Registering a UK limited company (Ltd) is still fast, but the rules around identity verification, registered office “appropriateness”, and public disclosure are stricter than many older guides suggest. This 2026 walkthrough focuses on the practical steps that prevent rejection and set you up for clean compliance from day one.
UK company formation 2026: What changed (Fees and identity verification)
Two updates matter immediately for founders planning a 2026 incorporation.
Companies House fees increase from 1 February 2026. The digital incorporation fee becomes £100, and the digital confirmation statement fee becomes £50.
Identity verification requirements for directors and people with significant control (PSCs) began rolling out from 18 November 2025, with Companies House communications and process changes continuing into 2026.
If you are forming a company as a non-resident, treat identity verification as a planned step, not an afterthought.
Choose your company type: Why most founders register a private limited company
Companies House recognizes several company structures, but for most international founders the practical default is a private company limited by shares (Ltd). It gives limited liability, straightforward ownership via shares, and is designed for standard commercial activity.
Other structures exist (limited by guarantee, unlimited, PLC), but they usually serve narrower use cases. Unless you already know you need one of these, an Ltd is typically the most efficient route for startups, agencies, consultancies, SaaS, and e-commerce.
UK company name rules: “Same as”, sensitive words, and trademark checks
You cannot reserve a UK company name. That means you should check availability immediately before filing, not days earlier. Companies House may reject names that are “same as” existing names, contain restricted endings, or include sensitive words that require evidence or approvals.
Separately, a Companies House approval does not protect you from brand conflict. If the name is commercially important, check trademarks through the UK Intellectual Property Office before you commit.
Practical tip for non-residents: if you are forming quickly, shortlist two or three acceptable names so you can pivot if your first option is blocked.
Registered office address rules: What counts as an “Appropriate address”
The registered office is not a formality. It must be an “appropriate address” where official documents will reliably reach someone acting for the company, and where delivery can be acknowledged. Companies House can take action if it believes the address is not appropriate, including moving the company to a default address and requiring a compliant replacement with evidence within 28 days.
Privacy also matters. If you use your home address as the registered office or as a director service address, it becomes publicly visible on the Companies House register.
If you do not have a stable UK address, this is one of the most common reasons to use an address provider. 1Office UK offers registered address and director service address solutions designed for non-residents.
Documents you need: IN01, SIC codes, PSCs, memorandum and articles
Whether you file directly or through a provider, the same core inputs must be correct.
The essentials you will provide
You will complete the incorporation application (IN01) and provide, at minimum:
company name and jurisdiction (England and Wales, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland)
registered office address in that jurisdiction
registered email address
SIC code(s) describing business activities
director details and addresses
PSC details or a legally required statement if none apply
share capital and initial shareholdings
articles of association (model articles or bespoke)
The registered email address is required and must be an “appropriate email address” where Companies House messages will reach someone acting for the company.
Memorandum and articles in plain English
The memorandum confirms the subscribers’ intent to form the company and take shares. The articles are the company’s internal rules. Most standard companies can use model articles unless there is a clear reason to customise.
If you want to avoid common rejection triggers, 1Office can support the incorporation workflow with document and data checks before submission, particularly around PSC data consistency, address compliance, and identity verification.
Director and PSC identity verification: How to avoid getting stuck
Identity verification is now central to UK company administration. Companies House started mandatory identity verification from 18 November 2025 for directors and PSCs.
For international founders, the operational point is simple: verify early, store the personal code securely, and ensure each director and PSC is handled before you start making follow-on filings that depend on verified status.
If you prefer to do verification through an authorised provider rather than self-service, 1Office Group Ltd operates as a Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) and offers a remote identity verification service.
Step-by-step: How to register a UK Ltd online in 2026
Step 1: Decide the structure and share setup
For most companies this is a private company limited by shares with a simple share structure. Keep it straightforward unless you have a real governance reason to complicate it.
Step 2: Choose a compliant name and shortlist a backup
Check Companies House name rules, then run a basic trademark sanity check if the brand matters.
Step 3: Set your registered office and service address strategy
Decide whether you will use your own UK address or an address provider. Confirm the address meets the “appropriate address” standard and fits the correct jurisdiction.
Step 4: Prepare director and PSC details
Get all personal details consistent and complete. Inconsistencies here are a frequent cause of delays.
Step 5: Complete the application
Digital filing is the standard route and is the most time-efficient.
Step 6: Wait for the certificate of incorporation
The company does not legally exist until Companies House issues the certificate. Do not treat the company as formed for banking, contracting, or invoicing until you have it.
What happens after incorporation (Certificate, tax, and ongoing filings)
Incorporation is the starting line. A UK Ltd then needs:
annual confirmation statements
annual accounts
Companies House updates when key details change
HMRC registrations and returns depending on trading activity
You should also implement the disclosure requirements for company information on websites and business communications as part of your setup, not months later.
Common mistakes that delay UK Ltd registration
The issues below cause most avoidable friction for non-residents:
using an address that does not meet the “appropriate address” standard
mismatching jurisdiction and address location
choosing a name that conflicts with Companies House restrictions
incomplete or inconsistent PSC information
leaving identity verification too late, then getting blocked by process requirements
selecting SIC codes that clearly do not match the stated business activity
How 1Office supports UK company formation for non-residents
1Office supports international founders with a practical, end-to-end setup approach: incorporation filing support, UK address services for privacy and compliance, identity verification service as an ACSP, and ongoing compliance services as the company becomes active.
If you want a clean start, the most valuable outcome is not “company registered quickly”. It is “company registered correctly, with the compliance infrastructure already in place”.
UK Limited company formation FAQ (2026)
How long does it take to register a UK limited company online?
Straightforward digital applications are typically processed quickly, but timing can vary depending on checks and completeness. Plan for additional time if your name requires approvals or if identity verification steps are outstanding.
Can I register a UK company without a UK address?
You must provide a UK registered office address in the jurisdiction where the company is registered. Many non-residents use a compliant registered office service to meet the “appropriate address” standard.
Will my home address be public on Companies House?
If you use your home address as the registered office or a service address, it will appear on the public record. Residential addresses are handled differently, but you should assume that registered office and service addresses are public and plan accordingly.
Do directors and PSCs need identity verification in 2026?
Companies House began the legal rollout from 18 November 2025, affecting directors and PSCs, and this continues into 2026 processes.
What is a registered email address and is it public?
Companies must provide a registered email address. Companies House keeps it private, but it must be an address where registrar emails will reach someone acting for the company.
What happens if Companies House decides my registered office is not appropriate?
Companies House can move the registered office to a default address and require a compliant replacement with evidence within 28 days, with strike-off risk if not corrected.
Can I reserve a company name in the UK before I file?
No. You cannot reserve a company name, so you should check name acceptability and availability close to filing.
Do I need bespoke articles of association?
Most standard Ltd companies can adopt model articles. Bespoke or amended articles are used when you
