Guidance

Incorporation and names

Sets out the main requirements for incorporating a company in the UK.

Published 1 June 2013
Last updated 23 December 2019 — see all updates
From:
Companies House

Documents

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.

Published 1 June 2013
Last updated 23 December 2019 + show all updates

  1. Removed duplicate sensitive words from Annex B: CSV file

  2. Guidance added to set up a CIC online.

  3. Guidance on the use of Friendly Society updated.

  4. Guidance on use of 'chartered surveyor' updated.

  5. Added home address warning and link to guidance on public information.

  6. Sensitive words annexes uploaded as CSV files.

  7. Amendment to polytechnic and university

  8. Amendment to email contact for approval for the sensitive words Accredit / Accreditation / Accredited / Accrediting

  9. Text added to guidance about who can incorporate.

  10. Annexes A to C updated.

  11. Foundation section updated.

  12. Welsh HTML added.

  13. Annexes A, B and C converted to HTML.

  14. English HTML version added. Annexes seperated.

  15. Version 6.1 uploaded. Minor amendment to include link to PSC guidance.

  16. New version relating to changes brought in by the The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act.

  17. Version 5.5

  18. Latest version of the guidance uploaded (v5.4)

  19. Welsh booklet added to Welsh translation

  20. Version 5.2 replaced with Version 5.3

  21. Welsh translation added

  22. Version 5.2 added

  23. Welsh translation added

  24. First published.

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