A UK Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is a hybrid business structure that combines the flexibility of a partnership with the limited liability protection of a company. To register an LLP at Companies House, you must meet specific legal requirements and submit the correct documents and information.www+2
Below is a complete, up‑to‑date checklist (2025–26) tailored for a help‑centre article on Form My Company, written in British English and structured with clear headings, paragraphs, and bullet points.rocketlawyer+1
Choose and check your LLP name
Your LLP must have a unique name that is not already on the Companies House register and does not infringe existing trademarks.vjmglobal+1
The name must end with “Limited Liability Partnership” or the abbreviation “LLP”.
It must not contain sensitive or restricted words unless you have permission (e.g., “Royal”, “Bank”, “Authority”).
Run a name availability check on the Companies House register before applying.
Have at least two members (partners)
An LLP must have a minimum of two members. These can be individuals or corporate bodies.
At least two members must be designated members, who take legal responsibility for compliance and filings.
There is no requirement for members to be UK residents, but the LLP must be registered in England & Wales, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
Prepare details of People with Significant Control (PSC)
LLPs must identify and report their People with Significant Control (PSCs) to Companies House.
A PSC is typically someone who:
Holds more than 25% of the voting rights or capital, or
Has the right to appoint or remove a majority of the designated members, or
Otherwise exercises significant influence or control.
You will need to provide:
Full name
Date of birth
Nationality
Service address (and usual residential address, kept private)
Nature of control (e.g., “more than 25% of voting rights”)gov+1
If there are no PSCs, you must include a statement confirming this.
Provide a UK registered office address
Every LLP must have a physical registered office address in the same country where it is incorporated (England & Wales, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland).companyroute+1
This address will appear on the public register.
It must be a real address (not a PO Box) where official documents can be delivered.
Many formation agents, including Form My Company, offer registered office services if you prefer not to use your home or business address.
Complete and submit Form LL IN01
To incorporate, you must file an “Application to register a limited liability partnership” (Form LL IN01) with Companies House.
The form requires:
LLP name
Registered office address and country of registration
Registered email address
Details of all proposed members and which are designated members
PSC information (or a “no PSC” statement)
A statement of compliance
Confirmation that at least two persons are subscribing to carry on a lawful business with a view to profit.
You can file:
Online (faster and cheaper)
By post (slower and higher fee)simplybusiness.
Verify identity of members and PSCs (new requirement)
Under reforms introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, all individual members and individual PSCs must verify their identity with Companies House.legislation.gov+2
This requirement applies from 18 November 2025 onwards.
Verification can be done directly via Companies House or through an authorised agent.
You will need to provide personal information such as passport details, address history, and other identity data.
Pay the Companies House registration fee
There is a government fee for incorporating an LLP.simplybusiness.
Online registration: typically around £50
Postal registration: typically around £71
Fees may be higher if you use a formation agent or solicitor.simplybusiness.
(Form My Company’s packages include the government fee and handle the filing on your behalf.)
Create an LLP agreement (strongly recommended)
Although not legally required to be filed, an LLP agreement is essential for setting out how the partnership will run.
Without a written agreement, the default rules in the Limited Liability Partnerships Regulations 2001 apply, which may not suit your business.
A good LLP agreement covers:
Capital contributions by each member
Profit and loss sharing ratios
Roles and responsibilities of designated members
Decision‑making processes
Admission and exit of members
Dispute resolution mechanisms
What happens on dissolution or insolvencycompanyroute+2
This is a private document and is not sent to Companies House.
Register for taxes with HMRC
After incorporation, you must register your LLP with HMRC for tax purposes.
The LLP itself does not pay corporation tax; instead, profits are taxed on the members via Self Assessment.vjmglobal+1
You may also need to register for:
VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds the VAT threshold
PAYE if you employ staff
Use HMRC’s online services to register for Self Assessment and any other relevant taxes.
Consider a business bank account
While not a strict legal requirement, a separate business bank account is strongly recommended to:
Keep personal and business finances separate
Simplify bookkeeping and tax reporting
Build credibility with clients and suppliers.
Many banks require your Certificate of Incorporation and LLP agreement to open an account.
Check if your business needs a licence
Some business activities require a specific licence or permission (e.g., financial services, childcare, alcohol sales).
Use the UK Government’s Licence Finder tool to check what applies to your LLP:
https://www.gov.uk/licence-finderOperating without a required licence can lead to fines or enforcement action.
Ongoing compliance obligations
Once your LLP is formed, designated members must ensure ongoing compliance, including:
Filing an Annual Confirmation Statement with Companies House
Submitting annual accounts (even if dormant)
Keeping PSC and member details up to date
Notifying Companies House of any changes (e.g., address, members, PSCs)rapidformations+1
Failure to comply can result in penalties and the LLP being struck off the register.
How Form My Company can help
Form My Company streamlines the entire LLP formation process:
Name availability checks and advice on compliant naming
Preparation and submission of Form LL IN01
Guidance on PSC reporting and identity verification
Optional registered office address service
Support with LLP agreement drafting (via partner templates or referrals)
Post‑incorporation reminders for HMRC registration and ongoing filings
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in the UK?
A Limited Liability Partnership is a UK business structure that gives its members limited liability while allowing the business to operate with partnership-style flexibility. An LLP is a separate legal entity, so it can enter contracts, own assets and continue operating independently of its members. Form My Company can assist with the LLP formation process and Companies House registration requirements.
How many members are required to form an LLP in the UK?
A UK Limited Liability Partnership must have at least two members at all times. It must also have at least two designated members, who are responsible for statutory duties such as filing accounts, confirmation statements and updates with Companies House.
Do I need a UK address to register a Limited Liability Partnership?
Yes, every LLP needs a physical registered office address in the UK jurisdiction where it is incorporated: England and Wales, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. This address receives official correspondence from Companies House and HMRC and is displayed on the public register.
Do LLP members need to verify their identity with Companies House?
Yes, individual LLP members must complete identity verification before acting as members under the updated Companies House requirements. This is designed to improve the accuracy of UK company information and prevent misuse of LLP structures.
Is an LLP agreement legally required in the UK?
A written LLP agreement is not generally required when registering a Limited Liability Partnership with Companies House, but it is strongly recommended. It should clearly set out profit sharing, member responsibilities, decision-making, capital contributions and procedures for a member leaving the LLP. Form My Company can help you understand the information needed before forming your LLP.
