how to register a UK company 2026
Thousands of people register a UK company for the first time every year — and the rules change a little each time. In 2026, two changes matter most: directors must now verify their identity, and the incorporation fee has gone up. This guide shows you how to register a UK company…
Thousands of people register a UK company for the first time every year and the rules change a little each time. In 2026, two changes matter most: directors must now verify their identity, and the incorporation fee has gone up. This guide shows you how to register a UK company in 2026, step by step, using the latest Companies House rules. It's written in plain terms for first-timers, whether you're based in the UK or setting up from abroad. Follow along, and you'll know exactly what to do and what's changed before you start.
How to Register a UK Company in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Thousands of people register a UK company for the first time every year — and the rules change a little each time. In 2026, two changes matter most: directors must now verify their identity, and the incorporation fee has gone up. This guide shows you how to register a UK company in 2026, step by step, using the latest Companies House rules. It's written in plain terms for first-timers, whether you're based in the UK or setting up from abroad. Follow along, and you'll know exactly what to do — and what's changed — before you start.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you open the application, it helps to have everything ready. Companies House rejects a fair number of first-time applications simply because something is missing or doesn't match — having these details prepared in advance is the easiest way to avoid delays.
Company Name and Structure
Most founders register a private company limited by shares (an "Ltd"), which is the standard structure for a commercial business with one or more owners. Before you apply, check that your chosen name is available and doesn't conflict with an existing trademark, using the Companies House name-checking tool. Your name also can't be too similar to an existing registered company, and certain words (like "Royal" or "Bank") need special permission to use.
Registered Office and Email Address
Every UK company needs a registered office — a physical UK address where official mail is sent. Since March 2024, this must be an "appropriate address," meaning somewhere a document can reliably be delivered and acknowledged, not just a P.O. box. You'll also need a registered email address, which is now a mandatory field on the application.
Directors, Shareholders and PSCs
You need at least one director (who can also be the sole shareholder) and details of anyone with significant control over the company — usually anyone holding more than 25% of shares or voting rights. Directors don't need to live in the UK, but they do need to complete identity verification, which is the biggest change for 2026.
Step 1: Choose Your Company Type and Name
Decide on your company structure — a private company limited by shares is the right choice for almost all new commercial businesses. Then confirm your name is available and compliant with Companies House naming rules before you go any further.
Step 2: Verify Your Identity (New 2026 Requirement)
This is the step that trips up the most first-time founders. Since 18 November 2025, every director and every person with significant control must verify their identity before an incorporation application can be filed. You can do this two ways:
- Directly through Companies House, using GOV.UK One Login
- Through an authorised agent, such as a formation service or accountant
Either route gives you a personal verification code, which you'll need when you file. Build in a little extra time for this step if you're doing it for the first time — it can't be skipped, and the application won't go through without it.
Step 3: Set Your Registered Office
Confirm the UK address you'll use as your registered office, and set up the registered email address Companies House will use to contact you. If you don't have a suitable UK address of your own (common for overseas founders), a formation agent or registered office service can provide one.
Step 4: Appoint Directors and Shareholders
Formally list your director(s) and shareholder(s), and decide your share structure — how many shares exist, what they're worth, and who holds them. If anyone holds significant control over the company, their details need to be declared as a Person with Significant Control (PSC).
Step 5: Assign a SIC Code
Choose a Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code that best describes what your business does. You can list more than one if your business covers several activities. This code is used for statistical and regulatory purposes, so it's worth picking the closest match rather than a generic one.
Step 6: File Your Application with Companies House
With everything prepared, you submit Form IN01. There are three ways to file, and the cost and speed depend on which you choose:
| Filing method | Cost | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Online (standard) | £100 | Usually within 24 hours |
| Same-day (via approved software) | £156 | Same working day, if filed before 3pm |
| Paper (Form IN01 by post) | £124 | 8–10 working days |
Online filing is the right choice for almost everyone — it's cheaper than paper filing and faster, too.
Step 7: Receive Your Certificate of Incorporation
Once Companies House approves your application, you'll receive a certificate of incorporation. This confirms your company legally exists and includes your company number and official formation date. From this point on, your company can open a bank account, sign contracts, and trade.
What to Do After Registering
Getting your certificate is the beginning, not the end. A few things need to happen soon after:
Register for Corporation Tax
You must register with HMRC for Corporation Tax within three months of starting to trade. This is separate from your Companies House registration and is what allows you to file tax returns and pay tax on profits.
Open a Business Bank Account
Limited companies are legally required to keep company finances separate from personal ones. Most banks will ask for your certificate of incorporation and director ID before opening an account.
VAT Registration
If your taxable turnover is likely to exceed the current VAT threshold in any 12-month period, you'll need to register for VAT. It's worth checking this early if you expect fast growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone outside the UK register a UK company? Yes. There's no requirement to be a UK resident to be a director or shareholder — you just need a UK registered office address and to complete the same identity verification as any other director.
How much does it cost to register a UK company in 2026? £100 for standard online filing, £156 for same-day filing, or £124 for paper filing by post.
How long does registration take? Usually within 24 hours online, same-day if filed before 3pm through approved software, or 8–10 working days by post.
What is identity verification, and do I really need it? Yes — since 18 November 2025, it's a legal requirement for all directors and persons with significant control, completed via GOV.UK One Login or an authorised agent, before the company can be incorporated.
Ready to Register Your Company?
Once you've verified your identity and gathered your details, registering a UK company is quick — but it only goes smoothly if every field matches and nothing's missing. If you'd rather not risk a delay or rejected application, a formation specialist can handle the entire process for you, correctly, the first time.
