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Form AD05 UK: Change Company Situation Guide

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Part ofCompanies House Forms UK

Written by Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)
Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice.
Updated June 2026 · England & Wales
Form AD05 is the Companies House filing used when a company wants to alter its 'situation', meaning whether it is formally registered as an England and Wales company or a Welsh company. It sounds like a minor administrative detail, but the choice carries real consequences for your name ending, your public record, and how you can operate bilingually. Most directors never encounter this form because the situation of a company is fixed at incorporation and rarely needs changing. When it does come up, it is usually because a business has relocated its identity, rebranded in Welsh, or wants to formalise its regional character. This page walks you through what AD05 actually does, who can file it, and the knock-on effects worth thinking about before you send it in. I am Brad Askew, Legal Tech Founder at LegalDocuments.co.uk, and this guide reflects how I would explain the form to a client over coffee rather than in legalese.

What this document is

Form AD05 is the statutory notice a private or public company files with Companies House when it wants to change its 'situation' under section 88 of the Companies Act 2006. In practical terms, the situation of a company refers to the jurisdiction recorded against it on the register, which will be one of: England and Wales, or Wales.

Although both sit within the same legal jurisdiction for most purposes, the distinction matters for companies that want to use a Welsh name ending such as 'Cyfyngedig' or 'Cyf' instead of 'Limited' or 'Ltd'. Filing AD05 does not move your registered office, change your directors, or alter your share capital.

Those are separate filings. What it does is update the jurisdictional label on your company record. A company that switches its situation to Wales can adopt a Welsh name ending and becomes a 'Welsh company' for statutory purposes. A company moving the other way reverts to the broader England and Wales classification, which means it can no longer use a Welsh-only ending on its name.

How to use this document

  1. Confirm whether the change is actually needed. Before filing anything, be clear on why you want to change your situation. If you simply want to trade in Welsh or use Welsh branding, you do not necessarily need to change your registered situation. AD05 is specifically about the jurisdictional label on your Companies House record, not your marketing or day-to-day operations.
  2. Check the knock-on effect on your company name. A switch to a Welsh company opens the door to Welsh name endings such as 'Cyfyngedig' or 'Cyf'. A switch away from Welsh status means any Welsh-only endings must be dropped. If a name change is required alongside AD05, you will usually need to file a separate resolution and name change form, so plan the sequence carefully.
  3. Pass the required resolution. Changing the situation of a company normally requires a special resolution of the members. Make sure the resolution is properly worded, passed in line with your articles, and documented in the minutes. A copy of the resolution must typically be filed at Companies House within the statutory timeframe.
  4. Complete and submit Form AD05. Download the current version of AD05 from gov.uk and complete it with the company number, full current name, and the new situation. The form must be signed by a director, secretary, or other authorised person. Check the filing requirements on gov.uk as processes can change.
  5. Update your records and stationery. Once Companies House has processed the filing, update your letterhead, website, invoices, and contracts to reflect the new situation and any new name ending. Inform your bank, HMRC, and any regulators you deal with so their records stay aligned with the Companies House register.

Common questions

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Common questions

Q What is the difference between an England and Wales company and a Welsh company?
Both sit within the same legal jurisdiction, but the classification on the Companies House register differs. A Welsh company can use Welsh name endings such as 'Cyfyngedig' or 'Cyf' and is treated as Welsh for statutory purposes. An England and Wales company uses English name endings like 'Limited' or 'Ltd'. The practical differences are mostly around naming and bilingual filing rather than the law that applies.
Q Do I need a special resolution to file AD05?
In most cases yes. Changing the situation of a company is treated as a significant constitutional change and typically requires a special resolution of the members. You should check your articles and the current guidance on gov.uk to confirm what is needed, and keep a properly minuted record of the resolution. A copy of the resolution is usually filed at Companies House alongside or shortly after the AD05.
Q Is there a fee for filing Form AD05?
Companies House fees change from time to time, so check gov.uk for the current amount. Some filings are free and others attract a small fee depending on whether you file on paper or electronically. Factor in any additional costs if you are also changing the company name at the same time, as that is a separate filing with its own requirements.
Q Can I change my situation back later if I change my mind?
Yes, the process works in both directions. A Welsh company can switch back to England and Wales, and vice versa, by filing a further AD05 supported by the necessary resolution. Bear in mind that repeated changes can look untidy on the public record and may create knock-on work around your name ending, stationery, and contracts each time.
Q Will changing my situation affect my tax position?
Changing the situation on the Companies House register does not by itself alter where your company is resident for tax or which tax rules apply. UK corporation tax and HMRC obligations continue as before. That said, it is sensible to notify HMRC of any linked changes, such as a new registered name, so their records stay consistent with Companies House.
Q Does AD05 change my registered office address?
No. AD05 only updates the jurisdictional situation recorded against the company. If you also want to move your registered office, that is a separate filing using Form AD01. The two can sit alongside each other if you are restructuring how the company is presented, but they are distinct processes with different legal effects.
Q What happens if I use a Welsh name ending without changing my situation?
Name endings must match the company's situation on the register. Using a Welsh-only ending when the company is classified as England and Wales, or vice versa, can cause a rejected filing and may create enforcement issues with Companies House. The safest approach is to align the situation and the name ending together and update all public-facing documents once the change is confirmed.
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.

Sources

This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.

Brad Askew, Solicitor (non-practising)

Written & reviewed by

Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)

Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice. LegalDocuments.co.uk is not a law firm and does not provide regulated legal advice.

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Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.