Companies House Registration
Every UK company, no matter who owns it, must be registered with Companies House, the UK’s official registrar of companies. If you’re a non-resident wondering how to navigate this from abroad, the process is simpler than you might think. At Form My Company, we act on your behalf to handle Companies House registration for entrepreneurs in over 150 countries, so you can form a fully compliant UK company online without visiting the UK.
This guide explains what Companies House registration involves, what non-residents need, and how we take care of the filing for you.
What Is Companies House Registration?
Companies House is the government body responsible for incorporating and maintaining the official register of companies in the UK. Registering, or incorporating, your company with Companies House is what legally brings your business into existence. Once registered, your company receives a unique company registration number and a Certificate of Incorporation confirming it officially exists.
Companies House holds key information about every UK company on a public register, including the company name, registered office address, and details of directors and shareholders. This transparency is part of what makes UK companies so widely trusted.
Can Non-Residents Register with Companies House?
Yes. There are no nationality or residency restrictions on registering a company with Companies House. Non-residents can incorporate a UK company and own 100% of its shares from anywhere in the world. You do not need to be a UK citizen, hold a UK visa, or travel to the UK to complete registration.
The two practical essentials are a UK registered office address, which we provide, and completing identity verification to meet UK regulations. Beyond that, the registration process for a non-resident is much the same as for a UK-based founder.
Understanding Identity Verification at Companies House
UK rules require identity verification for those involved in setting up and running companies, as part of measures to improve transparency and reduce fraud. For non-residents, this means providing valid identity documents so your identity can be confirmed. We guide you through this step as part of our service, handling it remotely through our secure digital platform so you don’t have to worry about the technicalities.
What Non-Residents Need to Register with Companies House
To incorporate your UK company through Companies House, you’ll generally need:
- A unique company name
- At least one director and one shareholder, which can be the same person
- A UK registered office address, which we can provide
- Details of the company’s shares and shareholders
- A SIC code describing your business activity
- Proof of identity and address for verification, such as a passport and a recent utility bill
Because we manage the filing and can supply your UK address, much of this comes together easily within our process.
How We Handle Companies House Registration for You
As a formation specialist, we take the complexity out of registering with Companies House:
Step 1: Choose Your Company Name
Pick a unique name and we’ll instantly check its availability with Companies House.
Step 2: Provide Your Details
Share your company, director, and shareholder details, and complete identity verification online.
Step 3: We File with Companies House
We prepare and submit your incorporation application to Companies House on your behalf, helping avoid errors and delays.
Step 4: Receive Your Certificate
Once approved, you’ll receive your Certificate of Incorporation and company registration number, often within just a few hours.
What Information Appears on the Public Register?
When your company is registered, certain details become publicly viewable on the Companies House register, including your company name, registered office address, and the names of directors and shareholders. Many non-resident founders use our registered office and director’s service address in Bolton BL1 to meet this requirement while keeping their personal home address abroad off the public record.
Your Responsibilities After Registration
Registering with Companies House is just the beginning. Every UK company has ongoing filing obligations, including submitting an annual confirmation statement and filing accounts each year. As a non-resident, you can manage these obligations remotely, and we can assist with services such as confirmation statement filing to help you stay compliant. We always recommend working with a qualified accountant for tax and accounting matters specific to your situation.
Register Your UK Company with Companies House Today
Registering with Companies House as a non-resident doesn’t have to be daunting. With Form My Company, you get expert handling of your incorporation, a credible UK registered office address, identity verification support, and ongoing compliance assistance, all delivered online. Get started today and bring your UK business to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-resident register a company with Companies House?
Yes. There are no nationality or residency restrictions. Non-residents can register a UK company with Companies House and own up to 100% of the shares, entirely from abroad.
Do I need to visit the UK to register with Companies House?
No. The whole registration process is completed online and remotely. We file your incorporation with Companies House on your behalf, so there’s no need to travel.
Do I need a UK address for Companies House registration?
Yes. Every UK company must have a UK registered office address on the public register. We can provide a professional Bolton BL1 address as part of our service.
What is identity verification at Companies House?
UK rules require those setting up and running companies to verify their identity, as part of efforts to improve transparency and reduce fraud. We guide non-residents through this remotely as part of our process.
What will appear on the public register?
Details such as your company name, registered office address, and the names of directors and shareholders appear publicly. Using our address service helps keep your personal home address off the record.
How long does Companies House registration take?
In many cases your company can be incorporated within just a few hours of submitting your details and completing verification, with your Certificate of Incorporation delivered digitally.
What are my obligations after registering?
Every UK company must file an annual confirmation statement and accounts with Companies House. Non-residents can manage these remotely, and we can assist with filings to help you stay compliant.
