Calculate the cost of forming a UK limited company. Compare DIY filing, formation agent, and accountant-assisted routes to find the cheapest option.
The minimum cost is just £13 to file online directly with Companies House (paper filing costs £71). Most people use a company formation agent (£10-£100) or go through an accountant (typically £150-£500 including initial advice). The Companies House fee covers the incorporation — subsequent annual costs include the confirmation statement (£34/year online), annual accounts preparation, and corporation tax returns.
Online incorporation via Companies House is typically processed within 24-72 hours. Some applications are rejected if the name is too similar to an existing company or contains restricted words. Using a formation agent with a pre-vetted name can speed this up. Same-day incorporation is not guaranteed but most straightforward applications are approved within 1 working day.
You need: a company name (unique, not offensive, not restricted); a registered office address in England/Wales/Scotland/Northern Ireland (must match the region of incorporation); at least one director (18+, not disqualified); at least one shareholder; a Memorandum and Articles of Association (standard template is acceptable for most small businesses). All can be submitted electronically via the Companies House WebFiling portal.
Annual ongoing costs include: Companies House Confirmation Statement (£34/year online); preparation of annual accounts (self-prepare or pay accountant £500-£2,000/year); corporation tax return (£300-£1,000 to have prepared); registered office service if using a virtual address (£100-£300/year); HMRC registration (free); payroll software if paying directors/employees (free to low-cost options available).
Your registered office address must be a physical address in the same jurisdiction as your company (England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland). You can use your home address, but it will appear on the public Companies House register, which many people prefer to avoid. Virtual office services provide a registered office address for typically £100-£300/year and keep your home address private.