Companies House Registration Fee
If you’re planning to start a UK business, one of the first things you’ll want to know is how much it costs to register with Companies House. The good news is that the official registration fee is still very affordable by international standards, even after recent increases. At Form My Company, we’re always transparent about what you pay, clearly separating the Companies House fee from our own service charges, so there are never any hidden surprises.
This guide explains the current Companies House registration fee, what it covers, the other fees you might encounter, and how we make the whole process easy.
What Is the Companies House Registration Fee in 2026?
As of February 2026, the standard digital incorporation fee charged by Companies House is £100. From 1 February 2026, the incorporation digital filing fee changed to £100. This is the statutory fee paid directly to Companies House to officially register, or incorporate, your company.
It’s worth knowing that this fee doubled at the start of 2026. The digital incorporation fee rose from £50 to £100, as part of wider reforms. Despite the increase, the UK remains one of the most affordable and straightforward places in the world to form a company.
Why Did the Fee Increase?
The rise wasn’t about generating profit. Companies House operates on a cost-recovery basis, meaning its filing fees are intended to fund its statutory functions rather than generate a surplus. The increases are tied to expanded responsibilities under new legislation. These fee changes support expanded anti-fraud powers, identity verification, and compliance reforms introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
In other words, the higher fee helps fund stronger checks that improve the accuracy and trustworthiness of the public register, which ultimately benefits every legitimate business.
Other Companies House Fees to Be Aware Of
The incorporation fee is the main one when starting out, but there are a few other statutory fees worth knowing about:
- Same-day incorporation. For urgent registrations, the same-day digital service costs more than the standard option. The same-day digital service rose to £156.
- Paper incorporation. Registering by post is slower and more expensive than online. Paper incorporation went from £71 to £124, making digital the far more cost-effective route.
- Confirmation statement. Every active company must file this annually. The digital confirmation statement fee increased from £34 to £50.
- Voluntary strike-off. If you ever need to close a company, there’s some good news here. The voluntary strike off digital filing fee changed to £13, down from its previous level.
What’s the Difference Between the Companies House Fee and a Formation Agent’s Fee?
This is an important distinction. The Companies House fee is a fixed government charge that’s the same no matter how you register. A formation agent like Form My Company charges a separate service fee on top, which covers the convenience, expertise, and added extras we provide, such as a registered office address, digital documents, banking introductions, and ongoing support.
When you form your company with us, we make it crystal clear which part of your payment is the Companies House fee and which part is our service charge, so you always know exactly what you’re paying for.
How the Fee Fits Into Our Packages
Our formation packages are designed to give you genuine value on top of the statutory fee. Depending on the package you choose, you get the essentials and useful extras bundled together, including a UK limited company, digital incorporation documents, a registered office address option, banking introductions, and more. The £100 Companies House fee is applied transparently, so you can see precisely where your money goes.
Is UK Company Registration Still Good Value?
Yes. Even after the increase, the UK is one of the cheapest and easiest places in the world to start a company. Compared with many other countries, where formation can cost hundreds or even thousands, a £100 incorporation fee remains highly competitive, especially given the global credibility a UK company carries. For founders both in the UK and overseas, it’s still excellent value for setting up a trusted, recognised business.
Register Your UK Company Today
Understanding the Companies House registration fee is the first step toward budgeting for your new business. With Form My Company, you get transparent pricing, expert handling of your filing, and a smooth, fully online process from start to finish. Get started today and register your UK company with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Companies House registration fee in 2026?
The standard digital incorporation fee is £100 as of February 2026. This is the statutory fee paid to Companies House to officially register your company.
Why did the Companies House fee go up?
The fee doubled from £50 to £100 to help fund expanded anti-fraud powers, identity verification, and compliance reforms. Companies House operates on a cost-recovery basis rather than for profit.
Is the Companies House fee included in your packages?
We’re always transparent about the £100 Companies House fee, clearly separating it from our own service charge so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
How much is same-day company registration?
The same-day digital incorporation service costs £156, which is higher than the standard digital fee, reflecting the priority processing involved.
What is the confirmation statement fee?
Every active company must file an annual confirmation statement, and the digital fee for this is £50 as of February 2026. We can assist you with this filing.
Is it cheaper to register online or by paper?
Online (digital) registration is significantly cheaper at £100, compared with £124 for paper incorporation. Digital filing is also faster, which is why most founders choose it.
Does the registration fee differ for non-residents?
No. The Companies House incorporation fee is the same regardless of where the company owner lives. Non-residents pay the same £100 statutory fee as UK-based founders.
