Company setup is straightforward once you have all the required information ready. The checklist below covers everything Companies House asks for – from the company name and addresses to the details of directors, shareholders and people with significant control. Our online UK company formation process takes only minutes to complete.
What Information Do I Need to Provide to Form My New Company?
Companies House requires the following details for every new limited company. Choices such as the name, share structure and addresses are easier to settle before incorporation than to change afterwards, so it helps to think through the seven things to decide when setting up a limited company in advance.
1. Company Name
The name of your company cannot be the same as, or too similar to, the name of another registered company. It must usually end with “Limited” or “Ltd”, and names that contain sensitive words may need supporting evidence. You can use our company name search tool to check instantly whether your chosen name is available.
2. Registered Office Address
Your company must have a registered office address in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. It must be a physical address where documents can be delivered and signed for – a PO Box on its own is not acceptable. The registered office appears on the public register and is where Companies House and HMRC send official mail. You can purchase this address from us.
3. Registered Email Address
Every new company must provide a registered email address when it is formed – this has been a requirement since 4 March 2024. Companies House uses this address to communicate with the company. It is not shown on the public register.
4. Service Address
A service address is an official address that appears on the public register for directors (director’s service address), shareholders, secretaries and PSCs (persons with significant control). The service address can be different from the registered office and does not have to be in the UK. You can purchase it from us.
5. Business Activity
You show your business activity by choosing an SIC code (Standard Industrial Classification), which describes what the company does. You choose at least one and up to four SIC codes, and you can change them later. Our online company formation process includes an SIC code search tool, or you can find your code beforehand in the official SIC code list.
6. Details of Director
You must have at least one company director. The following information is needed:
- Full name.
- Date of birth (a director must be at least 16 years old).
- Occupation.
- Nationality.
- Residential address (not on the public register).
- Companies House personal code, which shows their identity has been verified (see the identity checks below).
Although all limited companies require at least one director and one shareholder, it is common for one person to hold both roles.
7. Secretary Details (Not Mandatory)
You do not need to appoint a company secretary, although some companies choose to do so. If you would like to appoint one, the same personal details are required as for a director.
A limited company must have at least one shareholder. The following information is needed:
- Full name.
- Date of birth.
- Residential address (not on the public register).
- Nationality.
You must also decide how the company’s shares are structured. The application includes a statement of capital, where you state:
- the number of shares each shareholder takes;
- the class of shares (most new companies issue ordinary shares);
- the nominal value of each share (commonly £1); and
- the amount paid or unpaid on each share.
There is no minimum capital requirement – many companies start with a single £1 share or 100 shares of £1 each. A shareholder’s liability is limited to the nominal value of their shares.
10. PSC (Person with Significant Control) Details
A PSC is a person who meets one or more of the following criteria:
- holds, directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the shares in the company;
- holds, directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the voting rights in the company;
- holds the right to appoint or remove a majority of the directors of the company;
- has the right to exercise, or actually exercises, significant influence or control over the company.
In most companies, a shareholder is also the PSC. The following information is needed:
- Full name.
- Date of birth.
- Residential address (not on the public register).
- Nationality.
- Nature of control (for example, the person holds more than 25% of the shares or voting rights in the company).
PSCs must also verify their identity with Companies House (see below).
11. Memorandum and Articles of Association
You do not need to prepare these documents yourself. Your company will be formed with our standard articles of association relevant to your particular company type. They provide an easy-to-follow, flexible constitution that suits the needs of most businesses. If you prefer to use your own memorandum and articles, you can upload them during the application process (an administration fee applies).
Do I need to supply proof of ID?
- As a company formation agent we must follow “Know Your Customer” (KYC) requirements and obtain our customers’ proof of identity and address.
- If you are a UK resident and open a limited company, we will use the information from your company order form to check your ID and address. In 90% of cases our customers successfully pass our digital ID checks.
- If you are not eligible for our digital ID check, or for some reason you do not at first pass our digital ID check, then we will e-mail you a special request that you provide the necessary information and documents. For more information, see our compliance requirements.
Companies House Identity Verification
Since 18 November 2025, identity verification has been a compulsory part of forming a UK company. Every director must verify their identity and provide their Companies House personal code as part of the application. Each PSC must also verify and provide their code within a 14-day period shortly after incorporation. You normally verify only once – the same personal code covers every company role you hold now or in the future.
There are two ways to verify: directly with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login, free of charge, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). As a Companies House authorised agent, we provide identity verification services and can complete this step for you as part of your company formation.
What Information Appears on the Public Register?
Many founders want to know which of the details required for company setup become public. The table below shows how Companies House treats each piece of information.
| Detail | Shown on the Public Register? |
|---|---|
| Company name and registered office | Yes – public |
| Names of directors, shareholders and PSCs | Yes – public |
| Service addresses | Yes – public |
| Residential addresses | No – held on a protected register |
| Registered email address | No – used by Companies House only |
| Date of birth | Partially – month and year only |
Using a professional registered office and a separate service address keeps your home address entirely off the public record.
Ready to Register Your Company?
Once you have gathered the information required for company setup, the online application takes only minutes to complete. Most companies are registered within 3 to 6 working hours. Our step-by-step guide on how to set up a limited company explains what happens at each stage, and our team is available by telephone, email and live chat if you need help with any of the details above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Be a UK Resident to Set Up a UK Company?
No. There are no nationality or residency restrictions for directors or shareholders of a UK company, and you do not need to visit the UK to register one. The company itself must have a registered office in the UK, but the people behind it can live anywhere. Our non-resident company formation package covers the address services and banking referrals that overseas founders typically need.
What Is a Registered Email Address and Will It Appear Publicly?
A registered email address is the address that Companies House uses to contact your company. It has been mandatory for all new companies since 4 March 2024, and it does not appear on the public register. Choose an inbox that is checked regularly, because official notices and reminders are sent there. You can update the address later through Companies House online services.
What Is a Companies House Personal Code?
A personal code is a unique code issued by Companies House once a person has verified their identity. Directors must provide their codes as part of the company registration application, and PSCs provide theirs shortly after incorporation. The code is issued once and is not tied to a single company – it covers every directorship or PSC role the person holds. Keep it secure and share it only with people who file on your behalf.
How Many SIC Codes Can a Company Choose?
A company chooses at least one SIC code and a maximum of four when it is registered. The codes describe what the business does and appear on the public register. If your activities change, you can update the codes when you file the company’s next confirmation statement.
How Much Share Capital Do I Need to Start With?
There is no minimum share capital for a private limited company beyond issuing at least one share. Most new companies issue between 1 and 100 ordinary shares with a nominal value of £1 each. Shareholders’ liability is limited to the nominal value of their shares, so a larger issued capital increases the amount the owners could lose if the company fails.
Can One Person Be the Director, Shareholder and PSC?
Yes. A private limited company can be formed by a single person who acts as the sole director and sole shareholder. Because that person holds 100% of the shares, they are also the company’s PSC. This is the most common structure for freelancers, consultants and small business owners, and you can add further directors or shareholders at any time after registration.
Is My Date of Birth Made Public?
You provide your full date of birth, but the public register shows only the month and year – the day is hidden to reduce the risk of identity fraud. Your residential address is treated in a similar way: it is held on a protected register at Companies House and is not shown publicly, unless you also use it as your service or registered office address.
How Quickly Is a Company Registered Once I Submit the Information?
Most applications submitted through our online service are approved by Companies House within 3 to 6 working hours, provided the identity checks are passed and the chosen name is acceptable. Applications sent outside Companies House working hours are processed the next working day. If you have a deadline, our guaranteed same-day company formation service ensures registration on the day you apply.