People often ask us what documents and information are needed to complete the online company formation process. This checklist "bullet points" the information you need to have to hand when you register a limited company online through our website:
We don't explain any of the terms here so if you need a more in-depth explanation of the company registratrion process we explain everything in our ultimate guide to setting up a limited company.
To set up a limited company in the UK you will need:
- A unique company name;
- A registered office address;
- At least one Director;
- At least one shareholder;
- Choose at least one SIC code;
- A company secretary (optional).
Company Name Checklist
- Company Name is available
Read our guide to checking company names to make sure you have done the proper checks.
Registered Office Checklist
- Registered Office Address including postcode
This will be the “legal service” address for your company.
It does not need to be the same as the trading address of the business (eg it could be your accountant's address);
It can be a PO box but you need to provide the full street address, so you can't hide your full postal address.
Registered office address format using PO box
(Eg PO BOX 55, Chelmsford, CM1 1SY – wrong)
PO BOX 55, 2nd Floor, 43 The Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1SY - tick correct
Company Directors Checklist:
For each director of your limited company you will need the following information:
- Salutation (mr/mrs/miss etc)
- Full name
- Usual residential address and postcode (Compulsory)
- Directors service address and postcode (optional)
- Phone number
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
- Occupation
- Town of birth
- Mother’s maiden name
- Father's forename
- Number of shares (if any)
Each limited company needs at least one company director;
Directors must be at least 16 years old;
Directors do not need to be UK nationals.
More detail on company director rules.
Shareholders Checklist:
You will need the following for each shareholder.
- Salutation (mr/mrs/miss etc)
- Full name
- Full address
- Phone number
- Date of Birth
- Number of Shares
Your limited company will need at least 1 shareholder.
This can be the same person/people as the company director(s).
SIC Code Checklist
An SIC code tells the government what industry you are in.
They mainly use this for statistical purposes and it doesn’t tie you to that industry.
There is an SIC code search on our website order form or you can view a list of SIC codes in our guide.
Spelling and Accuracy of Information
When you come to open a business bank account the bank will check the information you entered for your company against your passport, driving licence and other ID.
If the details used to register your company do not match your ID/address details the banks will not open a bank account for your company until you have rectified the differences on the Companies House register of companies.
You can search for our cheap company formation deals or view a full list of our company formation packages here.