Guidance

Incorporation and names

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

Published 1 June 2013
Last updated 16 August 2019 — see all updates

• From: Companies House

Documents

Incorporation and names

HTML

Annex A: Sensitive words and expressions specified in regulations that require the prior approval of the Secretary of State to use in a company or business name

HTML

Annex B: Words and expressions which, when used in a company or business name, could imply a connection with a government department, a devolved administration or a local or specified public authority

HTML

Annex C: Other regulated words and expressions

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Annex A: CSV file

View online Download CSV 2.76KB

Annex B: CSV file

View online Download CSV 1.01KB

Annex C: CSV file

View online Download CSV 2.06KB

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 16 August 2019 + show all updates

1. 16 August 2019 Guidance on the use of Friendly Society updated.
2. 14 August 2019 Guidance on use of 'chartered surveyor' updated.
3. 4 June 2019 Added home address warning and link to guidance on public information.
4. 8 March 2019 Sensitive words annexes uploaded as CSV files.
5. 9 August 2018 Amendment to polytechnic and university
6. 25 May 2018 Amendment to email contact for approval for the sensitive words Accredit / Accreditation / Accredited / Accrediting
7. 8 March 2018 Text added to guidance about who can incorporate.
8. 1 November 2017 Annexes A to C updated.
9. 28 April 2017 Foundation section updated.
10. 3 February 2017 Welsh HTML added.
11. 12 January 2017 Annexes A, B and C converted to HTML.
12. 2 December 2016 English HTML version added. Annexes seperated.
13. 27 July 2016 Version 6.1 uploaded. Minor amendment to include link to PSC guidance.
14. 30 June 2016 New version relating to changes brought in by the The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act.
15. 16 March 2016 Version 5.5
16. 27 March 2015 Latest version of the guidance uploaded (v5.4)
17. 5 February 2015 Welsh booklet added to Welsh translation
18. 2 February 2015 Version 5.2 replaced with Version 5.3
19. 6 January 2015 Welsh translation added
20. 29 December 2014 Version 5.2 added
21. 27 November 2014 Welsh translation added
22. 1 June 2013 First published.