How to found a company in the United Kingdom
You’d incorporate a Private company limited by shares (LTD).
The numbers
- Government filing fee
- £100Digital incorporation. Rose from £50 on 1 February 2026. Same-day digital £156; paper £124.
- Typical turnaround
- 1 day
- Corporation tax
- 25%Main rate 25%. Small profits rate 19% on profits up to £50,000, with marginal relief between £50,000 and £250,000.
- VAT threshold
- £90,000Rolling 12-month taxable turnover.
- Minimum directors
- 1No residency requirement for directors or shareholders.
- Minimum shareholders
- 1
What you’ll need
- At least one director; at least one shareholder, who may be the same person
- A UK registered office address that meets the appropriate-address rules
- A verified identity and Companies House personal code for each director and PSC
- Details of anyone with more than 25% of shares or voting rights (PSC)
Watch out
- ⚠️Identity verification became compulsory for new directors and PSCs on 18 November 2025. Existing directors must confirm verification with their next confirmation statement during a 12-month transition.
- ⚠️A PSC has 14 days to submit their verification statement and personal code.
- ⚠️The registered office and each director's service address appear on the public register.
- ⚠️A confirmation statement is due every 12 months whether or not the company trades — £50 to file online.
The steps
- 1
Check the name is available
YouSame dayCompanies House rejects names that are the same as or too similar to an existing registration, and names using sensitive words without approval.
- 2
Verify your identity and get a personal code
You1 dayFree through GOV.UK One Login, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. Each director needs their own code.
- 3
Decide directors, shareholders and share capital
YouSame dayOne person can be both director and sole shareholder. Shares may be issued at any nominal value.
- 4
File the incorporation application
FoundingSame daySubmitted with the memorandum and articles. Model articles apply unless bespoke articles are filed.
- 5
Certificate of incorporation issued
The registry1 dayOnline applications usually complete within 24 hours. Postal applications take 8 to 10 days.
- 6
Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC
You1 dayWithin three months of starting to trade. VAT registration is separate and threshold-driven.
What you’ll need around it
Business banking
Tide
Business banking
Wise Business
Business banking
Revolut Business
Business banking
Airwallex
Formation
1st Formations
Accounting
Xero
Checked 31 Jul 2026 against an official source. Rules and fees change — confirm anything you are about to act on. Founding is not a law firm and this is not legal or tax advice.