Can you register a company for free?
Not usually. UK limited company registration has an official Companies House filing fee, and that fee can change. The safest way to compare “free” offers is to check what you pay upfront, what the provider includes, and whether any reimbursement is conditional.
Sterling Formations links to a Tide partner journey where applicants may pay £14.99 upfront. Applicants who start through Sterling Formations’ official Tide partner route and open the Tide account get that amount back under Tide’s current terms. Adding £100 within 30 days may qualify an eligible applicant for a separate £25 reward under Tide’s current terms. These are Tide terms, not guarantees from Sterling Formations.
Free at the end is not free upfront
A reimbursement offer can reduce your final cost, but you may still need to pay first and complete the account-opening steps. Check Tide’s current eligibility, approval, reimbursement, reward, and payment-timing terms in the live application journey before you apply.
Compare UK registration routes
The right route depends on whether you want to file directly, receive guided help, or consider a partner offer. Compare the whole first-year cost rather than relying on a “free” headline.
| Route | Upfront position | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Companies House | Current official filing fee | Use the official GOV.UK service and check the live fee |
| Tide partner journey | £14.99 upfront | Reimbursement, approval, account steps, and timing |
| Possible Tide reward | Under current Tide terms | Separate eligibility and payment terms |
| Optional formation support | Varies by provider | Registered office services, renewals, and support scope |
How to register a company in the UK
1. Check the real upfront cost
Confirm the current Companies House fee or provider fee before starting. The Sterling/Tide route returns the £14.99 formation fee after the Tide account is opened; it is not a discount at checkout.
2. Prepare the company details
Choose an available name, provide director and shareholder details, select a SIC code, and prepare a suitable UK registered office address.
3. Choose a registration route
Apply directly through Companies House or use a formation journey that explains its service and partner terms. Review optional renewals before paying.
4. Complete the application
Submit accurate information and complete any identity, account, or verification steps requested by the provider or Companies House.
What “free” does not cover
Even when a formation fee is reimbursed, running a limited company can create ongoing costs. Budget for:
More UK company formation guidance
Free company registration FAQs
Is company registration free in the UK?
Usually not. Companies House charges a fee for online incorporation and the amount can change, so check the current official fee before applying. The current Tide partner offer returns the £14.99 formation fee when applicants open a Tide business account, subject to Tide’s eligibility criteria and T&Cs.
What is the £14.99 Tide formation offer?
The Sterling Formations partner journey requires applicants to pay £14.99 upfront. Sterling is an official Tide partner, and when an applicant opens a Tide business account through our route, the formation fee is returned subject to Tide’s eligibility criteria and T&Cs. Check the live Tide terms before applying.
Could a Tide reward apply?
Adding £100 to the Tide account within 30 days may qualify an eligible applicant for a separate £25 reward under Tide’s current terms. Account approval, eligibility, and payment timing are controlled by Tide and are not guaranteed by Sterling Formations.
Can I register directly with Companies House?
Yes. You can use the official Companies House service and pay its current online incorporation fee. The direct route does not include formation-agent guidance or any partner reimbursement, so compare the official fee and the support you need.
What do I need to register a company?
You generally need a company name, a registered office address in the UK, at least one director aged 16 or over, shareholder details, a share structure, and a SIC code describing the business activity. Identity and verification requirements can apply.
What costs continue after registration?
A limited company still has ongoing obligations after incorporation, including annual accounts, Corporation Tax administration, the Confirmation Statement, and any registered-office, payroll, accounting, or professional services you choose.