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The United Kingdom is one of the world’s most prestigious and sought-after business hubs. Registering a UK Limited (LTD) company offers incredible credibility, access to European and global markets, and a strong legal framework. Best of all, the process is straightforward, transparent, and open to entrepreneurs globally.

You do not need to be a UK resident to own or run a UK Limited Company.

Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or an international founder, this guide will walk you through the six essential steps to register your private limited company with Companies House, the UK’s official registrar of companies.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Before you begin the registration process, gather the following information:

• A Unique Company Name: One that is not already taken or too similar to an existing name.
• A UK Registered Office Address: This must be a physical address in the UK (England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland). It cannot be a P.O. Box.
• At Least One Director: The director does not need to be a UK resident.
• At Least One Shareholder: The director and shareholder can be the same person.
• Information for Officers and Shareholders: Full name, date of birth, nationality, occupation, and residential address for each director and shareholder.
• A SIC Code: This code identifies what your business does.

The 6 Steps to Register Your UK LTD Company

Step 1: Choose a Unique Company Name

Your company name is your brand’s identity. It must be unique and cannot be the ‘same as’ or ‘too like’ an existing name on the Companies House register. You can check for availability instantly using the official Companies House name checker.

The name must end with “Limited” or “LTD” and cannot be offensive or imply a connection with government or royalty without permission.

Step 2: Appoint Company Directors

A private limited company must have at least one director. The director is legally responsible for running the company and ensuring it meets its legal obligations.

• Who can be a director? A director must be at least 16 years old and cannot be an undischarged bankrupt or a disqualified director.
• Residency: Directors are not required to be UK residents.
• Company Secretary: Appointing a company secretary is optional for private limited companies but can be helpful for handling administrative tasks.

Step 3: Define the Shareholders and Share Capital

A limited company is owned by its shareholders. You must have at least one shareholder, who can be the same person as the director. For each shareholder, you need to issue shares.

For most new businesses, the structure is simple:

• Statement of Capital: You can start with just one share. A common setup is to issue 100 shares with a value of £1.00 each. This doesn’t mean you have to pay the £100 into the company immediately; it simply represents the liability of the shareholders.

You’ll also need to identify any “Persons with Significant Control” (PSC), which are individuals who own more than 25% of the shares or voting rights.

Step 4: Establish a UK Registered Office Address

Every UK company must have an official registered office address located in the UK. This address will be on the public record and is where official mail from Companies House and HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) will be sent.

• Requirement: It must be a physical address, not a P.O. Box.
• For Non-Residents: If you don’t have a UK address, you can use a professional address service. This service provides you with a legitimate UK address and will forward your official mail to you anywhere in the world.

Step 5: Determine Your SIC Code

You must provide at least one Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code that describes your company’s primary business activities. The SIC code helps the government classify what your company does. You can choose from a condensed list of official SIC codes to find the one that best fits your business.

Step 6: Register with Companies House

Once you have all the information prepared, you can complete the registration.

• Online Registration: This is the fastest and cheapest method. The standard fee is just £12, and the company is typically registered within 24 hours. You can file directly on the Companies House website.
• Third-Party Formation Agent: Using a formation agent (like Empire Ecommerce) can simplify the process, especially for non-residents. An agent will handle the filing, provide a registered office address, and ensure all details are correct.

Once your application is approved, you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation, which is official proof that your company legally exists. You are now ready to open a business bank account and start trading.

Your Gateway to a Global Business Hub

Registering a UK LTD company is a mark of credibility and opens your business to a world of new opportunities. While the process is straightforward, ensuring every detail is correct is crucial for a smooth and successful launch.

Whether you’re in the UK or abroad, a partner can make all the difference. At Empire Ecommerce, we specialize in UK company formation for global entrepreneurs. We handle the complexities of registration, provide a registered office address, and ensure you’re set up for success from day one.

Ready to launch your UK company? Contact Empire Ecommerce for a free consultation and let our experts guide you through every step of the process.

Disclaimer

This portion of our website is for informational or educational purposes only. Empire Ecommerce is not a law firm, and the information on this website does not constitute legal advice. All statements, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions are solely the expression of the author and provided on an as-is basis. Accordingly, Empire Ecommerce is not responsible for the information and/or its accuracy or completeness. It also does not indicate any affiliation between Empire Ecommerce and any other brands, services or logos on this page.