Starting a business in the UK? Whether you're launching a startup or becoming self-employed, understanding the British company register process is crucial. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about registering a company in the UK, from choosing a business structure to filing with Companies House.

 

Table of Contents

Why Register a Company in the UK?

Types of Business Structures in the UK

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Company in the UK

How to Register for Self-Employed Status

Costs & Fees for Company Registration

Tax & Legal Considerations

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Why Register a Company in the UK?

The UK is one of the most business-friendly countries in the world, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses alike. Registering your company in the UK not only provides legal recognition but also offers a wealth of benefits that can help you grow, scale, and protect your business. Whether you're a sole trader looking to formalise your operations or a high-growth startup seeking investment, the process of registering a UK company is straightforward, cost-effective, and advantageous in numerous ways.

The British company register ensures businesses gain official legal status, tax efficiencies, and credibility. Unlike operating as an unregistered sole trader, registering a business under UK law allows for greater financial security, business expansion, and access to vital resources.

✔ Legal Protection – One of the most significant advantages of registering a company is the legal separation between your personal and business assets. As a registered limited company (Ltd), the business is recognised as its own legal entity, which means your personal finances and assets are safeguarded in the event of business debts or legal disputes. Without this protection, sole traders risk personal liability for business-related obligations, which could lead to severe financial consequences.

✔ Credibility – In today’s competitive market, trust is everything. A registered company demonstrates legitimacy, professionalism, and commitment to long-term business operations. Many clients, investors, and suppliers prefer to work with registered companies because they provide reassurance regarding financial stability and accountability. Registration also enhances your brand image, making you appear more trustworthy, which is especially important when dealing with larger contracts, partnerships, and customers.

✔ Access to Funding – Raising capital is one of the biggest challenges for businesses. However, having a registered company significantly improves your chances of securing loans, grants, and investment opportunities. Banks and financial institutions are more likely to approve business loans for registered companies rather than sole traders or unregistered entities. Moreover, venture capitalists, angel investors, and crowdfunding platforms typically require businesses to be formally registered before considering any funding proposals. Additionally, the UK government and various organisations provide grants and financial incentives for small businesses, startups, and industry-specific projects—opportunities that unregistered businesses simply cannot access.

✔ Tax Benefits – Registering a company in the UK allows you to take advantage of numerous tax reliefs and deductions. Limited companies benefit from corporation tax rates, which are often lower than personal income tax rates for sole traders. Additionally, businesses can claim allowable expenses, such as office costs, travel expenses, equipment purchases, and startup marketing expenses, reducing their overall taxable income. Registered companies also have the option to register for VAT (Value Added Tax), which enables them to reclaim VAT on business purchases and improves credibility when dealing with VAT-registered suppliers and clients.

✔ Brand Protection – When you register your company, your business name is legally protected, ensuring no one else in the UK can operate under the same name. This safeguards your brand identity, prevents potential confusion among customers, and reduces the risk of competitors attempting to capitalise on your success. Additionally, trademarking your brand name and logo further solidifies your ownership, providing legal recourse against copycats or intellectual property theft.

Did You Know? If you don’t register your business name, someone else can. Without registration, there's nothing stopping another entrepreneur from registering the same name as their own company, which could result in costly legal battles or even losing the right to use your business name.

Pro Tip: The UK has one of the fastest and most affordable company registration processes in the world. Unlike many countries where business registration is costly and bureaucratic, setting up a limited company in the UK can be done entirely online through Companies House, with the process often completed within 24 hours. The standard registration fee is as low as £12, making it accessible for entrepreneurs at all levels.

Moreover, the UK is an attractive location for international businesses due to its strong legal framework, established financial infrastructure, and international trade agreements. Many overseas entrepreneurs choose to register a UK company remotely, allowing them to tap into the UK’s business ecosystem, benefit from local banking services, and build a reputable brand presence in one of the world’s leading economies.

Who Should Register a Company in the UK?

If you're:
A freelancer or contractor looking to increase credibility and protect your personal assets.
A startup founder seeking investment and funding opportunities.
A business owner wanting to expand operations and build a long-term brand.
An international entrepreneur looking to establish a presence in the UK market.
A growing eCommerce or online business looking for tax efficiencies and legal protections.

Then registering a UK company is a smart move that will provide you with long-term security, financial advantages, and business growth opportunities.

 

Types of Business Structures in the UK

Before registering your company, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right legal structure. The structure you select will impact your tax obligations, liability, administrative responsibilities, and funding opportunities. The UK offers several business structures tailored to different needs, ranging from freelancers and small businesses to large corporations and social enterprises.

Here’s a breakdown of the main business structures available in the UK and how they function:

Sole Trader – The simplest and most common structure for freelancers, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals. As a sole trader, you and your business are legally the same entity, meaning you keep all the profits, but you are also personally responsible for any business debts. Sole traders must register with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and submit a Self-Assessment tax return each year. While this structure is easy to set up and requires minimal paperwork, it lacks liability protection, which can be risky for businesses with financial obligations or legal exposure.

Limited Company (Ltd) – The preferred structure for most startups and growing businesses. A limited company is a separate legal entity from its owners, meaning your personal assets are protected if the business incurs debts. Limited companies are required to register with Companies House, file annual accounts, and pay corporation tax on profits. This structure offers greater credibility, tax efficiency, and access to funding, making it the best choice for businesses planning to expand or attract investors.

Partnership – Designed for businesses with two or more co-owners. In a general partnership, each partner shares the profits, responsibilities, and liabilities of the business. Partners must register with HMRC and pay tax on their share of profits through Self-Assessment. While partnerships are easy to establish and run, they do not provide personal liability protection, meaning partners are personally responsible for any business debts or legal claims. Partnerships work best for family businesses, small professional firms, and collaborations between entrepreneurs.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – A hybrid structure combining aspects of both partnerships and limited companies. LLPs provide liability protection, meaning partners are not personally responsible for business debts beyond their investment. This makes LLPs particularly popular among law firms, accountancy firms, and professional services businesses. Like limited companies, LLPs must register with Companies House, file annual accounts, and pay corporation tax on profits. However, they also offer the flexibility of a partnership, allowing partners to manage the business without strict corporate governance rules.

Community Interest Company (CIC) – A specialised legal structure designed for social enterprises and non-profits that operate for the benefit of the community rather than private profit. CICs must register with Companies House and the CIC Regulator, ensuring that profits are reinvested into social causes rather than distributed to shareholders. While CICs can still generate revenue and pay salaries, they are subject to additional regulations, including an asset lock, which prevents assets from being used for anything other than their intended social purpose. This structure is ideal for charitable projects, social impact businesses, and organisations working towards community betterment.

Did You Know? If you register a Limited Company (Ltd), your business name is legally protected, whereas sole traders and partnerships do not have exclusive rights to their business name. This means another company could register the same name as an Ltd and force you to rebrand.

Pro Tip: Most startups opt for Limited Company (Ltd) status because it provides:
Tax Advantages – Corporation tax rates are often lower than personal tax rates, and businesses can claim allowable expenses, reducing their taxable income.
Legal Protection – Your personal assets are shielded from business debts or liabilities.
Investment & Funding Access – Banks, venture capitalists, and investors prefer working with limited companies over sole traders or partnerships.
Credibility & Brand Protection – Being a registered Ltd gives your business a professional image and protects your company name.

Choosing the right business structure is crucial for long-term success, so consider your financial goals, liability concerns, and growth ambitions before making a decision.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Company in the UK

Setting up a company in the UK is a straightforward and efficient process, especially when done online through Companies House. Whether you’re launching a startup, growing an existing business, or establishing a UK-based entity for international trade, following these steps ensures your company appears on the British company register and operates legally within the UK.

1. Choose a Company Name

Your company name is the foundation of your brand and identity, so it’s crucial to choose a name that is unique, professional, and legally compliant.

✔ Check Name Availability – Use the Companies House name availability checker to ensure no other business is registered under the same name. This helps prevent potential legal disputes and branding conflicts.
✔ Avoid Restricted Words – Certain words like “Royal,” “Government,” or “Bank” require special approval from regulatory bodies before they can be used in company names. Additionally, offensive or misleading names are strictly prohibited.
✔ Check for Trademarks – Even if a name isn’t registered with Companies House, it could still be trademarked by another business. Use the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) database to verify trademark availability.
✔ Secure Your Domain Name – If you plan to create a website for your business, ensure the .co.uk, .com, or other relevant domain names are available. Many startups register their domain before completing company registration to prevent others from taking it.

Did You Know? If your desired company name is taken, you can still use a trading name, which is different from your registered business name. However, this does not grant legal protection, so others can still register that name officially.

2. Select a Registered Office Address

Every UK company must have a registered office address where official correspondence from HMRC, Companies House, and legal authorities will be sent.

✔ This address must be located in the UK and be accessible for official mail.
✔ You can use:

• Your home address (but this may affect privacy).
• A physical business address if you have an office.
• A virtual office or business address service, which is useful for home-based or international businesses.
  ✔ Your registered office address will be publicly available, so using a virtual office can help maintain privacy.

Pro Tip: If you're an international entrepreneur setting up a UK company, you can use a virtual office service to meet legal requirements while keeping overhead costs low.

3. Appoint Directors & Shareholders

A UK company must have at least one director, but there’s no limit on the number of directors or shareholders.

✔ Directors – Responsible for managing the company and ensuring legal startup compliance software. They must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Not be disqualified directors under UK law.
  ✔ Shareholders – Owners of the company. A director can also be a shareholder, and a company can have multiple shareholders with different share percentages.

Did You Know? You don’t need a UK resident as a director—foreign nationals can be directors of UK companies. However, if you plan to open a UK business bank account, some banks may require at least one UK-based director.

4. Determine Share Capital & Structure

To establish company ownership, you must issue at least one share. However, you can structure ownership with different share classes if necessary.

✔ The minimum share capital for a private limited company (Ltd) is £1.
✔ If there are multiple shareholders, define who owns what percentage by issuing shares accordingly.
✔ You can issue ordinary shares (standard ownership) or create multiple share classes with different voting rights and dividend entitlements.

Pro Tip: If you're planning to attract investors later, consider setting up different share classes (e.g., "ordinary" and "preference shares") to provide flexibility in decision-making and profit distribution.

5. Prepare and File Incorporation Documents

To legally register a company, you must submit Form IN01 to Companies House, along with essential details about your business.

✔ Form IN01 Requirements:

• Company Name & Registered Office Address
• Director(s) and Shareholder(s) Information
• Share Capital & Ownership Structure
• Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code – A five-digit code that categorises your business activity (e.g., 62020 for IT consulting).
  ✔ Memorandum of Association – A legal statement signed by shareholders confirming their intention to form the company.
  ✔ Articles of Association – A document outlining the rules and regulations for running the company, including shareholder rights, decision-making processes, and financial management.

Did You Know? You can use Companies House standard startup templates for the Memorandum and Articles of Association, or customise them if you need specific governance rules.

6. Pay the Registration Fee

Companies House offers multiple registration methods, each with different processing times and costs:

✔ Online Registration (£12):

• The fastest and most affordable option.
• Processed within 24 hours.
  ✔ Postal Registration (£40):
• Takes 8-10 days for processing.
  ✔ Same-Day Registration (£100):
• Requires submission before 3 PM on a working day.
• Ideal for urgent business launches.

Pro Tip: Online registration is the fastest and most cost-effective method. Most businesses complete the entire process within one working day.

7. Receive Your Certificate of Incorporation

Once your registration is approved, Companies House issues a Certificate of Incorporation, confirming that:

✔ Your company is legally recognised in the UK.
✔ You are now listed in the UK company register.
✔ Your business has a unique company number (CRN).

Did You Know? With your Certificate of Incorporation, you can now:
Open a UK Business Bank Account – Many banks require this certificate as proof of registration.
Register for VAT (if applicable) – If your turnover exceeds £90,000, you must register for Value Added Tax (VAT).
Apply for Business Loans, Grants, and Funding – Your company’s official status makes it easier to access finance.

Pro Tip: Once your company is registered, you’ll need to maintain compliance by filing annual accounts and confirmation statements with Companies House. Failure to do so can result in fines or your company being struck off the register.

 

How to Register for Self Employed Status

If you’re working for yourself, freelancing, running a small business, or selling goods and services, you need to register as self employed with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Unlike a limited company, where the business is a separate legal entity, self-employment means you and your business are legally the same, making it crucial to manage your finances correctly and understand your tax obligations.

Steps to Register for Self Employed Status

Check if You Qualify as Self-Employed

You are considered self-employed if you meet any of the following criteria:

✔ Work for yourself rather than being hired as an employee under a contract.
✔ Sell goods or services for profit, whether online, in-person, or through a side hustle.
✔ Have multiple clients/customers and are responsible for finding your own work.
✔ Decide how, when, and where you work, rather than being directed by an employer.
✔ Provide your own tools, equipment, or materials to complete your work.
✔ Take on financial risk, such as buying stock or paying for advertising.

Did You Know? Even if you already have a full-time job, you can still register as self-employed for any freelance work, side businesses, or gig economy jobs like Uber, Etsy, or consulting.

Register with HMRC for Self-Assessment

To declare your income and pay tax correctly, you must register for Self-Assessment with HMRC.

✔ Visit the official UK government website: gov.uk/register-for-self-assessment.
✔ If this is your first time being self-employed, you need to create a Government Gateway account.
✔ If you were previously self-employed but stopped, you may need to re-register using form CWF1.
✔ The deadline for registration is by 5th October in your second tax year after starting your business.

Example: If you started working as self-employed in June 2024, you must register by 5th October 2025.

Get Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) Number

Once registered, HMRC will issue you a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number, which is a 10-digit identification number used for tax purposes.

✔ You should receive your UTR number by post within 10 days (or 21 days if you’re abroad).
✔ Your UTR is required when filing your Self-Assessment tax return and when dealing with HMRC.
✔ If you lose your UTR, you can retrieve it through your Government Gateway account.

Did You Know? Many banks, lenders, and business platforms require your UTR number as proof of self-employment when applying for a business loan or mortgage.

Set Up a Business Bank Account

While not legally required, having a separate bank account for business transactions is highly recommended. Keeping business and personal finances separate helps:

✔ Track income and expenses more easily for tax purposes.
✔ Improve cash flow management and budgeting.
✔ Build credibility with clients, banks, and HMRC.
✔ Prepare for VAT registration if your income exceeds £90,000 per year.

Pro Tip: Many UK banks offer free business banking for the first 12-18 months. Digital banks like Monzo Business, Starling Bank, and Tide provide quick setup and accounting integrations.

Keep Financial Records for Tax Reporting

As a self-employed person, you are responsible for keeping accurate records of your business finances. HMRC requires you to track:

✔ All income received from clients, customers, or sales.
✔ All business expenses, including rent, equipment, advertising, software, and travel costs.
✔ Invoices, receipts, and bank statements to support your tax return.
✔ Mileage logs if you use a vehicle for business.

Did You Know? HMRC recommends keeping financial records for at least 5 years, as you may be audited.

 

Costs & Fees for Company Registration

Starting a business in the UK is cost-effective compared to many other countries, but it’s important to understand the different costs involved in registering and maintaining your business. The total cost depends on the business structure you choose, as well as additional services like accounting, banking, and tax registrations. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs you may encounter:

✔ Limited Company Registration:

• £12 (online) – The most affordable and fastest option via Companies House e-Registration (processed within 24 hours).
• £40 (postal application) – Takes 8-10 days to process.
• £100 (same-day registration) – If you need urgent approval and submit the application before 3 PM.

✔ Business Bank Account Setup:

• Many banks offer free business banking for the first 12-18 months.
• After the free period, fees typically range from £5-£15 per month, depending on the bank and transaction limits.
• Online banks like Starling, Monzo Business, and Tide offer fee-free business accounts with no monthly costs.

✔ Accountancy Fees (Optional but Recommended):

• £300 - £1,000 per year for a small business accountant, depending on the level of support you need.
• Many limited companies hire accountants to handle Corporation Tax, VAT returns, and payroll.
• Cloud accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent costs around £10-£30 per month and can reduce the need for a full-time accountant.

✔ VAT Registration (if turnover exceeds £90,000):

• Free to register via HMRC.
• Once VAT-registered, businesses must charge VAT on applicable goods/services and file quarterly VAT returns.
• Voluntary VAT registration is available for businesses earning less than £90,000 but wanting to claim back VAT on expenses.

✔ Registered Office Address (if using a virtual office service):

• If you prefer not to use your home address, you can use a virtual office address for privacy.
• Prices start at £10-£50 per month, depending on the provider.
• Popular services include Hoxton Mix, Regus, and 1st Formations.

✔ Business Insurance (Highly Recommended):

• Public Liability Insurance: Covers legal costs if someone is injured by your business (£50-£500 per year).
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Essential for consultants, freelancers, and agencies (£100-£1,000 per year).
• Employers’ Liability Insurance: Required if you hire staff (£100-£500 per year).

✔ Trademark Registration (Optional but recommended for brand protection):

• £170 for one trademark category via UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO).
• £50 per additional category (e.g., covering different industries).
• Protects your business name, logo, and brand identity from being copied.

✔ Domain Name & Website Costs (If applicable):

• Domain registration: Typically costs £10-£20 per year for .co.uk or .com.
• Website hosting: Starts at £5-£25 per month for platforms like Bluehost, SiteGround, or GoDaddy.
• E-commerce websites (Shopify, Wix, or WordPress WooCommerce): £20-£100 per month, depending on features.

Did You Know? Many startup costs, including accounting fees, insurance, and domain purchases, are tax-deductible expenses, meaning you can claim them to reduce your taxable income.

Pro Tip: Registering as a sole trader is free, but you must still notify HMRC and file a Self-Assessment tax return each year. However, sole traders do not benefit from limited liability protection, so registering a limited company may be a better long-term choice if you plan to grow your business.

 

Tax & Legal Considerations

When running a business in the UK, understanding your tax and legal responsibilities is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure smooth operations. Whether you're a sole trader, limited company, or employer, you must comply with HMRC regulations, Companies House requirements, and other financial obligations.

✔ Corporation Tax – If you register as a limited company, your business must pay Corporation Tax on its profits.

• The Corporation Tax rate is currently 19% for profits up to £50,000 and 25% for profits above £250,000.
• If your company’s profit falls between £50,000 and £250,000, you’ll pay a marginal rate between 19% and 25%.
• Corporation Tax must be paid within 9 months and 1 day after the company’s financial year-end.
• Companies must file a Company Tax Return (CT600) with HMRC annually.

✔ Self-Employed Tax – If you operate as a sole trader, you are responsible for paying:

• Income Tax on your profits, based on standard tax brackets:
  • £0 - £12,570: 0% (Personal Allowance)
  • £12,571 - £50,270: 20%
  • £50,271 - £125,140: 40%
  • Above £125,140: 45%
• National Insurance Contributions (NICs):
  • Class 2 NICs: £3.45 per week (if profits exceed £12,570).
  • Class 4 NICs: 9% on profits between £12,570 - £50,270 and 2% on profits above £50,270.
• Sole traders must file a Self-Assessment Tax Return by 31st January each year and pay any owed taxes.

Did You Know? Even if you don’t owe tax, you still need to submit a Self-Assessment if you’re self-employed or a company director.

✔ VAT Registration – Businesses must register for Value Added Tax (VAT) if their annual turnover exceeds £90,000.

• Once registered, you must charge 20% VAT on most goods and services.
• VAT returns must be filed quarterly to HMRC.
• You can voluntarily register for VAT, even if turnover is below £90,000, to reclaim VAT on business expenses.

Pro Tip: Many small businesses use the Flat Rate VAT Scheme, where they pay a fixed percentage of turnover instead of tracking VAT on every transaction.

✔ Annual Accounts & Confirmation Statement – If you run a limited company, you must file:

• Annual Accounts – A financial statement summarising company profits, losses, and assets, submitted to Companies House and HMRC.
• Corporation Tax Return (CT600) – Filed with HMRC to report taxable profits.
• Confirmation Statement (formerly Annual Return) – Confirms your company details and must be filed annually to Companies House (£13 online, £40 by post).

✔ PAYE & Payroll – If your business employs staff, you must register for PAYE (Pay As You Earn) with HMRC.

• Employers deduct Income Tax and National Insurance from employee wages before paying salaries.
• Payroll must be reported to HMRC each time you pay employees (Real Time Information – RTI).
• You must provide employees with payslips, P60s, and P45s when required.

Did You Know? If you pay yourself a salary as a company director, you must register for PAYE, but dividends (profit withdrawals) are taxed differently.

Pro Tip: Many businesses hire an accountant or use cloud accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero, FreeAgent) to manage tax filings, payroll, and compliance.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Starting a business in the UK is relatively easy, but many entrepreneurs make avoidable mistakes that can lead to legal issues, fines, and operational challenges. To ensure a smooth company registration and compliance process, here are common pitfalls to avoid and how to prevent them.

Choosing a Company Name Without Checking Availability

• Many startups get excited about a business idea, only to realise later that their chosen company name is already taken.
• Before finalising your name, always:
  • Check Companies House to ensure it's available.
  • Search the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) database to avoid trademark conflicts.
  • Secure a matching domain name to build your online presence.
• If the name is unavailable, you may be forced to rebrand later, leading to costly legal and marketing adjustments.

Tip: If your desired name is taken, consider adding a descriptor (e.g., "Solutions," "Consulting," or "Group") to make it unique.

Registering a Home Address as a Business Address

• All UK companies must provide a registered office address, and many first-time founders use their home address—a decision they later regret.
• Your registered office address is publicly available, meaning anyone can see it.
• Using a home address can:
  • Expose your personal information, risking privacy concerns.
  • Look unprofessional to clients and investors.
  • Make securing a business bank account harder in some cases.

Tip: Use a virtual office address instead. Many services (e.g., Hoxton Mix, Regus, 1st Formations) provide a prestigious London or UK business address for as little as £10/month, protecting your privacy.

Forgetting to File Annual Accounts & Confirmation Statement

• Limited companies must file accounts and a confirmation statement each year with Companies House.
• Missing deadlines results in automatic fines:
  • £150 fine for filing late by up to 1 month.
  • £375 fine if late by 1-3 months.
  • £1,500+ penalties for extreme delays.
• Repeated startup failures can lead to company dissolution or being struck off the register.

Tip: Set automated reminders for tax deadlines. Use accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent to track and file submissions on time.

Not Separating Personal & Business Finances

• Many new business owners use their personal bank account instead of setting up a dedicated business account.
• This makes tax filing harder, as mixing personal and business transactions leads to:
  • Confusing financial records.
  • Difficulties claiming business expenses.
  • Complications during audits.
• A business bank account helps with:
  • Professionalism – Clients trust businesses with dedicated accounts.
  • Easier accounting – Clear separation of personal and business finances.
  • Eligibility for business loans & funding.

Tip: Open a free or low-cost business account with banks like Starling, Monzo Business, or Tide within the first week of registering your company.

Ignoring Tax Obligations, Leading to Penalties

• Some businesses forget to register for VAT when turnover exceeds £90,000, leading to HMRC fines and backdated tax bills.
• Others underestimate their tax bill, causing cash flow problems when it’s time to pay.
• If you hire employees, failing to register for PAYE (Pay As You Earn) can result in compliance issues.

Tip:

• Register for VAT early if your business is growing fast.
• Set aside 20-30% of profits for corporation tax or income tax to avoid last-minute surprises.
• Hire an accountant or use tax software to stay compliant.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Starting a business in the UK can be straightforward, but many entrepreneurs have questions about company registration, tax obligations, and banking requirements. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

Q: Can I register a UK company if I’m not a UK resident?

✔ Yes! Non-UK residents can register a company in the UK, and there are no nationality restrictions on company ownership. However, you must have a UK registered office address for official correspondence.

Tip: If you’re based overseas, you can use a virtual office service in the UK to meet this requirement. Many providers offer business addresses in London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

Q: How long does it take to register a company?

✔ Online registration takes 24 hours (sometimes even within a few hours).
✔ Postal registration takes 8-10 days, depending on processing times at Companies House.
✔ Same-day registration is available for £100, provided the application is submitted before 3 PM on a working day.

Tip: Online registration is the fastest and most cost-effective method. The majority of UK companies are formed this way.

Q: Do I need a business bank account?

✔ If you are a limited company, yes—it is a legal requirement because your business is a separate entity from you.
✔ If you’re a sole trader, no, but it’s highly recommended to open a separate account to keep business and personal finances distinct.

Tip: Many UK banks offer free business accounts for the first 12-18 months. Digital banks like Starling, Monzo Business, and Tide provide fast, online setup with no monthly fees.

Q: Is registering as self-employed the same as registering a company?

✔ No! There is a big difference between registering as self-employed and forming a limited company:

• Self-employed individuals (sole traders) register with HMRC for Self-Assessment and pay tax on personal income.
• Limited companies register with Companies House and pay Corporation Tax separately from personal tax.

Tip: If you’re unsure which structure is best, consider how much legal protection and tax efficiency you need. Many small businesses start as sole traders and transition to a limited company as they grow.

Q: What’s the difference between a sole trader and a limited company?

✔ A sole trader is personally responsible for business debts, while a limited company protects personal assets by creating a separate legal entity.
✔ Tax rates differ: Sole traders pay income tax and National Insurance, while companies pay Corporation Tax (19-25%).
✔ A limited company can raise funding, issue shares, and is generally seen as more credible than a sole trader.

Tip: If you plan to scale your business or seek investors, a limited company is the better option.

Q: How much tax does a limited company pay?

✔ Limited companies pay Corporation Tax on profits:

• 19% on profits up to £50,000.
• 25% on profits above £250,000.
• A marginal rate applies for profits between £50,000 and £250,000.

✔ Directors may also pay Income Tax on salaries and Dividend Tax on withdrawals from company profits.

Tip: You can reduce your tax bill by claiming business expenses, such as office rent, marketing, equipment, and travel.

Q: What are SIC codes, and why are they important?

✔ SIC codes (Standard Industrial Classification codes) are 5-digit numbers that define your company’s business activity.
✔ Every UK company must provide at least one SIC code when registering.

Tip: You can find the full list of SIC codes on the Companies House website.

Q: Do I need an accountant to register a company?

✔ No, you can register a company yourself through Companies House.
✔ However, many businesses hire an accountant to manage:

• Tax filings (Corporation Tax & VAT).
• Payroll (PAYE) and dividend payments.
• Annual accounts & compliance.

Tip: If you want to reduce startup accounting software costs, consider using cloud-based software like Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent to automate bookkeeping.

Q: Do I need to register for VAT immediately?

✔ No, unless your turnover exceeds £90,000 per year.
✔ However, businesses can voluntarily register for VAT to reclaim VAT on expenses.

Tip: If you have high business expenses (e.g., buying stock or equipment), early VAT registration might be beneficial.