It confirms the information Companies House holds about your company is correct. You must file one at least once every 12 months, and the Companies House fee is £50 online. We can file it for you with our Confirmation Statement service.
When are my first accounts due?
Your first accounts are due at Companies House 21 months after the date of incorporation. After that, they are due 9 months after the end of each financial year. See Annual Accounts.
My company is not trading yet. Do I still need to file?
Yes. A company that has not traded still files a confirmation statement and accounts. You can usually file simpler dormant company accounts.
Do I need to register for VAT?
You must register if your VAT-taxable turnover goes over the HMRC threshold, and you can choose to register earlier. Whether it makes sense for you depends on your business, so ask an accountant.
What happens if I miss a deadline?
Companies House charges automatic late filing penalties for late accounts, and HMRC can charge penalties for late tax returns. A company that does not file can be struck off the register.
How do I change a director or shareholder?
Changes must be reported to Companies House. We can do this for you with Director Appointment or Resignation and Share Issue or Transfer.
Non-residents
Can I form a UK company if I do not live in the UK?
Yes. Directors and shareholders can live anywhere in the world. The company needs a UK registered office address, which we can provide. See the Non-Resident Package.
Do I need to visit the UK?
No. You can complete the order, identity verification and our checks online from your home country.
Will I be able to open a UK bank account?
Many non-residents can, but each bank makes its own decision and some require a UK-resident director or a visit. We cannot guarantee that any bank or payment provider will accept your company.
Where will my company pay tax?
That depends on where the company is managed and controlled and on the tax rules of your home country. Please get advice from an accountant who knows both countries before you start trading.
Can I get my company documents legalised for use abroad?
Yes. We can arrange apostilled documents, notarised documents and a Certificate of Good Standing.
Does a UK company give me the right to live or work in the UK?
No. Owning or directing a UK company does not give you any immigration rights. For visas, speak to an immigration adviser.
Orders, payments and your account
How do I sign in to my client account?
Enter your email address and we send you a secure sign-in link. There is no password to remember. The link expires after a short time, so use it straight away.
What happens after I pay?
You receive an email confirmation and a sign-in link. In your account, fill in the company details form: directors, shareholders, people with significant control, registered office and business activity. We check it before filing.
How do I track my order?
Your account shows the status of each order, for example awaiting details, identity verification, submitted to Companies House or completed. We also email you when something changes.
Where do I find my documents?
When your company is registered, your certificate of incorporation, articles and share certificates appear in your account to download. We email them to you too.
How do I message the team?
Open your order in your account and use the message tab. Your message is linked to that order, and our reply appears in the same place and by email.
How can I pay?
You pay securely online at checkout. Payments are processed by Mollie, our payment provider; we never see or store your full card details.
Do your prices include VAT?
Yes. We are VAT-registered and every price on our website includes 20% VAT. The VAT is shown separately on each price, at checkout and on your receipt.
Can I get a refund?
If we have not started work, yes. Once an application has been submitted to Companies House, the order cannot be refunded. See our refund policy.
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