Company Incorporation Fee Doubles to £100 on 1 February 2026
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
Starting 1 February 2026, the fee to incorporate a company in the UK will increase from £50 to £100. This change marks a significant rise in the cost of setting up a new business and will affect entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners planning to register their companies. Understanding this update is crucial for anyone considering company formation in the near future.
What the Fee Increase Means for New Businesses
The incorporation fee is the official charge paid to Companies House when registering a new company. This fee covers the administrative costs of processing the registration and maintaining company records.
Previous fee: £50
New fee from 1 February 2026: £100
This doubling of the fee will directly increase the initial cost for anyone starting a company. For many small business owners and startups, this means budgeting more upfront to cover the incorporation process.
Why Has the Fee Increased?
The government has stated that the fee increase reflects the rising costs of running Companies House and maintaining the company register. Over the years, inflation and the need to improve digital services have contributed to higher operational expenses.
The fee adjustment aims to:
Cover the costs of enhanced digital infrastructure
Support faster and more secure processing of company registrations
Ensure the sustainability of Companies House services
This change aligns with other government service fees that have been adjusted to keep pace with inflation and service improvements.
How This Affects Different Types of Company Formation
The £100 fee applies to standard company incorporations submitted online or by paper. Here’s how it impacts various scenarios:
Online Incorporation: The most common method, where applicants submit forms electronically. The fee will increase from £50 to £100.
Paper Applications: These are less common but still accepted. The fee for paper applications was already higher and will also increase accordingly.
Same-Day Incorporation: This premium service will see a fee increase as well, reflecting the faster processing time.
For those using third-party formation agents or solicitors, the overall cost will rise since the official fee is a component of their charges.
Planning Your Company Incorporation Budget
If you plan to start a company soon, consider the following tips to manage the increased fee:
Incorporate before 1 February 2026 if possible, to pay the current £50 fee.
Factor the new £100 fee into your startup budget to avoid surprises.
Compare service providers to find competitive formation packages that include the new fee.
Consider the timing of your incorporation in relation to your business plans and cash flow.
Alternatives and Additional Costs to Consider
Incorporation is just one step in setting up a company. Other costs may include:
Registered office address fees
Company secretary services
Legal advice or accounting support
Business insurance and licenses
The fee increase does not affect these additional expenses but highlights the importance of thorough financial planning.
What Entrepreneurs Should Do Next
The fee increase is a clear signal to plan carefully when starting a business. Entrepreneurs should:
Review their incorporation timeline and decide if early registration is beneficial.
Update financial forecasts to include the higher fee.
Seek advice from business advisors or accountants to understand all costs involved.
Stay informed about any further changes from Companies House or government announcements.
This change also offers an opportunity to review the entire company formation process and ensure all steps are efficient and cost-effective.
Final Thoughts on the Fee Increase
The doubling of the company incorporation fee to £100 represents a notable change for new businesses in the UK. While it adds to the initial cost of starting a company, it also supports the ongoing improvement of registration services.
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