Guide to setting up a limited company
Step 1: Search a company name
There are lots of factors to consider when setting up a limited company - the exciting starting point is choosing your company name.
Use our tool to search for your company name using its real-time search function. It checks to see if your chosen company name is already registered at Companies House or if it is still available to register.
Step 2: Select your package
Depending on your requirements, select either a straightforward incorporation, protect your privacy by selecting our registered address package, or select a professional image for your new company by choosing our prestigious London office as your business address.
Alternatively, our ultimate package, gives you both a registered address and business address, plus the reassurance of having your first confirmation statement filed for you along with closing down protestion for your first year, if you change your mind.
Step 3: Enter your Details
After paying for your incorporation package, you will be asked to supply certain details. The first details required for setting up a company include supplying your company's registered address, (if you have not selected one of our registered address packages). This address will be visible on the public register.
You will also need to select what your company will be doing, and provide a registered email address for Companies House. This will not be visible on the Company Register.
Next, you will need to supply details of your director(s) - this includes their home address, date of birth, and proof of ID for their AML check.
Step 4: Complete the AML check
All directors and persons of significant control in a company are required to have an AML check (anti money laundering).
You will need to provide a photo ID document and proof of address. The photo ID could be either a passport or driving licence. You must provide an image with you holding the photo ID, so that we can compare your face with the photo on your ID.
Your proof of address document can be any government issued document or bank/building society document. These must have been issued within the last 3 months.
Step 5: Submit and check your email
Once you have uploaded all the information you need to set up a company, click submit, and we will do the rest.
Once we have checked all your details and carried out the AML checks, we will submit your incorporation to Companies House.
Companies House can take up to 5 days to approve your incorporation (unless you have selected the same day service), and we will email you as soon as your incorporation has been approved.
In the meantime, learn more about running a company.
Step 6: You are ready to go!
Once you are incorporated, you will be able to download your company incorporation statement, articles of association, and your Companies House authentication code.
We will be in contact throughout your first year of trading to keep you up-to-date with your compliance requirements and offering interesting articles to help you successfully run your business.
Our friendly support team are with you throughout your entrepreneurial journey to answer any questions you may have.