Company formation services help founders legally register a company quickly and correctly. This guide explains how to choose the right UK provider, what packages include, costs to expect, and post-formation support for London startups and non-resident founders.
TL;DR
Use a reputable agent for fast, compliant limited company registration with optional registered office and banking help.
Top agents now offer same-day formation and virtual London addresses.
Compare speed, compliance, privacy, and banking integration before you buy.
Why use company formation services
The best company formation services in UK remove paperwork and speed up registration. They register your limited company at Companies House and supply documents like the articles of association.
Fact: A formation agent can cut mistakes that delay incorporation and help with a Central London address. This reduces time to trade and lowers compliance risk.
Choosing a provider
Choose a provider based on speed, compliance support, and long-term services. Compare what each agent includes and how they handle director privacy and non-resident clients.
Tip: Look for verified reviews, clear pricing, and banking introductions when comparing agents.
What to compare
Compare formation speed, registered office options, and inclusion of statutory paperwork. Check whether VAT, payroll, and company secretarial services are available.
Example: Some packages include same-day filing and a London virtual office, while others only file basic registration.
Questions to ask
Ask if the provider handles Companies House filings, offers a registered address, and supports non-resident directors. Confirm any fees for bank introductions and annual compliance.
Important: Ask how they protect director contact details and whether they provide privacy solutions.
Typical package contents
Most packages include registration with Companies House, incorporation documents, and a Companies House filing. Many also offer a registered office address and digital document delivery.
Common add-ons: VAT registration, payroll setup, company secretarial support, and bank introduction services. Providers like Interface Accountants list these extras on their company formation services page.
Location & privacy
Location affects credibility and compliance. A London registered office gives a professional image and helps with local banking and client trust.
Privacy note: Director names and some addresses are public on Companies House. You can use a registered office or nominee services to reduce public exposure. See the official Companies House guidance on registering a company for details: register your company (gov.uk).
Costs & value
Formation fees range from low-cost online packages to premium same-day services. Expect a base fee for filing plus optional fees for addresses, rapid filing, and banking introductions.
Stat: As of 2025, top UK agents typically deliver same-day formation, with average premium times at 6–24 hours.
Watch for hidden charges like annual registered address fees and company secretarial renewals.
Why Hire a Professional Formation Service
UK company formation services handle all the paperwork, register your business with Companies House, and provide essential documents like articles of association. They reduce errors, speed up the incorporation process, and can offer a Central London address to help you start trading faster.
How to Pick the Right Agent
Look for providers that offer quick registration, compliance support, and ongoing services. Check how they protect director privacy, support non-residents, and assist with banking. Reading verified reviews and comparing clear pricing will help you make an informed choice.
Features to Evaluate
Consider registration speed, registered office options, and included statutory paperwork. Some services provide additional benefits such as VAT registration, payroll setup, or company secretarial support. Premium packages may offer same-day filing or a virtual London office.
Questions to Clarify Before Signing
Ask whether the provider manages Companies House filings, offers a registered address, and supports non-resident directors. Confirm any extra fees and how they safeguard sensitive director information.
What’s Typically Included
Standard packages usually include company registration, incorporation documents, and digital delivery. Optional add-ons often cover VAT registration, payroll, secretarial support, and bank introductions.
Post-formation support
Strong agents offer ongoing compliance, VAT and payroll registration, and bookkeeping. They can file confirmation statements and annual accounts, reducing compliance risk.
Benefit: A single provider handling formation plus accounting simplifies ongoing administration and keeps deadlines under control.
Interface Accountants provides formation plus registered address and accounting support across London and nearby towns, which helps early-stage founders.
Summary
Company formation services simplify registering a limited company, especially for London startups and non-residents. Compare speed, privacy, and long-term support before choosing a provider. For tailored formation plus accounting and a London-qualified registered address, see Interface Accountants’ company formation services.
FAQs
Can non-UK residents form a UK company?
Yes. Non-residents can form a UK limited company but must provide a UK registered office and comply with Companies House rules.
What does a registered office do?
A registered office receives official mail and appears on public registers; it can be a virtual address service.
Is same-day formation worth the extra cost?
For trading fast or securing contracts, same-day is often worth it. For low urgency, standard options save money.
How much does company formation cost in the UK?
Costs vary widely; expect a small filing fee plus agent charges and optional address or compliance fees.
Can formation agents help with business banking?
Many agents offer bank introductions or documentation help to speed up account opening.
