Company formation checklist

Looking to register a company ? Check out our handy eight-point company formation checklist so that you know exactly what you need before you apply.

1. Company name

Choose your unique company name. if your company is a private limited company, it must end with “Limited” or “Ltd”.

2. An office with a registered address

To set up a limited company , you must provide a registered office address to Companies House. This must be a physical address — but not a PO box — and is where your official documents (from HMRC and Companies House) will be sent. Notably, this registered office address will be placed on the public record and accessible by marketing agencies and the general public. Many company directors choose to use our registered office address service to protect their residential address and benefit from a prestigious presence in central London.

3. Type of business (SIC code)

SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) codes depict the nature of your business and proposed activities. SIC codes exist for every type of business, from video production and life insurance to financial management and childcare. During the company formation application process, you’ll be required to choose a SIC code.

4. Director details

• Full name
• Date of birth (must be at least 16 years old)
• Occupation (you can simply state “Company Director” as your occupation if desired)
• Nationality
• Residential address (this does not go on the public register)
• Service address (you can choose to use your home address or any other physical address to receive official documentation, but it’s important to note that this will be on the public record and accessible via the Companies House website by anyone)

5. Shareholder details

You will also need to provide the details of your shareholders. Every limited company must have at least one shareholder — this may also be the director. Where the shareholder is not a Person of Significant Control (PSC) and owns less than 25% of the shares and voting rights, you must provide the following:

• Full name
• Service address (residential or other address)
• At least three of the following:
  • Town of birth
  • Mother’s maiden name
  • Father’s first name
  • Telephone number
  • Passport number
  • National insurance number
  • Eye colour

Where the shareholder is a Person of Significant Control (PSC) and owns 25% or more of the shares/share voting rights, you must submit the following:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Residential address (this does not go on the public register)
• Service address (this may be a home address or any other physical address and will go on the public register)
• Nationality
• Nature of control (for example, the number of shares they hold)
• At least three of the following:
  • Town of birth
  • Mother’s maiden name
  • Father’s first name
  • Telephone number
  • Passport number
  • National insurance number
  • Eye colour

6. Company secretary details

It is not mandatory to have a company secretary and many limited companies choose not to appoint a secretary, especially if they are happy to conduct company secretary duties themselves. However, if you do choose to appoint a company secretary, you must provide the following information:

• Full Name
• Date of birth (must be at least 16 years old)
• Occupation
• Nationality
• Residential address
• Service address

7. Persons of Significant Control

You must also provide details of any additional Persons of Significant Control (PSC), excluding the director, shareholder or secretary (if applicable).

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Residential address
• Service Address
• Nationality
• Nature of Control (e.g. if the person controls a trust that owns over 25% of the shares)

8. Proof of ID

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations may require us to request photo ID and proof of address. These will be requested as required by law and must be provided. You can refer to our identification requirements to see what proof of ID is accepted.