Your company formation checklist for UK Businesses
Information Required to Setup Your Company
When forming a company, you would require several documents and details to ensure easy and quick formation. But the process can be tiring and confusing. Thus, we can help you acquire all the necessary details and documents when you are forming your company in the UK. Having the details and documents at hand helps in hassle-free registration and also speeds up the company formation process.
Starting your own business is an exciting but complex step,as a leading company formation agent we’re here to make the process easier and more straightforward. Whether you're forming a limited by share company or any other business structure, our platform guides you seamlessly through the registration process in just 4 simple steps. We know gathering all the necessary documentation and details can feel overwhelming. We simplify the process for you to become acceptable to the company house while providing any key details of your company filings to ensure a swift and hassle-free registration.Let us walk you through the requirements to get your company incorporated efficiently in the UK without any unnecessary delays.
For Limited Company Registration :
Company Name : To create a limited company first, use the "Company Name Search" feature on our website to check if your desired company name is available. Ensure it's unique by entering the name in the search tool, which checks the Companies House database.
Once your company name is available, select a package that suits your needs:
- Digital Package: A basic package suitable for most small businesses.
- Privacy Package: Perfect for entrepreneurs wanting to keep their personal information private.
- Professional and All-Inclusive Packages: These options include additional services like registered office address, business mail forwarding, and director's service address.
- Eseller: Perfect for online eCommerce company willing to sell products through their e-platform.
- Non-Resident Package: Tailored for those residing outside the UK but want to form a company within the UK.
Next on the Additional Services page, you can choose the services as per your requirement , pre-submission review is added to help avoid rejections from the company house. After adding services you need to accept the terms & conditions and proceed to the checkout by entering your billing information, and make the payment.
Add LTD,LIMITED: After payment you must add these letters at the end of your company name.
Add Company’s Business Activity (SIC Code): Choose the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code that fits your business activities. You must specify your company's business activities by selecting a relevant SIC code (Standard Industrial Classification code). This code categorizes your business and helps government bodies like Companies House to understand the nature of your business operations. At FormationsHunt, our online formation process includes a SIC code search tool to help you easily identify and select the appropriate code for your business.
Key Details Required:
The Official Address of Your Company: This is the registered office address of your company and must be a complete postal address within the country where your company is incorporated. A PO Box address is not acceptable. This official address will be used by Companies House and HMRC for all statutory mail and will be displayed on public records. Having a reliable office address is critical for receiving important communications and maintaining compliance.
Director’s Details: You are required to provide detailed information about the appointed directors of your company. This includes their full legal name, residential address, date of birth, nationality, and occupation. Directors play a key role in managing the company, and accurate documentation of their details is essential for legal and operational purposes.
Shareholders’ Details: Information about your company's shareholders must be provided. You will need to supply each shareholder's name, address, and the number of shares they hold in the company. Depending on your company’s structure, shareholders may also be classified as having significant control over the business, which brings additional legal obligations.
Secretary Details (If Applicable): If your company has a secretary, you will need to provide their full name and contact information. While appointing a secretary is not mandatory for private limited companies, it is still a good practice to ensure smooth administrative operations, especially in larger organizations.
Person with Significant Control (PSC) Details: The PSC register identifies individuals who hold significant influence or control over the company. You will need to submit details of any person classified as a PSC, including their name, date of birth, nationality, and nature of control. Ensuring accurate PSC records is a legal requirement for all companies in the UK.
Types of Shareholder Details: When forming a company, two types of shareholder details are required:
- Shareholders with Significant Control (PSC): PSCs are individuals who own more than 25% of the company’s shares or voting rights, or who otherwise have significant control over the company. These details must be disclosed for legal compliance and transparency.
- Shareholders Without Significant Control: These shareholders own shares in the company but do not meet the criteria to be considered a PSC. Their details must still be recorded for the company’s internal records.
Understanding the distinction between these two types of shareholders helps maintain proper governance and ensures that your company complies with UK laws.
Documents after Company Formation
After successful company registration ,the following documents will be emailed and stored securely in your Online Company Manager for Lifetime access.
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Share Certificates
Authentication Code (for future filings)
Invoice
Types of Companies and Their Requirements
Limited by Shares: The most common type, where ownership is divided into shares.
Limited by Guarantee: Typically for non-profit organizations.
LLP (Limited Liability Partnership): For professional firms or partnerships.
PLC (Public Limited Company): A company with shares available to the public.
Non-Resident Companies: Companies for individuals residing outside the UK.
Each company type has its own requirements in terms of ownership, SIC codes, and registration documents, but the general process remains the same across all business structures.
Government ID and Address Proof Requirements
To register a company, you must submit valid identification to verify your identity. The acceptable forms of government-issued ID include:
For Proof of name (Required one of the following)
- Passport: A government-issued document that serves as proof of identity and nationality.
- Driving License: Current UK or EEA photocard driving license
- National ID Card: National identity card with name and photograph of the applicant for non-residents.
- Utility Bills or Bank Statements: May be required to verify your residential address.
- Residence permit: Issued by the Home Office to EEA nationals
- Photographic registration cards: For self-employed individuals in the construction industry
- EEA member: State identity card
For Proof of address (Required one of the following)
- Utility bill: Gas, electric or water bill issued within the last three months
- Council tax bill: For the current council tax year
- Statement: Bank statement (or Building Society/Credit Union statement),Mortgage statement from a recognised lender issued for the last full year
- Letters: HMRC self-assessment or tax demand letter
- Medical card: NHS medical card
- Agreements: Tenancy agreement for the current year or council/housing association rent card
- Agency docs: Benefit book or original notification letter from benefits agency (only if not used as name proof)
These documents will be submitted during the registration process and are used to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.
Our Comprehensive Company Services: At FormationsHunt, we offer a wide range of services to streamline not only the formation of your company but also its ongoing operations. These services ensure that your company complies with legal requirements and operates efficiently:
- Apostilled Documents Service: Ensures that your documents are legally certified for international use, making it easier to operate abroad.
- Business Telephone Services: Provides your company with a professional business phone number, enhancing credibility and communication.
- Confirmation Statement Service: We handle the submission of your annual confirmation statement to Companies House, ensuring your company details are up to date.
- Company Dissolution: Assistance with dissolving your company when it’s no longer needed, ensuring that all legal requirements are met.
- Company Name Change: We help you change your company’s name with ease, including updating records with Companies House.
- Director Appointment & Resignation: Efficient management of the appointment or resignation of company directors, ensuring proper documentation and legal compliance.
- Full Company Secretary Service: A comprehensive secretarial service to manage your company’s administrative duties and filings with Companies House.
- Issue of Share Services: Assistance with the issuance of new shares to shareholders, helping you manage equity and attract investors.
- Transfer of Share Services: Expert handling of share transfers between shareholders, ensuring smooth transitions and compliance with UK laws.
FormationsHunt provides a seamless and user-friendly platform to help entrepreneurs form their companies quickly and efficiently. From checking name availability to selecting packages and submitting documents, the process is straightforward and secure. Remember, having the correct ID documents on hand—such as your passport or driving license—is crucial to ensure smooth verification.By following these steps, you’re on your way to bringing your business idea to life. Good luck, we are always here to help with your business needs!