Start your UK Limited Company —
and a real accountant from day one.

Step 3 · Optional

Or use a formation partner

Worth considering if you want a registered-office address service bundled, or you want to open a business bank account in the same flow. Pricing and offers change frequently — click through for the current package.

Disclosure: we may earn a small referral commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep BahiKhata free for SME owners. We never recommend a partner we wouldn't use ourselves.

Frequently asked

Should I file directly with Companies House or use a partner?

Direct with Companies House (£50) if you're comfortable with a 30-minute online form and you'll open a business bank account separately. Use a partner (£10-£50 + the £50 gov fee) if you want a registered-office service bundled, or you want incorporation + bank account opened in one flow.

How long does UK company registration take?

Most online incorporations via the digital service complete the same business day — often within 4 to 6 hours. Postal IN01 filings take 8 to 10 working days.

What documents do I need?

You need a proposed company name, a registered office address in the UK, at least one director (16+), at least one shareholder, three pieces of personal information for identity (passport / driving licence / National Insurance number), and one or more SIC codes describing what the company will do.

What is a SIC code?

A Standard Industrial Classification code — a 5-digit number that tells Companies House what your business does. You can pick up to four. We have a full guide explaining how to choose.

Do I need a registered office address?

Yes — it must be a real UK address where official mail can be received. It is public. If you don't want your home address on the public register, a formation partner's registered-office service costs around £30-£50/year.

Single vs multi-shareholder company?

A single shareholder Ltd is the simplest setup — one person owns 100% of the shares. Multi-shareholder Ltds let you split ownership but require a shareholders' agreement to handle disputes, exits, and decision-making cleanly.

What happens after registration?

Companies House emails a Certificate of Incorporation with your company number. HMRC is notified automatically and will issue a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) within ~14 days. Your first Confirmation Statement is due 14 days after the anniversary of incorporation. First accounts: 21 months after incorporation. Bring the company number to BahiKhata and we set all deadlines for you.

Do I need to register for VAT immediately?

Only if you expect taxable turnover above £90,000 in the next 30 days, or your rolling 12-month turnover crosses £90,000. You can register voluntarily below that threshold if your customers are VAT-registered businesses and you want to reclaim input VAT.

What are my filing deadlines after incorporation?

Confirmation Statement annually (14 days after the incorporation anniversary). First statutory accounts 21 months after incorporation, then 9 months after each year-end. Corporation Tax payment 9 months and 1 day after the period end. CT600 return 12 months and 1 day after the period end. PAYE / RTI monthly if you run payroll. VAT quarterly if registered.

Can I change the company name later?

Yes. You file a NM01 (name change by special resolution) with Companies House — costs £8 online. The new name takes effect on the date the new certificate is issued.

What is the difference between LTD, LLP, and PLC?

LTD = private company limited by shares, owned by shareholders, the standard SME structure. LLP = limited liability partnership, taxed like a partnership (members pay income tax on their share, no corporation tax), common for professional firms. PLC = public limited company, can offer shares to the public, minimum £50,000 issued share capital — overkill for most SMEs.