How to Register Your Business on Companies House

Do you actually need to register at Companies House?

First, the honest bit: not every business needs to register at Companies House. It depends on your business structure.

You must register if:

• You're setting up a private limited company (Ltd)
• You're forming a limited liability partnership (LLP)

You don't need to register if:

• You're a sole trader (self-employed)
• You're running a general partnership
• You operate as a freelancer

Sole traders and general partnerships still need to register for tax with HMRC, but not at Companies House. If you're unsure what structure suits your business, speak to an accountant — it's worth getting right from the start.

Why register as a limited company?

Before you go through the process, it's worth understanding why you might want to. Limited companies offer:

• Limited liability — your personal assets are protected if the business faces legal issues
• Professional credibility — some clients prefer working with limited companies
• Tax efficiency — sometimes lower tax rates than sole traders (though this varies)
• Separation of personal and business finances — clearer accounting and easier to manage

However, there are downsides: more paperwork, annual accounts to file, and setup costs. For very small operations, being a sole trader is often simpler and cheaper.

What you'll need before you start

Gather these things before you begin the registration process:

• Your proposed company name (Companies House will check if it's already taken)
• Your registered office address in the UK (this is where legal documents are sent — can be your home or business address)
• Details of at least one director (this could be you)
• Details of at least one shareholder (the person or people who own the company)
• A Memorandum and Articles of Association (template documents that set out how your company will run — Companies House provides standard versions)
• An email address and password for your Companies House account
• Payment method (debit or credit card)

Step-by-step registration process

Step 1: Check your company name

Visit the Companies House website and use their free search tool to check if your chosen name is available. You can't register a name that's already in use or too similar to an existing company. This takes 5 minutes.

Step 2: Create a Companies House account

Go to beta.companieshouse.gov.uk and set up an account using your email address. You'll need to verify your email — check your inbox for a confirmation link.

Step 3: Choose your filing method

Companies House offers two main ways to register:

• Online (WebFiling) — easiest for most people, instant feedback, costs £12
• By post using paper forms — slower (10-14 days), costs £40

Unless you have a specific reason, use WebFiling. It's cheaper, faster, and gives you instant confirmation.

Step 4: Complete the online forms

Log into your Companies House account and start a new application. You'll need to fill in:

• Company details: name, registered office address, business type
• Directors' information: names, dates of birth, addresses (residential addresses are needed for verification)
• Shareholder details: who owns the company and how many shares they hold
• Statement of capital: how much the company is worth (usually just £1 for small startups)

The system guides you through each section. It usually takes 30-60 minutes to complete everything, depending on how many directors and shareholders you have.

Step 5: Review and submit

Double-check all information — errors can delay your registration. Make sure names, addresses and dates of birth are correct. Then pay the fee (£12 for online registration) and submit.

Step 6: Wait for confirmation

This is the hardest part. Companies House typically processes online applications within 2-4 working days. You'll receive a confirmation email with your company registration number (this is your unique identifier). Keep this safe — you'll need it for everything from opening a business bank account to filing tax returns.

What happens next?

Once you're registered, you're officially a limited company. Within a few weeks, Companies House will send you a certificate of incorporation and other documents. You'll now need to:

• Open a business bank account (you'll need your registration number and certificate)
• Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC
• Set up PAYE if you're hiring employees
• Register for VAT if your turnover exceeds the VAT threshold (£85,000 currently)

Common mistakes to avoid

• Typos in director details — small errors can cause rejections or delays
• Using a wrong address — your registered office must be a real UK address where post can be received
• Forgetting director consent — all directors must agree to be named (you'll declare this when submitting)
• Choosing a name that's too similar to existing companies — check thoroughly first

Final thoughts

Registering a limited company is straightforward once you understand the basics. It's not overly technical, but it does require accuracy and attention to detail. If you're unsure about any aspect, Companies House has helpful guides on their website, or a quick chat with an accountant will cost far less than fixing problems later.

The whole process costs from £12 upwards and takes less than a week. That's a small investment to get your business properly established.