Starting a business is exciting, but registering it can feel like a maze of forms, numbers, and confusing government pages.
The good news? It’s easier than you think.
Here’s a clear guide to registering a company in the UK, what you’ll need, what it costs, and how to make sure it’s done right.
1. Decide what type of business you want to start
Before anything else, you need to choose your business structure.
In the UK, there are a few options, but the two most common are:
- Sole trader: simple setup, but you’re personally responsible for debts.
- Private limited company (Ltd): a separate legal entity, your personal finances stay protected.
Most founders who want to build something bigger than themselves (a brand, agency, startup, or online business) choose to register as a limited company.
Foundrs specialises in helping you do exactly that, quickly, correctly, and in plain English.
2. Choose your company name
Your company name needs to be unique and approved by Companies House (the UK’s official register of businesses).
You can’t use a name that’s already taken or too similar to an existing company.
You also can’t use certain restricted words (like “Royal” or “Bank”) unless you have permission.
💡 Foundrs tip: Our guided setup automatically checks your name availability as you go, so you don’t need to run separate searches or worry about rejection. Read more about how to chose a company name here
3. Pick a registered office address
Every limited company in the UK needs a registered office address.
This is the official location where government and legal documents are sent.
It can be your home, an accountant’s office, or a virtual address, as long as it’s a real UK address.
If you’d prefer to keep your home address private, there are registered address services that can receive mail on your behalf.
4. Decide who will run the company
A limited company must have at least one director, the person legally responsible for managing it.
You can also appoint shareholders, who own part of the business.
If you’re setting up alone, you can be both the director and sole shareholder.
You’ll also need to record anyone who owns or controls more than 25% of the company’s shares, they’re known as Persons with Significant Control (PSCs).
💡 Foundrs makes this simple: our step-by-step setup explains what each role means and helps you enter details correctly - no jargon, no guesswork.
5. Choose your SIC code
A SIC code (Standard Industrial Classification) describes what your company does.
You’ll choose one or more from a pre-set list during registration. For example, “70229 - Management consultancy activities” or “62020 - IT consultancy activities.”
⚙️ Don’t stress about picking the perfect one. Foundrs helps you choose the right SIC code based on your business idea, so you stay compliant and avoid delays.
6. Decide on your share structure
If you’re starting the company on your own, you’ll usually issue one share worth £1, that means you own 100% of the company.
If you’re starting with others, you can split shares however you like.
It’s common to divide them based on ownership or contribution.
💡 Foundrs makes this simple: we'll walk you through this clearly, so you don’t have to figure out legal terms or calculations on your own.
7. Complete your ID verification
When you register a company, identity verification is a legal requirement under the UK’s Anti-Money Laundering regulations.
Each director and shareholder needs to confirm their identity (usually by uploading photo ID and proof of address).
💡 Foundrs makes this simple: we build this right into the setup process, so everything stays compliant with UK regulations, with no separate steps or extra paperwork.
8. Prepare your documents
When you register your company, you’ll need two key legal documents:
- Memorandum of Association - confirms you’re creating a company.
- Articles of Association - the internal rules for how your company will operate.
Most new companies use standard templates provided by Companies House.
You don’t need to write anything from scratch.
9. Register your company with Companies House
Once you’ve gathered all your details, you’ll submit them to Companies House.
You can register online yourself, or use Foundrs to do it through our guided setup, we make sure everything is correct before submission, so you don’t have to figure out what goes where.
When it’s approved, you’ll get a Certificate of Incorporation confirming your company exists, complete with your official company number.
10. Get ready to trade
Once your company is registered, you can:
- Open a business bank account
- Set up accounting software or find an accountant
- Register for VAT (if you reach the threshold)
- Start trading under your new company name
💡 Foundrs helps you plan your next steps: your dashboard gives smart recommendations on what to do after incorporation, from opening a business bank account to setting reminders for key compliance dates.
How Foundrs Helps
Foundrs takes the complexity out of company registration.
Here’s what you’ll get when you start with us:
Guided incorporation - conversational AI that helps you register your business step-by-step, in plain English.
Smart business setup – we help you choose the right SIC code and avoid common mistakes.
No government portals – you don’t need to touch Companies House or fill in forms like the IN01.
Built-in ID checks – fully compliant with UK ACSP regulations.
Ready-to-go dashboard – automatically created once your company is registered, helping you stay organised and compliant as you grow.
You stay in control, we just make it easier.
In Summary
Registering a company in the UK is more straightforward than it looks, especially when you understand what’s required and get a bit of smart guidance along the way.
You’ll need a name, an address, a director, and a few basic details. The rest? We’ll walk you through it.
