How to Register a Limited Company Online

Step 1: Check if setting up a limited company is right for you

When deciding whether to set up a limited company, there are a number of things to consider. It might be that you want to limit your personal financial liability, provide a level of security and access to funding, or gain tax advantages. In order to understand the different business structures and their implications, it is important to do research and seek professional advice if needed.

Step 2: Choose a name

When selecting a name for your limited company, it is important to check that it is not already in use. Companies House (the UK government’s official register of limited companies) has an online name checking service where you can search to check if the name you have chosen is available. There are certain words which are restricted or prohibited from being used in a company name.

Step 3: Choose directors and a company secretary

Generally, a limited company must have at least one director and one company secretary, who can be the same person. Directors are responsible for the overall direction of the company and its management, while a company secretary is responsible for making sure company meetings are properly held and documented.

Step 4: Decide who the shareholders or guarantors are

Shareholders are the people who own the company and are liable to the company’s creditors in the event of its insolvency. Guarantors are people who agree to be responsible for the company’s debts if it fails to pay them. Identify people with significant control (PSC) over your company A person with significant control (or PSC) is someone who holds, or has the right to exercise, significant influence or control over a company. A PSC must be identified and registered with Companies House.

Step 5: Prepare documents agreeing how to run your company

You must prepare a Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association for your company. These documents will set out the rules, rights and obligations of the company, its directors and shareholders. They must be signed by the company’s directors and filed with Companies House.

Step 6: Check what records you’ll need to keep

You must keep a range of records, including minutes of meetings, a register of members, a register of shareholders, and a register of directors, secretaries and people with significant control. These must be kept up to date and filed with Companies House when required.

Step 7: Register your company

You must register your company with Companies House. This can be done online or by post. You will need to provide a range of information, including the company’s name, registered office address, details of the company’s directors, company secretary and shareholders, and a copy of the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Once the company is registered, you will be issued a certificate of incorporation. Once your company is registered, it is important to remember to complete and file annual confirmation statements, accounts and other required documents with Companies House. You should also register for taxes, such as Corporation Tax and Value Added Tax (VAT).