How much does it cost to register a company in the UK? The core UK incorporation cost is £50 when registering online with Companies House, making this the cheapest way to register a company directly.
Company formation fees in the UK can be kept low by using a formation agent, with company registration prices starting from £2.99 plus the Companies House fee, offering support and essential documents.
The total cost to set up a limited company goes beyond incorporation, as ongoing requirements like confirmation statements, registered office addresses, and accounting should be budgeted for after registration.
How much does it cost to register a company in the UK is the first question most founders ask, and the answer starts with the £50 Companies House online fee. You can reduce your overall startup costs by choosing the right incorporation service, and the right company formation support can help you register quickly and avoid common mistakes.
The cheapest way to register a company is online for £50. Postal applications cost £71 and same day registration is £78. Formation packages start from £2.99 plus the Companies House fee, which gives you essential documents and guidance at a low upfront cost.
In this guide, you will learn exactly what you will pay, how each method compares, and which option offers the best value for your new limited company.
How much does it cost to register a company in the UK?
The cost to register a company in the UK depends on the method you choose, but the Companies House fee always forms the core cost. Here is a clear breakdown of what you will pay today.
Current Companies House fees
Registration method | Fee | Processing time |
Online incorporation | £50 | Usually within 24 hours |
Postal application | £71 | Around 8 to 10 days |
Same day registration | £78 | Same working day if submitted before 3pm |
These fees apply whether you register a company yourself or use a formation agent. If you want a faster setup without handling the paperwork, formation services start from £2.99 plus the £50 Companies House fee, keeping your upfront costs low while giving you expert support.
If you are comparing routes, it may help to look at the full registration process in our guide on how to set up a limited company. This gives you a step-by-step view of what happens after you pay the incorporation fee.
Costs that may apply depending on your setup
Although incorporation costs start at £50, most companies will need to budget for a few additional expenses.
A registered office address must be in the UK. You can use your home address, but many founders choose a professional address service for privacy. Our page on registered office services explains how these work.
A confirmation statement must be filed every year to keep your company details up to date. You can learn more about this filing in our guide to the confirmation statement.
Optional services may also add to your costs, such as VAT registration or help with the first set of company filings.
What affects the cost of company registration in the UK?
Several factors shape the total cost of registering a company in the UK. The Companies House fee is the starting point, but the structure you choose and the services you add will influence your final budget.
Business structure
Your business structure affects both the cost and the steps involved. Sole traders do not pay Companies House fees because they register directly with HMRC. Limited companies must register with Companies House and maintain certain filings each year, so the upfront cost is higher. If you are still deciding on the right setup, it helps to understand the differences in documentation and compliance.
Registration method
Online registration is the cheapest and quickest option. Postal applications cost more and take longer to process. Same day registration is available at a higher fee if your business needs to start trading quickly.
Optional services
Some founders choose to add services at the point of incorporation. A professional address service can protect your privacy. Extra support, such as help preparing early company documents, can also add to the overall cost. These services are optional but often useful if you want a smoother start.
Ongoing requirements
Although not part of the initial fee, ongoing obligations influence the real cost of running a limited company. You will need to file a confirmation statement each year and maintain accurate company records. If you want a clearer picture of the steps that follow incorporation, our guide on what to do after forming a company sets out the essentials.
What are the options for registering a company in the UK?
There is more than one way to register a company, and each route comes with its own price point. The best choice depends on how confident you feel completing the paperwork and how much support you want during the process.
Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Registering directly with Companies House | Lowest upfront fee. Simple online form. Fast approval when submitted correctly. | You must prepare everything yourself. Errors can delay approval. Limited guidance if you are unsure about any details. |
Using a formation agent | Extra support through the full setup. Includes essential company documents. Helps reduce errors and rejections. Often inexpensive, starting from £2.99 plus the Companies House fee. | Slightly higher total cost. Quality varies between providers, so choosing a reputable service matters. |
If you prefer to handle everything yourself, registering directly keeps the cost as low as possible. If you value guidance and a smoother setup, formation services can offer excellent support at a modest price. Our overview of the best company registration companies for UK startups can help you compare what each provider includes.
If you want the cheapest way to register a company in the UK, submit your application online and prepare your details carefully before you start. Simple errors can delay approval and lead to extra costs, especially if you need to reapply or switch to same-day registration. Using a low-cost formation service can help you avoid mistakes while keeping your UK incorporation cost close to the £50 Companies House fee.
What are the ongoing costs after registering my company?
Once your company is incorporated, you will have a few recurring obligations to keep it compliant. These costs are not part of the initial setup fee, but they do form part of the real cost of running a limited company.
Confirmation statement
Every company must file a confirmation statement each year. This updates Companies House with your current details, such as shareholders and registered office address. It is a simple filing, but it is mandatory and carries a small fee. If you would like a reminder of what this involves, our guide on the confirmation statement sets out the essentials.
Registered office address
A registered office address must be maintained at all times. Many founders choose a professional address to protect their privacy. Our registered office service explains how this works and what is included.
Accounting and tax
You will need to prepare annual accounts and file a Corporation Tax return. Some founders manage this themselves, but most prefer an accountant for peace of mind and to avoid mistakes. If you want an idea of typical costs, our guide on the cost of an accountant for a limited company gives a clear overview.
Optional registrations
Some companies need extra registrations depending on how they operate. If you plan to employ staff, our PAYE registration service page outlines what is required. If your turnover reaches the VAT threshold or you want to reclaim VAT, you can review the process through our VAT registration service.
These ongoing obligations help keep your company in good standing and ensure you meet all legal requirements.
What are LTD Companies package prices for registering a UK company?
Formation packages vary in price because each level includes a different mix of services. Using our own pricing structure as an example can help you see how these differences work in practice and how the cost changes as support increases.
Starter package
The Starter package keeps things simple and low cost. It includes company formation, essential digital certificates and a business bank account referral. It starts from £2.99 plus the £50 Companies House fee, which is enough to get your company registered without paying for extra services you may not need at the beginning.
Privacy package
The Privacy package adds protection for your personal address. It includes a registered office address and a director service address, along with the core formation features. This package starts from £19.99 plus VAT and the £50 Companies House fee, making it useful for founders who want privacy from day one.
Privacy + Admin package
The Privacy + Admin package builds on the Privacy package by adding a dedicated account manager and access to a business address service. It starts from £39.99 plus VAT and the £50 Companies House fee. This level suits anyone who wants extra hands-on support with the early stages of running a company.
Peace of mind package
The Peace of mind package is the most complete setup. It includes all the features above plus early compliance help, including your confirmation statement, VAT registration and PAYE registration. Prices start from £49.99 plus VAT and the £50 Companies House fee, offering structure for founders who want a more managed start.
For full, up-to-date pricing after publishing always refer to our pricing page.
What to do once your company is registered
After your company is officially formed, there are a few simple steps that help you start trading smoothly. You will need to set up a business bank account, keep your statutory records in order and make sure you understand your early tax obligations. If you want a quick checklist of what comes next, our resource on what to do after forming a company outlines the essentials.
You may also want to think about how you will manage your company records, how you plan to pay yourself and whether VAT or PAYE registration will be needed as your business grows. Taking time to put these foundations in place now makes running your company far simpler later.
How LTD Companies makes registering your company simpler
Registering a company is affordable, but the real value comes from getting it right from the start. LTD Companies helps you avoid the hidden costs that come from delays, rejected applications or incomplete records. You get a structure that is built properly, support that is easy to follow and formation packages that match your budget.
A clear setup gives you room to focus on your idea rather than the admin. Whether you only need the basics or want early support with privacy and compliance, LTD Companies gives you a straightforward way to register, stay organised and grow with confidence.
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FAQs on how much it costs to register a company in the UK
How much does it cost to register a company in the UK?
It costs £50 to register a company online through Companies House. A postal application costs £71 and same day registration is £78. If you use a formation service, you will pay the Companies House fee plus the cost of your chosen package.
Is it cheaper to register a company yourself?
Registering directly with Companies House is the lowest cost route, but you complete every step on your own. A formation service costs more but can save time and reduce the risk of mistakes. Some packages start from only a few pounds plus the Companies House fee.
How much does it cost to register a business as a sole trader?
Registering as a sole trader is free. You do not pay Companies House fees because you register with HMRC instead. If you later decide to form a limited company, the standard Companies House fees will apply.
Are there extra costs after incorporation?
Yes. You will need to maintain a registered office address, file a confirmation statement each year and prepare annual accounts. If you plan to employ staff or pass the VAT threshold, extra registrations may apply. Our resource on what to do after forming a company explains these steps in more detail.
Is it more expensive to set up a limited company than a partnership?
Usually, yes. Limited companies must register with Companies House and maintain annual filings. Partnerships have fewer formalities but offer less protection. You can explore relevant structures in our overview of partnerships.
Do formation agents charge hidden fees?
Reputable formation agents list their prices clearly, including whether the Companies House fee is included. It is worth comparing features carefully, as package levels can vary between providers.
Can non-UK residents register a UK company and what does it cost?
Non-UK residents can register a UK company for the same Companies House fee. Some may choose additional services, such as address support or compliance help. You can see how this works in our page on registration for non UK residents.
