- Your core company registration documents UK founders receive are the IN01 application, memorandum and articles of association, and the certificate of incorporation.
- Since 18 November 2025, identity verification is part of forming and running UK companies, including for directors and PSCs.
- Companies House fees are changing from 1 February 2026, so it’s worth checking the latest costs before you file.
Company registration documents UK are the paperwork (and digital records) that legally create your company and prove it exists. If you want the simplest route, company registration with a formation agent means your documents are prepared and delivered in one place.
This guide gives you a practical checklist, plus how to get replacements if anything goes missing.
What are company registration documents?
The term “company registration documents” is used in two main ways.
First, it can mean the documents you submit to Companies House when registering a company. Second, it can mean the documents you receive after registration that confirm your company legally exists.
For most UK founders setting up a private company limited by shares, the core documents are:
- IN01 application to register a company
- Memorandum of association
- Articles of association
- Certificate of incorporation
When the 10-year rule applies for Knowledge-Intensive Companies
Some companies get a longer runway. If you’re a Knowledge-Intensive Company (KIC), you have 10 years from your first commercial sale to receive your first EIS investment. This reflects the reality that research-heavy businesses take longer to reach market readiness.
A company is usually classed as knowledge-intensive if a significant part of its spending goes on R&D or innovation, or if it develops intellectual property as a core part of its model. HMRC has strict criteria for this status, so it’s worth checking early if you think you might qualify.
If you’re planning ahead for future growth, understanding how investment affects your wider tax position helps too.
The essential company registration documents UK businesses need
IN01: application to register a company
IN01 is the main form used to register a company with Companies House. Whether you file online or on paper, this application provides the information that creates your company’s public record.
You will be asked for:
- Your company name
- Registered office address
- Company type
- Director details
- Shareholder or guarantor details
- Statement of capital, if the company is limited by shares
- People with significant control (PSC) information
The accuracy of this form matters. Errors in director details, addresses, or share structures are one of the most common reasons applications are delayed or rejected.
Most founders choose online registration because it is quicker and easier to correct mistakes.
Memorandum of association
The memorandum of association is a short legal statement confirming that the company’s first shareholders, known as subscribers, agree to form the company.
It includes:
- Company name
- Names of the initial shareholders
- Date of incorporation
- A statement confirming their intention to form the company
For standard incorporations, this document is created automatically using the information submitted in the IN01 application.
Articles of association
The articles of association are the company’s internal rulebook. They explain how the business will be run and how decisions are made.
Articles typically cover:
- Director powers and responsibilities
- Shareholder rights and voting
- How shares can be issued or transferred
- How profits are distributed
- How directors are appointed or removed
Most small companies use the standard model articles provided by Companies House. These are suitable for straightforward ownership and management structures.
If your company has multiple share classes, external investors, or specific control arrangements, bespoke articles may be more appropriate.
Certificate of incorporation
Once Companies House approves your registration, it issues a certificate of incorporation.
This document confirms:
- Company name
- Company registration number
- Date of incorporation
The certificate of incorporation is your official proof that the company legally exists. Banks, lenders, suppliers, and online platforms often ask to see it.
Company registration number and why it matters
Your company registration number is a unique identifier issued at incorporation. It appears on your certificate of incorporation and on all official correspondence from Companies House.
You will need this number when:
- Filing confirmation statements or accounts
- Communicating with Companies House or HMRC
- Opening a business bank account
- Applying for finance or grants
The company registration number is publicly available and allows anyone to verify that your company is legitimate.
Which forms are used for different business types?
Most UK companies are registered using the same core application, but there are variations depending on the business structure.
Business type | Registration form |
Private company limited by shares | IN01 |
Company limited by guarantee | IN01 |
Public limited company | IN01 |
Limited liability partnership (LLP) | LL IN01 |
Supporting information required during registration
Although not always thought of as “documents”, some additional information is required to complete registration successfully.
People with significant control
Every company must identify its people with significant control. These are individuals who:
- Own more than 25 percent of shares or voting rights
- Can appoint or remove the majority of directors
- Otherwise exercise significant influence or control
PSC details are submitted during incorporation and must be kept up to date throughout the life of the company.
Registered office address
Your company must have a registered office address in the UK. This address is used for official correspondence and appears on the public register.
If privacy is important, it is worth understanding your options. Read more in the different kinds of company addresses explained.
How to submit company registration documents
There are two main ways to register a company.
Online registration
Online registration is the most common option. It is quicker, cheaper, and allows errors to be corrected more easily.
Applications are often approved within 24 hours when all details are correct.
Paper registration
Paper filing uses a printed IN01 form and supporting documents. This method is slower and more prone to delays due to errors or missing information.
How to retrieve company registration documents
If you lose your company registration documents, copies are easy to retrieve.
You can:
- Download them from your formation agent’s online portal, if you used one
- Search for your company on the Companies House register and view the incorporation filing
A step-by-step guide is available here: Companies House search.
Updating your company details after registration
Businesses change over time, and Companies House records must be kept accurate.
Common updates include:
- Changing the registered office address
- Appointing or resigning directors
- Updating PSC details
- Issuing new shares
- Changing the company name
If you move premises, you must notify Companies House. See change registered office address for guidance.
What to do after you’ve registered
Once your company is registered, store your certificate of incorporation, memorandum, and articles somewhere secure and accessible.
You should also:
- Set up statutory registers
- Prepare for your first confirmation statement
- Understand your ongoing filing responsibilities
A practical next-steps guide is available in what to do after forming a company. If you are still planning, checklist for setting up a limited company UK is a helpful starting point.
How LTD Companies helps with company registration documents
Understanding company registration documents is one thing. Getting them right, filed correctly, and ready when you need them is another.
When you register through LTD Companies, we handle the full incorporation process for you. That includes preparing and submitting the IN01 application, generating your memorandum and articles of association, and ensuring your certificate of incorporation is issued without delays.
Our service helps you:
- Avoid common registration errors that cause rejections or delays
- Ensure shareholder, director, and PSC details are submitted correctly
- Receive all company registration documents in one secure place
- Stay compliant from day one, with clear guidance on what comes next
If you later need to retrieve documents, update company details, or make changes as your business grows, our team is on hand to support you.
The result is less admin, fewer mistakes, and more time to focus on building your business.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are company registration documents UK founders need?
They usually include the IN01 application, memorandum of association, articles of association, and the certificate of incorporation issued by Companies House.
Is IN01 the same as the certificate of incorporation?
No. IN01 is the application used to register the company. The certificate of incorporation is the official document issued after Companies House approves the application.
Which document proves my company legally exists?
The certificate of incorporation is the legal proof that your company exists. Banks, lenders, and suppliers commonly ask to see it.
Are company registration documents public in the UK?
Most registration documents are available on the public Companies House register. Some personal information, such as residential addresses, is protected.
Can I change my articles of association after registration?
Yes. Companies can amend their articles of association after incorporation by passing the correct resolutions and filing the update with Companies House.
What happens if I lose my company registration documents?
You can download copies for free from the Companies House register or access them through your formation provider if you used one.
Do I need professional help to register a company?
You can register directly with Companies House, but using a professional service helps reduce errors, speed up registration, and ensure all documents are prepared correctly the first time.
