From start to finish, it usually takes up to 24 hours to set up a company if you do it online. In most cases, you can complete a company registration application in 5 to 10 minutes and register a ready-to-trade company within one day.
So, let’s briefly examine the information you need to set up a company, how long the company registration process takes, and how quickly Companies House approves online applications.
Key Takeaways
- Setting up a company online typically takes up to 24 hours. However, delays can occur if the company name is rejected, documents are missing, or if the application is submitted during non-working hours.
- Pre-checking the company name for availability can speed up the process.
- Rapid Formations’ company registration services make the process more efficient as we professionally compile and review applications before submission.
Information you need to register a company
To register a company, you must supply certain details on a company formation application form. The information required to set up a company is as follows:
- Company name
- Registered office address
- Business activity
- Directors’ details (minimum of 1)
- Shareholders’ details (minimum of 1)
- Company secretary’s details (optional)
- Details of people with significant control (PSCs)
The same individual can be a director, shareholder, secretary, and PSC – you don’t need different people for each role. Essentially, this means that you can form a company by yourself.
If you’re going into business with other people, the same individuals can assume more than one position in the company, or different people can take on different roles. It’s entirely up to you.
How long does it take to set up a company?
Setting up a company or registering a company doesn’t take long if you complete and file an online application form through Rapid Formations.
Generally, it only takes up to 24 hours from choosing a company name to getting your application approved at Companies House. However, occasionally, the approval process may take longer, especially during peak filing periods. It should be noted that Companies House is not open on weekends or bank holidays.
Complete our online application process in 10 minutes
If you have all the required information ready, you can complete our straightforward online application process in approximately 10 minutes.
Each section is easy to understand and navigate, with explanations provided along the way. But if you get stuck, our friendly team of company experts can assist you by telephone or live chat.
Companies House approval and registration
When you’ve completed your application, we will submit it to Companies House (the UK registrar of companies) for approval. As stated above, this will only take up to 24 hours.
It is worth considering purchasing our Pre-Submission Review service for £4.99 and having one of our company experts review your application for errors and omissions before we submit it to Companies House. This will greatly reduce the chance of your company being rejected at Companies House and avoid the need for re-submission.
When your company has been successfully registered, we will send you a confirmation email with digital copies of your company formation documents, including the certificate of incorporation.
You can then start trading through your new limited company whenever you want.
What are common causes of delay when registering a company?
One of the most common causes of delay when registering a company is rejecting the proposed company name. This typically happens if the name is too similar to an existing registered company.
Companies House has strict rules to prevent confusion between businesses, so even minor variations, such as adding “UK” or changing punctuation, may not be enough to make a name unique. Additionally, any words deemed offensive will be automatically rejected. If a name is not accepted, you must resubmit your application with a different name.
Another frequent issue is missing documentation. This causes Companies House to reject the application and request corrections before proceeding. The most common mistake is not supplying supporting evidence regarding authorisation to use a ‘sensitive word‘.
Timing can also be a factor, particularly around public holidays and weekends. Companies House only processes applications during working hours, so submissions made late on a Friday or before a bank holiday will not be reviewed until the next business day. This means that while many formations are approved within 24 hours, delays can occur if an application is submitted when Companies House are closed or about to close.
Tips to speed up the process of incorporating
One of the most effective ways to speed up the company formation process is to pre-check your company name before submitting your application using Rapid Formations’ company name checker. This allows you to see if your desired name is available or too similar to an existing registered company. Additionally, checking for sensitive words or potentially offensive terms in your chosen name can help prevent automatic rejection.
Another way to complete the process faster is to double-check all required documentation before submitting your application. Ensuring all director and shareholder details are correct, the registered office address is valid, and any necessary supporting statements are included will help prevent mistakes that could lead to rejection.
Rapid Formations’ company formation service will speed things up, as we can review applications for errors before submission if you purchase our Pre-Submission Review service.
Finally, submitting your application early in the day and avoiding weekends or public holidays can help ensure it is processed quickly.
Tasks after incorporation
After incorporating your company, several important tasks must be completed to ensure your business is fully operational and compliant.
1. Receive and store your company formation documents
Once your company is registered, you will receive a certificate of incorporation, confirming your company’s legal existence. If you register your company with Rapid Formations, you will also receive your company registers with first entries, which you should ensure are stored and updated when changes take place to your company.
2. Set up a business bank account
To keep your personal and business finances separate, you’ll need to open a business bank account. Most banks will require your certificate of incorporation, proof of identity, and details of directors and shareholders.
3. Register for taxes (including VAT and PAYE, if applicable)
Your company will be automatically registered for Corporation Tax, but you must inform HMRC when your business starts trading. If your annual taxable turnover is expected to exceed £90,000, you must also register for VAT. Rapid Formations can prepare this application for you.
Additionally, if you plan to hire employees, you must register for PAYE (Pay As You Earn) to handle income tax and National Insurance contributions.
4. Set up accounting and bookkeeping processes
Keeping accurate financial records is essential for managing your business and complying with tax regulations. Consider using accounting software or hiring an accountant to help with bookkeeping, tax, and financial planning.
5. Check if you need business insurance
Depending on your business type, you may need insurance. Employers’ liability insurance is legally required if you have employees, while public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance can protect against claims from customers or members of the public.
6. Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations
You may need specific licenses or permits if your business operates in a regulated industry (e.g., financial services, food, or healthcare). You must also keep your company details up to date with Companies House and file an annual confirmation statement. Rapid Formations can do this for you.
7. Build your company’s online presence
Secure a domain name, set up a professional email address, and create a website to establish your brand online. Registering your business on social media and creating a Google Business Profile will make it easier for customers to find you. Rapid Formations customers receive a free domain name when registering a company using our services.
8. Organise your contracts and policies
Drafting contracts for employees, suppliers, and clients helps protect your business. You may also need to create internal policies, such as data protection and workplace policies, to comply with GDPR and employment laws.
So there you have it…
We’ve outlined the information required to register a company and explained how long the company formation process takes, including Companies House processing time.
If you are ready to register a limited company, check out Rapid Formations’ homepage. There, you can start by checking if your company name is available.
Please note that the information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. While our aim is that the content is accurate and up to date, it should not be relied upon as a substitute for tailored advice from qualified professionals. We strongly recommend that you seek independent legal and tax advice specific to your circumstances before acting on any information contained in this article. We accept no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage that may result from your reliance on the information provided in this article. Use of the information contained in this article is entirely at your own risk.
