How Long Does it Take to Register a New Company?

Ryan Patrick

• 5 min read
How Long Does it Take to Register a New Company?

Many first-time businesses wonder how long it takes to register a new company. Some think it might take days or weeks. However, they are surprised when they learn that they can register a company online and start trading on the same day.

This blog takes you on a tour of everything you need to know about how long it takes to register a company, including the information you need during company formation and how long it takes companies to approve the online application.

The Quickest Way to Register a Company

The quickest way you will register a company is if you complete your application via a reputable company formation agent. Many of them are affordable and will save you the headache of applying, especially if you're a first-time company owner or outside the UK.

How Long Does it Take to Register a New Company?

How long will it take to register a company in the UK, depending on your preferred method? Here are ways you can register your company:

1. Online

If you already have a company name, gather the necessary details and complete the online company registration applications. Mind you, the process only takes a few minutes. You need to submit the registration form online, which Companies House will review and approve. Many applications are processed in a few hours, between three and six hours; however, in other instances, it may take longer if Companies House has a heavy workload.

If you want the process to take less time, avoid Mondays since it's the busiest day of the week for the Companies House. Additionally, if you submit your applications on Friday afternoon, it may not be processed until Monday. So, the best days to file your application are Tuesday to Thursday before noon to ensure your application is approved on the same day.

2. By post

This is the slowest and most expensive way to register a company. You must fill out some forms and send them to Companies House by post with a registration fee cheque. The postal company formation can take 8–10 days. Then, after your company is registered, you will receive your certificate of incorporation by post.

3. In-person

This process is also the quickest yet most costly method to register a company in the UK. You need to visit the Companies House office to submit the forms and incorporation fee. Even if you deliver your in-person registration by 3 pm, you can still complete the process the same day. You will receive a certificate of incorporation by email or post.

Information Needed when Registering a Company

When forming a company, you must provide the following information on the company formation application form:

  • Business name: be careful when choosing the business name because you won't change it after registration. Start by checking if the name is unique or is already registered. Also, ensure the name complies with the naming rules of a company name in the UK.
  • Business activity
  • Registered office address
  • Directors' information (minimum of 1)
  • Shareholders information (at least 1)
  • Company secretary information (optional)
  • People with significant control details
  • Prepare required documents: there are some documents you must prepare, such as articles of association, forms 10 and 12 and memorandum of association.
  • File the documents with the Companies Registrar: after compiling all the documents, file them with Companies House via post or online.
  • Prepare filing fee: registering a company in the UK is £100.
  • Wait for a certificate of incorporation: after Companies House approves your application, you will receive a certificate of incorporation.

Remember, the person who is a director can be a shareholder, a person with significant control, and a secretary. This means you don't need people to take each role; you can register with the company alone.

How do I Know My Registration is Approved?

If you register your company through Incorpuk, we'll contact you by email once Companies House approves the application.

However, if you registered your company through Companies House, you will receive a post or email depending on whether you sent your application online or by post. It may take up to 10 days.

How to Deal with Potential Delays

Although the standard timeline for online company registration is 24 hours, there are cases where it could take longer. You should know errors such as missing documents or incorrect information in your application can cause delays. Another reason is if your business name is similar to an existing company or contains sensitive words. This may cause Companies House to conduct additional checks, resulting in an extended process.

How do You Ensure a Smooth Registration?

For a seamless registration process, review all your documents for correctness. If uncertain about legal requirements, seek professional guidance. Monitor your application's status via the Companies House site and be ready to address any queries or requests for more information promptly.

Post-registration Considerations

After registering your company, you need to attend to numerous post-registration responsibilities. Your responsibilities include:

  • Opening company bank account
  • Registering for taxes
  • Maintaining accurate records

It is also essential to understand your role as director and comply with your legal responsibilities.

Once you set up your company, ensure you adhere to legal and financial responsibilities. This involves knowing your tax obligations and UK corporate laws and keeping financial records. As a company owner and director, ensure the company complies with legal obligations such as filing annual returns and filing financial statements with the company's registrar.

Compliance with Tax Obligations

Staying compliant with tax obligations is vital for every company. If your company's revenue surpasses the present VAT threshold, it's essential to register for Corporation Tax and VAT. Additionally, if you have employees, you must handle PAYE obligations. Neglecting tax responsibilities could result in fines and legal issues.

This article will help you learn how to file taxes  for UK company correctly.

Effective Record Keeping

Effective record-keeping is a legal requirement and a cornerstone of successful company management. Keep your company transaction records, shareholder decisions, and director meeting details up to date. The record will help during the preparation of tax returns and financial statements. They are also important during legal scrutiny or an audit.

Form Your Company with Incorpuk Today

At Incorpuk, we will help you through the company formation process and file your confirmation statements to help your business stay compliant. Whether you're a UK resident or a non-UK resident, our team is ready to provide guidance and help you establish your company in the UK. Contact us here today.

Winding Up

Registering a company in the UK is not as complicated as it may seem, and you can do it quickly. The time frame may vary based on your time and day of application. If you apply on Friday afternoons or Mondays, your registration may take long hours, but it takes between three and six hours on a normal day. So, if you have all the requirements ready, the application will be straightforward, and you can start trading on the same registration day.