How to Get a Company Registration Certificate in the UK? (6 Easy Steps To Follow)

29 April, 2025 · 9 min read

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Discover how to get a Company Registration Certificate in the UK with a simple guide covering legal steps, naming rules, and documents.

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What is a Company Registration Certificate?
Step 1: Decide on the type of company you want to form
Step 2: Choose a company name
Step 3: Prepare your company formation documents
Step 4: Choose a method to register your company
Step 5: What happens after you submit your application?
Step 6: Important post-incorporation steps
Conclusion
FAQ

Starting a business in the UK is an exciting step, but before you can officially operate as a company, you need one crucial document: the Company Registration Certificate — formally called the Certificate of Incorporation. This certificate is your business’s birth certificate, legally confirming that your company exists.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about getting a Company Registration Certificate in the UK, step-by-step. We'll also cover additional legal requirements you must meet along the way.

What is a Company Registration Certificate?

A Company Registration Certificate is a legal document issued by Companies House after successfully registering your company. This document confirms that your company is legally incorporated, exists as a separate legal entity, and complies with the Companies Act 2006.

The certificate includes the following information:

Your company name,
Company registration number,
Date of incorporation,
Type of company (e.g., private limited by shares), and
Jurisdiction of incorporation (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland).

Without this certificate, your company cannot open a business bank account, enter into legal contracts, or operate officially. It is the first building block in establishing your business’s credibility and legality.

💡Is the Company Registration Certificate the same as the Certificate of Incorporation?

Yes. In the UK, "Company Registration Certificate" and "Certificate of Incorporation" are interchangeable terms that refer to the same legal document.

Step 1: Decide on the type of company you want to form

Before applying, it is important to choose the legal structure that best fits your business ambitions and plans.

For the majority of entrepreneurs and small businesses, forming a Private Limited Company by shares (Ltd) is the most suitable option due to its balance of simplicity, protection, and credibility.

Step 2: Choose a company name

Choosing the right company name is an important step in the registration process.

Companies House enforces specific legal requirements that must be met before a name can be approved.

A suitable company name must be unique, legally compliant, and appropriate for your intended business activities.

1. Uniqueness and similarity

Your company name must not be the same as, or too similar to, an existing name on the Companies House register. Names are considered "too similar" if they could mislead or confuse the public.

For example, “Bright Tech Ltd” would likely be considered too similar to “Bright Technologies Limited.”
Minor differences, such as punctuation, adding “UK” at the end, or slight variations in wording, do not make the name sufficiently different.

📍 You can check the availability of your proposed company name using the Companies House Name Availability Checker or our own Company name availability checker.

If your desired name is taken, our Generator will provide some alternatives you can try out. 👇

Company name

2. Sensitive words and expressions

Certain words are considered sensitive because they imply a particular status, function, or government connection. You must obtain special approval to use these words in your company name.

Examples of sensitive words include:

“British”
“Authority”
“Council”
“Charity”
“Institute”

⚡ Example:

If you want to register “British Environmental Council Ltd,” you would need to provide evidence that your business activities justify the use of “British” and “Council” and obtain written consent from the appropriate regulatory bodies.

3. Offensive or misleading names

Your company name must not be offensive, suggest criminal activity, or mislead the public about the nature of your business.

⚡ Example:

A name suggesting government backing, such as “UK Government Solutions Ltd,” without approval would be rejected.
Names containing swear words or promoting illegal activities would also be rejected immediately.

4. Character and formatting rules

There are specific rules about how a company name must be formatted. Certain characters and punctuation are restricted, and Companies House applies specific equivalence rules when comparing names.

⚡ Examples:

“@” and “and” are treated the same.
Accents and special characters are generally ignored (e.g., “Café” and “Cafe” are treated as the same).
Adding words like “Co,” “Services,” or “Solutions” may not sufficiently differentiate your name from an existing company.

5. Including “Limited” or applying for an exemption

For most private limited companies, the name must end with “Limited” or “Ltd.” However, if you are setting up a company limited by guarantee that promotes education, charity, religion, commerce, science, or the arts, you can apply to omit “Limited” from the company name.

⚡ Example:

If you are forming a community arts organisation, you might register the name as “Greenwich Arts Collective” without the word “Limited,” subject to meeting the conditions and obtaining approval.

Step 3: Prepare your company formation documents

Here is a breakdown of the key documents you must prepare:

1. Memorandum of Association

The Memorandum of Association is a formal statement in which the original subscribers agree to form the company. Each subscriber confirms their intention to become a member of the company.

Key points to know:

The memorandum must follow a prescribed format set out in legislation.
You cannot modify or alter the wording in any way.
For companies limited by shares, each subscriber must agree to take at least one share.

⚡ Example:

If you are forming “GreenTech Solutions Ltd” with two founders, both founders must sign the memorandum to confirm they agree to form the company and each must take at least one share.

Once the company is incorporated, the memorandum becomes a historical record. It cannot be amended.

2. Articles of Association

The Articles of Association form the company's internal rulebook. They define how the company is governed, how decisions are made, and the rights and responsibilities of directors and shareholders.

There are three options available regarding articles:

Adopt the model articles provided under The Companies (Model Articles) Regulations 2008 without changes.
Adopt the model articles with amendments tailored to the company's particular needs.
Draft entirely bespoke articles if the company’s structure or operation is unique.

⚡ Example:

A standard private limited company with one director and simple shareholding would often adopt the model articles in full.
A company planning to have multiple classes of shares (e.g., ordinary and preference shares) might need to amend the model articles to define the different share rights.
If you are considering modifying the model articles or creating bespoke articles you should ask for professional advice.

❗Key restrictions:

Articles must not contain anything unlawful.
They must not override statutory protections afforded to shareholders.

3. Application to Register a Company (Form IN01)

Form IN01 gathers all critical details about the proposed company. It must be completed carefully, ensuring that every section is accurate.

The information required includes:

Proposed company name: Confirming it meets the Companies House rules.
Company type: Private limited by shares, limited by guarantee, public limited company, etc.
Jurisdiction: England and Wales, Wales only, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
Registered office address: Must be a physical address within the selected jurisdiction.

Registered email address: A monitored email address for official communications.
Statement of capital (if limited by shares): Details of shareholdings, share classes, number of shares issued, and nominal value.
Statement of guarantee (if limited by guarantee): Members' agreement on the amount they undertake to contribute in case the company is wound up.
Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code: Identifying the company's business activities.
Director(s) Information: Full name, date of birth, nationality, residential address (kept private), and service address (public).
Secretary information (if appointing a secretary): Details of the secretary, although this is optional for private companies.
People with Significant Control (PSC): Details of individuals or entities that have significant influence or control over the company.
Consent for sensitive words (if applicable): Evidence of permission to use restricted or sensitive words in the company name.

📍 Note:

If you use a home address as your registered office, be aware that it will be visible on the public record.
Alongside the registered office, a registered email address must also be provided. This email must be reliable and monitored regularly to ensure that important notices are not missed. Although the email address will not appear publicly, it is a vital communication channel between the company and Companies House.

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It’s an easy way to stay professional, organised, and compliant – without the need for a physical office.

Step 4: Choose a method to register your company

You can register your company through three main methods, each varying in speed and cost:

The most common method is online filing due to its convenience, speed, and lower cost. You can make payments via debit card, credit card, or PayPal.

Using a formation agent is another option, particularly useful if you are unfamiliar with the incorporation process or prefer assistance to avoid mistakes.

ANNA takes the stress out of starting a business. You can register a Limited Company in just a few minutes, with no complicated paperwork or hidden costs. Unlike doing it yourself, ANNA handles the hard parts for you – checking your company name, submitting the registration, and opening a business account at the same time.

✅ Save time – No need to navigate Companies House forms yourself

✅ Save money – Registration is free with selected plans

✅ Get support – Access expert services like VAT registration, tax filing, and virtual office options if you need them

✅ Stay compliant – ANNA ensures your company setup meets all legal requirements.

Step 5: What happens after you submit your application?

After submission, Companies House will conduct thorough checks to ensure that:

All necessary documents are included.
Details provided are accurate and complete.
Directors are not disqualified or otherwise ineligible.
The company name is acceptable and complies with all regulations.

If everything is in order, Companies House will issue your Certificate of Incorporation.

For online filings, certificates are sent electronically, usually within 24 hours.
For paper filings, certificates are posted and typically take longer.

Importantly, your company only legally exists once the certificate is issued. You should not enter into contracts, start trading, or open a company bank account until incorporation is complete.

Step 6: Important post-incorporation steps

Incorporation is just the beginning of your legal responsibilities. After receiving your Certificate of Incorporation, you must:

Open a dedicated business bank account to separate personal and company finances.
Set up a PAYE scheme if you plan to employ staff.
Maintain statutory registers, including registers of directors, members, and people with significant control.
File a Confirmation Statement and annual accounts every year with Companies House to maintain good standing.

Conclusion

Getting your Company Registration Certificate is the official proof that your company is ready to operate, trade, and grow in the UK. With the right preparation, a compliant company name, and properly completed documents, the process can be straightforward and efficient.

If you want to make the process even easier, ANNA is here to support you.

From registering your company and securing your Company Registration Certificate to handling bookkeeping, invoicing, and taxes, ANNA One gives you all the tools you need to run your business confidently.

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FAQ

1. Can I use same-day services?

Same-day registration is available for postal applications submitted before 3 PM with a £100 priority fee. However, online filings are typically faster without additional fees.

2. Is the certificate public?

The Certificate of Incorporation itself is private, but information such as the company name and number is available on the public register.

3. Can non-UK residents register a company?

Yes, non-UK residents can form a UK company, but the business must have a registered office address within the United Kingdom.

4. What happens if I don't receive the certificate?

An application can be rejected due to simple errors such as missing information, an unsuitable company name, or failure to obtain the necessary approvals for sensitive words. If rejected, Companies House will provide guidance on what needs to be corrected.

If you do not receive your certificate, you should contact Companies House. You can also check the public register to confirm your company's incorporation status.

5. What happens if you lose a Company registration certificate?

If you lose your Certificate of Incorporation, you can request a replacement from Companies House. Digital copies are also accessible through your Companies House online account.