How do I set up a limited company in the UK?

Last updated · General guidance, not legal or tax advice

You set up a private limited company by registering it with Companies House. You need a company name, a UK registered office address, at least one director, at least one shareholder, details of any people with significant control (PSCs), your share structure, a SIC code describing what the company does, and articles of association. Directors and PSCs also need to verify their identity with Companies House.

You can apply online through GOV.UK or use a formation agent. Once the company is registered you receive a certificate of incorporation and a company number, and you then need to set the company up for Corporation Tax with HMRC.

Step 1: Choose a company name

The name must be unique on the Companies House register and normally ends in "Limited" or "Ltd". It cannot be the same as, or too like, an existing name, and some words need permission. Check availability before you apply — you can use our company name checker or the Companies House search. A company name is not a trade mark, so if the brand matters, check trade marks too.

Step 2: Choose a registered office address

Every company needs a registered office in the UK jurisdiction where it is registered (for example, England and Wales). It is where official post from Companies House and HMRC is sent, and it is published on the public register. You can use your home, your business premises or a registered office address service. See what a registered office address is for the trade-offs.

Step 3: Appoint at least one director

A private limited company needs at least one director who is a real person aged 16 or over. Each director gives a service address (published) and a home address (kept private). Read what a director does before you take on the role, because directors have legal duties.

Step 4: Decide your shareholders and shares

A company limited by shares needs at least one shareholder. The same person can be the only director and the only shareholder. You decide how many shares to issue, their value and who holds them. Many small companies start with a small number of ordinary shares — for example 100 shares of £1. See how shares work.

Step 5: Identify any people with significant control

You must give details of anyone who has significant control over the company — usually someone who holds more than 25% of the shares or voting rights, has the right to appoint or remove most directors, or otherwise has significant influence or control. See who counts as a PSC.

Step 6: Choose a SIC code

A Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code describes the company's main activity. Pick the closest match from the official list; you can give up to four.

Step 7: Agree the articles of association

The articles are the company's rulebook — how decisions are made and how shares work. Most small companies use the standard "model articles". Bespoke articles are worth considering if there are several owners or different share classes, ideally with professional advice.

Step 8: Verify identities

Under the Companies House reforms, directors and people with significant control must verify their identity, and verified individuals receive a Companies House personal code. How and when this applies depends on the person's role and on the stage of the rollout, so check the current Companies House identity verification guidance before you apply.

Step 9: Register the company

Submit the application online with Companies House, or through a formation agent, and pay the registration fee shown on GOV.UK at the time. Once accepted you receive a certificate of incorporation showing the company number and date of incorporation.

If you would like help, our company formation service handles the application, and our Full Package includes 12 months of registered office and director service address.

What happens after the company is registered?

  • Set the company up for Corporation Tax — see when to register for Corporation Tax.
  • Open a business bank account in the company's name.
  • Set up bookkeeping from day one.
  • Register for PAYE if anyone, including a director, will be paid through payroll.
  • Check whether you need to register for VAT.
  • Note your key filing dates.

Our after-registration checklist covers each step.

In short

To set up a UK private limited company, register it with Companies House. You need a unique company name, a registered office address in the UK jurisdiction where the company is registered, at least one director aged 16 or over, and at least one shareholder (the same person can be both). You also need details of any people with significant control, a share structure, a SIC code and articles of association — most small companies use the model articles. Directors and PSCs must verify their identity in line with current Companies House rules. Apply online through GOV.UK or a formation agent. After registration, set the company up for Corporation Tax, open a business bank account and start keeping records.

Frequently asked questions

Can I set up a limited company on my own?

Yes. One person can be the sole director and sole shareholder of a private limited company.

Do I need a company secretary?

Private limited companies do not generally need a company secretary, although they can choose to appoint one.

Sources and official guidance

This guide is general information about UK rules as at 3 October 2026. It is not legal, tax or financial advice.