Incorporation and names
Sets out the main requirements for incorporating a company in the UK.
- From:
- Companies House
- Published
- 1 June 2013
- Last updated
-
1518JulyNovember20242025 — See all updates
Documents
Annex A: Sensitive words and expressions that require prior approval to use in a company or business name
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Annex B: Words and expressions which could imply a connection with a government department, a devolved administration or a local or specified public authority
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Details
This guide includes information and advice about:
- how to incorporate a limited company
- the type of company you wish to incorporate
- the company’s officers
- choosing a company name including controls and restrictions
- disclosure of company name and other information
If you use your home address as your service address or the company’s registered office, it will be available to the public.
See our guidance on what information we make publicly available.
Updates to this page
Published 1 June 2013
Last updated 1518 JulyNovember 2024
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Update history
2025-12-15 15:13
Amended annexes A and B with an updated contact point for the Home Office.
2025-11-18 00:01
Updated in line with changes to company registers and the launch of mandatory identity verification.
2024-07-15 10:00
Added guidance on the definition of an appropriate address and the process if a company does not provide an appropriate address.
2024-05-01 00:00
Fees updated.
2024-03-04 00:00
Guidance updated for new measures under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
2022-04-06 15:37
Guidance for registered office address updated in line with Trading Standards recommendations and section 86 of the Companies Act 2006. If you choose to engage a third party agent to handle your mail, you must ensure that the arrangements provide for all mail to be forwarded to you regardless of its source.
Details
This guide includes information and advice about:
- how to incorporate a limited company
- the type of company you wish to incorporate
- the company’s officers
- choosing a company name including controls and restrictions
- disclosure of company name and other information
If you use your home address as your service address or the company’s registered office, it will be available to the public.
See our guidance on what information we make publicly available.
Updates to this page
Sign up for emails or print this page
Update history
2025-12-15 15:13
Amended annexes A and B with an updated contact point for the Home Office.
2025-11-18 00:01
Updated in line with changes to company registers and the launch of mandatory identity verification.
2024-07-15 10:00
Added guidance on the definition of an appropriate address and the process if a company does not provide an appropriate address.
2024-05-01 00:00
Fees updated.
2024-03-04 00:00
Guidance updated for new measures under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
2022-04-06 15:37
Guidance for registered office address updated in line with Trading Standards recommendations and section 86 of the Companies Act 2006. If you choose to engage a third party agent to handle your mail, you must ensure that the arrangements provide for all mail to be forwarded to you regardless of its source.