Online company formation in the UK

Set up your UK limited company remotely with a Companies House authorised formation agent. From incorporation to tax registrations and accounting, we handle the process from start to finish.

We help UK residents, non-residents, freelancers, contractors and international businesses establish and manage UK limited companies with full Companies House and HMRC compliance.

100% remote process
Dedicated accountants
ACSP-registered with Companies House
20K clients served
1500+ companies formed
16+ years of experience

Start your UK limited company today

Choose your company name below to get started and get access to your own personal company management software.

Same day company formation available!

How UK Company Formation Works With 1Office

Four phases, from choosing your package to your company being fully operational and compliant.

Phase 1

Get started

1. Confirm your services

2. Complete company details and choose a package

3. Make payment

Phase 2

Verification

4. Complete KYC (see documents below)

5. We complete your ID verification

6. Send us your personal code

Phase 3

Registration

7. We submit your registration

8. Your company is incorporated

Phase 4

You're operational

9. Receive your info pack, bank referral and virtual office details

10. Other services activated

11. Web filing code (5 working days)

12. UTR from HMRC (up to 15 working days)

13. Your accounting service begins

Documents required for KYC

Each director and person with significant control (PSC) will need:

  • Valid proof of address (utility bill or bank statement, within the last three months, Latin alphabet)
  • Valid passport or EU ID card for identity verification

The process for subsidiary registrations and personalised Articles of Association is different. Contact [email protected] for guidance.

Start your UK limited company with a Companies House authorised formation agent

A registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), listed on GOV.UK. With over 20,000 clients and 1,500+ UK companies formed, we know what people actually need: clear pricing, no hidden fees, and someone who picks up the phone. Whether you’re starting with our Essentials package or going all-in with Business or Premium, you get exactly that.

1Office Essentials

£119 + VAT

+ £100 mandatory state fee

BEST VALUE

1Office Business

£269 + VAT

+ £100 mandatory state fee

1Office Premium

£399 + VAT

+ £100 mandatory state fee

UK private limited company

Quick online company setup

Companies House filing fee included

Copies of incorporation documents

Digital

Digital

Digital and Paper

UK bank account setup guidance

Director/PCS contact address (London)

Up to 3

Up to 5

Virtual business address in London (includes mail forwarding)

VAT registration (if required)

PAYE registration (if required)

Web authentication code

Professional customer support

Digital share certificate(s)

Annual confirmation statement

Identity verification (CH requirement, valued at £99)

Changes to company details included in price

2

10

30min free accounting consultation (during onboarding)

Planning to establish a UK subsidiary?

A UK subsidiary allows a foreign parent company to trade in the United Kingdom through a separate legal entity, typically a private limited company.

We support you through the full UK subsidiary formation process, including company incorporation, Companies House registration, director and shareholder structure, UBO registration, and, if needed, accounting setup.

Interested in opening a UK subsidiary?
Contact us to discuss your structure and requirements.

Start a business in the UK


    Download our guide to starting a business in the UK

    What’s inside the guide?

    ✔ Step-by-step company formation explained

    Key Companies House and HMRC requirements explained

    ✔ Practical tips to avoid common mistakes

    Whether you’re a freelancer, startup founder, or international entrepreneur, this guide will give you everything you need to confidently start your company in the United Kingdom.

    Enter your name and email to receive our guide right away.

    WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE US

    Providing our customers exactly what they need so their business can thrive.

    Regulated & government-listed

    Office is a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) with Companies House, listed on the official GOV.UK register of approved formation agents. This means your identity verification and filing is handled to the same standard as Companies House itself.

    Thousands of satisfied clients

    With over 20,000 clients across Europe and 1,500+ UK companies formed, we have the experience to handle your formation quickly, correctly, and without fuss.

    AML-supervised & fully compliant

    As an ACSP, we are supervised by a UK Anti-Money Laundering body and held to strict legal standards, so you can be confident your company is set up properly from day one.

    OUR PARTNERS

    Extensive partner network to help your business succeed

    Get in touch with our business advisor

    Whether you’re starting a UK company, opening a subsidiary, or expanding an existing business, our advisers can guide you through the legal, tax and compliance requirements involved.

    Our business advisors can give you an overview of the steps and compliance rules you need to follow in order to have a successful business in the United Kingdom.

    Annika Lee

    Annika Lee

    Business Solutions Advisor

    “As a Business Solutions Advisor in the United Kingdom, I have witnessed exceptional results that our clients have achieved. Our expertise in understanding the complexities of local regulations and providing tailored financial solutions has enabled businesses to thrive and make informed decisions, ensuring their long-term success.”

    Tel:+44 20 3868 9958

    E-mail: [email protected]

    Making Tax Digital 2026

    Are you currently operating as a sole trader?
    A limited company could save you thousands.

    From April 2026, HMRC will require sole traders earning over £50,000 to submit tax updates every quarter. A limited company is exempt, pays Corporation Tax starting from 19%, and gives you full liability protection. You can be registered in as little as 24 hours.

    • No quarterly HMRC filings (if no VAT)
    • Corporation Tax starting from 19% on profits
    • No National Insurance on dividends
    • Personal assets fully protected
    • Formed in as little as 24 hours

    MTD for Income Tax applies from 6 April 2026 for incomes over £50,000. Threshold drops to £30,000 in April 2027.

    £4,500
    Typical annual tax saving
    at £60k profit
    24hrs
    Average company
    formation time
    1,500+
    UK companies formed
    by 1Office

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    We’ll gladly answer your questions
    How long does it take to register a UK limited company?

    Most UK limited companies are registered with Companies House within 1 working day.
    In some cases, registration may take longer if additional information or verification is required.

    Can a non-UK resident start a UK limited company?

    Yes. Non-UK residents can start and own a UK limited company.
    There is no requirement to live in the UK.

    The company must have:

    • A UK registered office address

    • At least one director

    • Ongoing compliance with Companies House and HMRC

    Due to AML regulations, company formation may not be available for individuals from jurisdictions classified as high-risk by the EU or FATF.

    Do I need to be in the UK to register a business?

    No. You do not need to be physically present in the UK to register a UK limited company.
    The entire formation process can be completed online. A registered office address in the UK is required.

    What is included in a UK company formation package?

    A UK company formation package typically includes:

    • Registration with Companies House

    • A UK registered office address

    • Company documents and statutory setup

    • Access to company management tools or platforms

    Additional services may be available depending on your needs.

    Does forming a UK company give me the right to live in the UK?

    No. Forming a UK company does not grant a UK visa or residency rights.
    Company formation is a business process and is separate from immigration or visa applications.

    If you plan to relocate to the UK, you must apply for an appropriate visa through official UK immigration channels.

    Can a UK limited company use a foreign bank account?

    Yes. A UK limited company can use a foreign or international business bank account.
    A UK bank account is not legally required.

    However, the account must:

    • Be in the company’s name

    • Allow clear transaction records

    • Support UK tax and compliance obligations

    Many non-UK founders use international banks, fintech providers, or EMIs that support UK companies.

    What information do I need to register a UK limited company?

    To register a UK limited company, you will need:

    • Company name

    • Registered office address in the UK

    • Director details (name, date of birth, nationality, service address)

    • Shareholder details (can be the same as the director)

    • Share structure (number and value of shares)

    • SIC code(s) describing the company’s business activities

    All information is submitted to Companies House during incorporation.

    Can I be the sole director and shareholder of a UK company?

    Yes. You can be the sole director and sole shareholder of a UK limited company.
    This is a common structure for small businesses, startups, and owner-managed companies.

    There is no minimum number of shareholders beyond one.

    Does a UK company need a UK resident director?

    No. A UK limited company does not need a UK resident director.
    Directors can live anywhere in the world and do not need UK citizenship or residency.

    The company must still:

    • Maintain a UK registered office address

    • Comply with Companies House and HMRC obligations

    What happens after a UK company is incorporated?

    After incorporation with Companies House:

    • The company receives a Certificate of Incorporation

    • Company details become publicly visible on the Companies House register

    • HMRC is notified automatically

    • The company receives a UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) by post

    • Directors must ensure ongoing compliance (accounts, confirmations, tax registration if trading)

    If the company starts trading, it must register for Corporation Tax within the required timeframe.

    Start your company with accounting and bookkeeping services designed to keep your business compliant from day one.

    • My Invoices – paperless document management in my1Office platform. Create sales invoices and send them to clients directly everything is logged to support smooth bookkeeping.
    • My Purchases – use a mobile app to take pictures of your expense documents for easy bookkeeping and they will be automatically uploaded to my1Office platform.

    FEATURED INSIGHT ARTICLES

    Worthwhile reading to point you in the right direction.

    Companies House identity verification deadlines 2026: When directors and PSCs must verify.

    UK limited company deadlines 2026: Confirmation statement, accounts & corporation tax due dates

    Planning to start a company in the UK as a non-resident? Read this in 2026.

    What are the primary forms of business in the UK?

    Get in touch

    Email, call or complete the form to request more information about 1Office UK services and how we can help you expand your business to or maintain a high level of quality in accounting and compliance in the UK.

    Email us

    We are happy to respond to your requests

    [email protected]

    Call us

    Happy to take your call during office hours

    +44 20 3868 9958

    Visit us

    65 London Wall, London EC2M 5TU, UK

    Mon-Fri 9.00-17.00, local time

    A team on location with international experience

    Our team’s international background and on-site presence offer valuable location-specific insights and perspectives.

    Customised services based on your specific needs

    Our approach to your business is personalised and focused to deliver the best experience.







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