What is online company formation?
Online company formation is the process of registering a UK limited company electronically, without posting a paper application. You provide the information Companies House requires, including the proposed company name, director details, registered office, share structure, and business activity. You can apply directly to Companies House or use a formation provider.
Companies House reviews the application and, if it is accepted, adds the company to the public register and issues its Certificate of Incorporation. Providers may offer additional services and have separate fees or eligibility rules, so check the current Companies House filing fee and provider terms before applying.
See the current GOV.UK company registration guide for the official online route and fee. Directors should also check the Companies House identity-verification guidance to see whether they need a personal code before registering.
How online company formation works — step by step
The process from start to Certificate of Incorporation involves five straightforward steps, all completed online without any physical paperwork.
- 1
Choose an online registration route
You can apply through the GOV.UK service, eligible software, or a formation provider. Compare the current Companies House filing fee with any provider service fees, optional services, and renewal costs before you start.
- 2
Prepare company and director information
Gather the proposed company name, registered office address, director details, shareholder and share information, people with significant control, and a SIC code. Check whether each director needs to verify their identity or provide a Companies House personal code.
- 3
Submit the application through your chosen service
Enter the required details and submit the incorporation application to Companies House. The GOV.UK service usually also sets up Corporation Tax unless the company is dormant. A provider may offer separate products; a Tide account application and its approval decision are not requirements set by Companies House.
- 4
Companies House reviews the filing
Companies House checks the application against its requirements. It may request corrections or reject a filing that does not meet them. Processing times vary with the service, completeness of the application, and current workload.
- 5
Keep your incorporation record and plan next steps
When the application is accepted, Companies House issues a Certificate of Incorporation showing the company number and formation date. Keep the documents supplied by your chosen service, then check the company’s Corporation Tax, accounts, confirmation-statement, and record-keeping responsibilities.
What you receive after online registration
Companies House issues a Certificate of Incorporation when it accepts the application. The documents and how you access them depend on the service used; a formation provider may also supply company records such as share certificates. Check the provider’s document list and keep the records with your company information.
Certificate of Incorporation
Companies House issues this when it accepts the application. It confirms the company exists and shows its name, company number, and formation date.
Memorandum of Association
A brief constitutional document confirming that the founding shareholders (subscribers) agreed to form the company. It is a statutory document required under the Companies Act 2006 and is automatically generated during online formation.
Articles of Association
The rules governing how your company is run — covering decisions, meetings, director powers, and shareholder rights. Standard model articles are used unless you specify otherwise. These can be amended after incorporation by special resolution.
Shareholder records
The company keeps its own ownership records. Some formation providers supply share certificates or templates; check what your chosen service includes and keep the company records up to date.
Is online company formation safe and legitimate?
Online registration is an established way to form a UK company. Use the official GOV.UK service or check a provider’s identity, total fees, privacy notice, and terms before sharing personal information. Once Companies House accepts an application, the resulting company is subject to the same company law regardless of the filing route.
Identity verification is now a Companies House requirement for relevant roles, and the timing depends on the person’s role and circumstances. A separate business-account application is not part of the legal incorporation requirement; any Tide account terms, fees, and approval decisions are set by Tide.
Compare online company formation routes and fees
If you are choosing an online company formation service, compare the direct GOV.UK route with a formation agent or software provider. Companies House makes the registration decision; once accepted, the company is subject to the same company law whichever route you used.
| Registration route | What to expect | Fee and timing |
|---|---|---|
| GOV.UK direct online | Apply through the official service. It usually also sets up Corporation Tax unless the company is dormant. | £100 statutory fee from 1 February 2026; GOV.UK says registration is usually completed within 24 hours, but timing can vary. |
| Formation agent or software | A third-party service submits the application; support and optional services vary by provider. | Provider prices vary. Ask whether the Companies House fee is included and whether optional services or renewals add charges. |
| Paper form IN01 | Post an application to Companies House. Paper registration is required for some choices, such as a company name without “limited”. | £124 statutory fee from 1 February 2026; GOV.UK currently gives 8 to 10 days for postal applications. |
These are Companies House statutory fees, not a quote for a provider’s service. Fees can change; check the live official fee table and review any provider’s current terms before applying.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How much does online company formation cost?
The GOV.UK direct online service lists a £100 Companies House incorporation fee; the paper fee is £124 (both effective from 1 February 2026). Formation agents may charge their own service fees or bundle optional services, so check the total and what it includes before applying.
Can I form a company entirely online?
Yes. You can register online through the GOV.UK service or use a formation provider. The GOV.UK service submits the application to Companies House and usually sets up Corporation Tax at the same time, unless the company is dormant. Providers may offer separate services or terms, so check what is included before applying.
How long does online formation take?
GOV.UK says a direct online registration is usually completed within 24 hours, while a paper application takes 8 to 10 days. Corrections, identity checks, service issues, or a provider’s own process can add time, so these are not guaranteed deadlines. Check current GOV.UK guidance before applying.
Do I need to print or sign anything?
An online application is submitted electronically rather than by posting the paper IN01 form. Directors may still need to complete identity checks or provide a Companies House personal code, depending on their circumstances. Follow the instructions for the service you choose; paper registration has a separate process.
Can I complete online formation on my phone?
Yes. The formation process is fully mobile-friendly and can be completed on any smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. You do not need to install any software; all you need is an internet connection and the information required for the application.
What documents will I receive?
After Companies House accepts the application, it issues a Certificate of Incorporation showing the company number and formation date. How you access the memorandum, articles, and any share certificates depends on the registration route and provider. Keep the documents supplied with your company records.