Company formation services help entrepreneurs and business owners register a company quickly and compliantly. This article explains UK and London options, timelines, costs, and the extras you should expect when choosing a formation provider.
TL;DR
Use a reputable company formation service in UK to save time and avoid mistakes; expect Companies House fees of around £50 from 2025 and same‑day packages from many agents.
Registered office, VAT and PAYE setup, and compliance support are common package add‑ons.
For London or Hemel Hempstead addresses, choose a local provider for prestige and mail handling.
What are company formation services?
Company formation services register a company and provide post‑registration support. They file incorporation documents with Companies House, supply statutory records, and set up a registered office.
Example: a freelancer uses a formation package that creates a limited company, issues the certificate of incorporation, and sets up a London registered address.
How long does it take to form a company in the UK?
Times range from a few hours to several days depending on the package. Many agents offer fast options that file within 2–6 hours, while standard services can take 24–72 hours.
Fact: Companies House online processing and agent speed determine final time. Expect same‑day results with premium packages.
What documents do I receive after registration?
You receive a certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, and a share certificate pack. Providers often include a company registers PDF and a welcome pack with tax setup guidance.
Keep these documents safe; banks and HMRC require them for account opening and tax registration.
Top providers and pricing in the UK and London
Pricing varies by speed, features, and added services. Agents moved to cover the Companies House fee increase to £50 in 2025, so expect package prices to reflect that change.
Many low‑cost providers offer basic formation from under £30 plus the statutory fee, while full packages with registered office and filing support often fall between £80 and £200.
Interface Accountants' company formation services provide tailored packages and registered address options for London clients. For official formation rules and fees, see Companies House guidance.
Service features and common add‑ons
Most packages include the legal documents and Companies House filing. Common add‑ons include a registered office, mail forwarding, VAT registration, PAYE setup, and company secretarial services.
Privacy option: nominee director or shareholder services exist but require careful legal review for compliance and transparency.
Location matters: London, Hemel Hempstead and nearby
A London registered office can help a business appear established and attract clients. Hemel Hempstead providers serve commuters and local startups with lower fees and fast support.
Choose a provider near your business for easier meetings and local compliance advice. Interface Accountants serves London and surrounding towns, offering physical addresses and tailored support.
International formation and offshore options
Providers also form companies in jurisdictions such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Ireland, Netherlands, Dubai, and the Isle of Man. Services differ by local law, tax reporting, and resident director requirements.
Non‑UK residents often need a registered UK address and may use nominee services for local representation. Check local rules and tax consequences before proceeding.
How to choose the right company formation service
Pick a provider with clear pricing, fast turnaround, and post‑formation support. Look for transparent inclusions like registered offices, statutory registers, and VAT/PAYE setup.
Tip: read independent reviews, confirm Companies House filing times, and ask about hidden charges for certified copies or mail handling.
Summary
Use a reputable company formation service to reduce paperwork, speed up incorporation, and get compliance support. For London or Hemel Hempstead addresses and ongoing accounting, Interface Accountants provides tailored packages and hands‑on guidance. For official rules and fees, consult Companies House guidance.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in a typical formation package?
Most packages include incorporation filing, a certificate of incorporation, and statutory documents; premium plans add a registered address and compliance services.
How much does company formation cost in the UK?
Expect total costs from about £60 for a basic package to £200+ for full service; Companies House fee is around £50 as of 2025.
Can non‑residents form a UK company?
Yes. Non‑residents can open a UK limited company using a UK registered address and, when needed, nominee services for local representation.
Do formation agents handle VAT and PAYE registration?
Many agents offer VAT and PAYE setup as add‑ons or as part of premium packages to simplify early compliance tasks.
Are there hidden fees in formation packages?
Some providers charge for mail forwarding, certified copies, and additional filings; confirm all fees before purchase.
