How to register a UK business: a step-by-step guide

Business finance · 21 April 2025Team Revolut

Starting a business in the UK is an exciting opportunity — whether you’re a local entrepreneur, or an international founder eyeing the UK’s dynamic market. It's a great choice for new ventures, with a straightforward registration process, a business-friendly environment, and access to global trade hubs. It's no surprise nearly 900,000 new companies were registered in the UK in 2024 alone, according to Companies House. So, what's the catch? Getting started means navigating a few key steps, from choosing your business structure to setting up your finances.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to register a UK business, step by step. We’ll cover everything you need to know — from legal requirements to practical tips — to make sure you’re ready to start your business with confidence.

We'll also show you how Revolut Business can help you manage your money smoothly as you grow, whether you're doing business locally or looking to expand to other countries. With our all-in-one business account, you'll be ready. Let’s get started.

Please note: This guide is intended for informational purposes only. Each business has its own specific needs, which may vary. We recommend consulting a legal professional to ensure your business registration meets your businesses requirements.

Step 1: choose your business structure

Your business structure affects taxes, liability, registration requirements, and how you manage your finances. If you're not sure where to start, here's an overview of the most common structures in the UK:

  • Sole trader: simple to set up with low admin requirements, often suited for freelancers or small-scale operations. You’re personally liable for all business debts, meaning your personal assets are at risk. You’ll need to register for Self-Assessment with HMRC and pay income tax on profits

  • Partnership: usually for 2 or more people who want to share profits, losses, and responsibilities. You’re jointly liable for debts (unless it’s a limited partnership​ — see below). Register as a partnership with HMRC for tax purposes, and consider a partnership agreement to outline roles and profit splits

  • Limited company (private limited company, Ltd): a separate legal entity, which means your personal liability is limited to the amount you’ve invested. It’s a popular choice for businesses seeking credibility and potential tax benefits, but it involves more admin, like filing annual accounts with Companies House (who you'll need to register with). Most of this guide focuses on this structure

  • Limited liability partnership (LLP): combines elements of a partnership and a limited company. Partners have limited liability, protecting personal assets, but you’ll need to register with Companies House and file annual accounts. Often used by professionals like accountants or lawyers

  • Public limited company (PLC): a company that can sell shares to the public, typically for larger businesses. It has stricter regulations, such as a minimum share capital of £50,000, and must also register with Companies House. Suitable if you plan to raise significant capital or list on a stock exchange

  • Overseas company: if you already have a business in another country (e.g. a US LLC or Singapore company) and want to establish a physical presence in the UK, like a branch office, you can register it as an overseas company with Companies House. This involves submitting form OS IN01 and paying a £71 fee. More details are available on the Companies House website

Considerations: a limited company may offer credibility and tax efficiency — but it means more administrative effort. Sole traders and partnerships are simpler, but come with unlimited liability. For more guidance, explore HMRC’s set-up guide.

Revolut Business provides accounts for different types of businesses, including Limited Companies,Limited Liability Partnerships, and others. These accounts may help you manage your money as you start your business. Fees and T&Cs apply.

Step 2: pick a business name

Your name is your brand — choose wisely.

  • Rules: it must be unique (check the name availability tool at Companies House), avoid offensive terms, and not imply government affiliation (like 'Royal').

  • Trademark check: search the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to ensure your name isn’t trademarked.

  • Considerations: secure a matching domain name for your website to establish an online presence early.

Step 3: register with Companies House

For a limited company or limited partnership, registering with Companies House is the next key step. Sole Traders and non-limited partnerships don't need to register with Companies House, but they do need to register with HMRC for tax purposes.

  • What you need to register:

    • A business name and registered office address in the UK (a PO box won’t do)

    • At least one director (no residency requirement​ — you can be based abroad)

    • Details of shareholders and their shares (if applicable)

    • Your Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code, which describes your business activity (here's how to find yours)

  • How to register:

    • Online: use Companies House’s online service (£50 fee, 24-hour processing)

    • By post: submit form IN01 (£71 fee, slower processing)

  • What you get: a Certificate of Incorporation, confirming your company’s legal existence, and a unique Company Registration Number (CRN)

  • Considerations: you could appoint a company secretary to handle admin tasks like filing annual returns

Step 4: register for taxes with HMRC

Your UK business must comply with tax obligations.

  • Corporation Tax: limited companies must register for Corporation Tax within 3 months of starting operations. Use HMRC’s online portal to start. Your business might also be registered for Corporation Tax when you register with Companies House

  • VAT: if your taxable turnover is over £85,000 annually, register for VAT (Value Added Tax). You can also register voluntarily to reclaim VAT on expenses

  • PAYE: if you hire employees, register for Pay As You Earn (PAYE) to manage payroll taxes

  • Considerations: keep digital records​. Some accounting tools integrate with HMRC for seamless tax filing

Please note: companies should seek independent tax advice, and tax depends on individual circumstances.

Step 5: Open a UK business account

A dedicated business account keeps your finances organised and professional.

  • Why it matters: mixing personal and business funds can make taxes and audits more difficult
  • Requirements: you’ll need your CRN, proof of ID, proof of your business' activity, and your registered office address. Some business account providers require a UK address
  • Start fast with Revolut Business: open a UK-based account quickly, even if you’re managing from abroad. Hold funds in GBP, manage expenses, and pay suppliers with ease​ — no local address needed. Fees and T&Cs apply.
  • Considerations: compare fees​ — check the rates for international transactions, domestic transfers, currency exchange and subscription fees if applicable.

You can see some of the available options from UK Fintechs in our business account comparison. This isn't a complete list and we're not recommending any of these over others. It's important that you do your own research to find the best product for your business.

Step 6: understand your ongoing responsibilities

Registration is just the beginning — there are a few other things to tick off your list to stay compliant and avoid penalties.

  • Annual filings: submit a Confirmation Statement (£34 online or £62 by post) and annual accounts to Companies House

  • Tax returns: file Corporation Tax returns yearly with HMRC

  • Insurance: you'll need Employers’ Liability Insurance if you have any employees, and Public Liability Insurance for added protection

  • Considerations: use a calendar to track deadlines​ — Companies House and HMRC send reminders, but it’s your responsibility to stay on top of it all

Step 7: plan for growth — locally and globally

With your UK business registered, it’s time to move on to the next stage of your plan.

  • Local growth: build a website, network at UK events, and tap into government support like the British Business Bank

  • International expansion: if you’re eyeing global markets, you might want to explore setting up entities in places like the US or Singapore. This can be quite complex, so make sure it's the right move for your business before starting. Revolut Business’s multi-currency accounts can help you with international payments​ — as you can hold USD, EUR, and more. Fees and T&Cs apply.

  • Pro tip: start small​ — test your product or service in the UK before scaling abroad

How Revolut Business can help

Running a UK business means managing finances efficiently — and it's exactly what Revolut Business was designed to help you do.

  • Open a UK-based account quickly and easily — we review most applications in under 24 hours

  • Manage multiple currencies. Hold and pay in over 25 currencies​ — perfect if you’re sourcing from abroad or expanding internationally

  • Track expenses. Monitor spending with real-time insights, ideal for startups where you're watching your cashflow

Ready to launch your UK business? Sign up for Revolut Business and simplify your financial setup today. Fees & T&Cs apply

Join Revolut Business

Start quickly, armed with know-how

Registering a UK business is a straightforward process that opens doors to growth and opportunity. By choosing the right structure, registering with Companies House, staying tax-compliant, and setting up your finances, you’re laying a strong foundation for success. Revolut Business helps you take things further, offering tools to manage your money — whether you’re selling in London or expanding internationally.

Quick-start checklist:

  1. Pick your business structure
  2. Register with Companies House if required
  3. Set up tax accounts with HMRC
  4. Open a business account to handle your finances
  5. Plan for growth and staying compliant

Stay tuned for more guides on scaling your UK business, both at home and abroad. For now, take the first step with Revolut Business as your partner.

Frequently asked questions

Who can register a UK business?

Anyone over 16 can register a UK business, including non-UK residents. For a limited company, you’ll need at least one director (no residency requirement) and a UK-registered office address. International founders can use a local agent’s address if needed.

How much does it cost to register a UK business?

Registering a limited company with Companies House costs £50 online or £71 by post. Sole traders register for free with HMRC via Self-Assessment. Budget for additional costs like accounting software or legal advice.

How long does it take to register a UK business?

Online registration with Companies House typically takes 24 hours. Postal registration can take 8–10 days. Tax registration with HMRC (e.g., Corporation Tax) can take a few days once you apply.

Do I need a UK address to register a business?

Yes, you need a UK registered office address for a limited company​ — it’s where official post and letters are sent. If you’re abroad, you can use a virtual office or agent’s address. Revolut Business accounts don’t require your directors to have a UK address, which may help international business owners.

What taxes do I need to register for as a UK business?

Limited companies must register for Corporation Tax within 3 months of starting. If your turnover exceeds £85,000, register for VAT. If you hire employees, sign up for PAYE to handle payroll taxes.

Can I register a UK business if I live abroad?

Yes, non-UK residents can register a UK business. You’ll need a UK registered office address and must comply with HMRC tax rules.

What are my responsibilities after registering a UK business?

You’ll need to file a Confirmation Statement and annual accounts with Companies House, submit Corporation Tax returns to HMRC, and keep accurate records. If you have employees, Employers’ Liability Insurance is mandatory.


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