How much does it cost to set up a limited company?

In order to set up a company in the UK, the business will need to be incorporated and registered with Companies House and this carries a charge.

To set up such a private limited company you will need to:

• Decide on a company name
• Choose your registered office address
• Identify members, officers and Persons of Significant Control (PSC)
• Create your Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association
• Determine your share structures (where relevant)
• Choose a SIC code (or codes) 
• Make your application

The cost to set up a company depends on how you decide to set your company up. For example, if you choose to complete the formation process yourself, the cost will simply be the application fees. If you choose to use: 

• Web services, the cost is £12;
• Paper filing, the cost is £40 (see Welsh exception of £20);
• Electronic software filing is £10.

You can also choose a same day service which carries a slightly higher fee.

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Aside from the application process itself, you will also have other costs when setting up a company. For example, you will need a physical address for your offices (carrying the costs of rent and bills). These costs can add up and in this case you might want to consider using a company formation agent or use some of their services, such as virtual offices, in order to save costs.

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Learn more about how to incorporate a company.

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