In the UK, you only require one person to register a limited company. Whilst the application requests details of at least one member and one director, it is commonplace for the same individual to hold both positions. This means that you can register a limited company on your own.
This is very beneficial for small business owners who want to run a company alone, whether indefinitely or just while the business gets off the ground. The flexibility of a limited company structure means that you can bring in additional directors and/or members at any time after company formation.
Who can register a limited company?
Almost anyone can register a limited company in the UK as long as they are:
- at least 16 years old
- not an undischarged bankrupt
- not a disqualified director
Furthermore, there is no need to reside in the UK to register a company here.
Company registration requirements
In addition to having at least one director and member (shareholder or guarantor), Companies House requires that all limited companies provide a registered office address. This will be the official address of your new company. It must be in the same UK jurisdiction where your company is incorporated – i.e., England & Wales, Wales only, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
You will receive all statutory mail from Companies House and HMRC at your registered office. These address details will be placed on public record, and you must make your statutory company records available for public inspection at this location.
The easiest way to register a company limited by shares or guarantee is to complete an online application through an authorised company formation agent like Rapid Formations. The following details will be required:
- Company name
- Registered office address
- SAIL Address (if applicable)
- Nature of business activities to be conducted (you will indicate this by selecting up to four SIC codes).
- Details of all directors, including a service address
- Details of all members, including a service address
- Details of issued shares (if applicable)
- Information on the company’s People with Significant Control (PSCs)
Your application will be reviewed by one of our specialist agents and submitted to Companies House via secure Software Filing. In most cases, applications are approved within 24 hours, and you will be able to start trading immediately thereafter.
Our company registration services
Rapid Formations provides a selection of online company registration packages for companies limited by shares and tailor-made packages for companies limited by guarantee and non-UK residents.
If you are ready to register a company, take a look at Rapid Formations’ homepage and get started by choosing a company name.
If you require a professional Registered Office Service or Service Address, you can add these extras to your company registration package before checking out and completing the online application.
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.
Dear Sirs, while i was in London under student Visa I formed a one person company in England in August 2024. My student visa tenure got over in October 2024 and now I am back to my country. Can i still run that company now not an England Visa Holder? Do I need to file various Returns for that Company? No business has been done in that Company so far, neither do I see any chance of any business in next 6 months.
Thanking You, Bharat
Dear Bharat,
Thank you for your kind comment.
Yes, you can still run your business now that you are out of the UK. There is no requirement to be physically present in the UK. Regarding your filing requirements, you would still need to complete all statutory filings. A few of these would include, The Confirmation Statement, Annual Accounts and a Tax return for HMRC.
Should you have any additional queries, please do get in touch.
Kind regards,
The Rapid Formations Team.
What is the official employment status of a director of a one person company? That is are they self employed or/and other things
Dear Susan,
Thank you for your message.
There is no set law which confirms the status of a director as employed or self-employed and there are various criteria to review when coming to this decision such as do you have an employment contract, do you work for more than 1 company, do you have rights such as holiday and sickness pay, and do you have a notice period. These types of questions, lead to a decision.
Best Regards,
Rapid Formations Team
I am going to register a company myself for one person . I am the director and shareholder in the same time. As it is a consulting service, I dont need an office. So can I register my home address as the office address? How the tax/year will work?
Kind regards
Basak Cinar
Hi Basak
Thank you for your message.
You can use your home address for all business purposes. In terms of tax your company’s year end will be dictated by when you form the company. For example if you form the company on 26th February 2018 then your company year end will automatically be 28 February 2019. You will then have company tax to pay 9 months after the company year end to that would be at the end of November 2019. You will also have to file accounts at the same time and file tax information by the end of February the following year (even though you have already paid any tax due to HM Revenue & Customs.
Best regards,
Rapid Formations Team
I am going to register a company myself for one person . I am the director and shareholder in the same time . When i got into online registeration i arrived to the subscripers ? I don’t know ..i will work alone . No subscripers what shall i fill ? Thanks
Dear Nourman,
The word “subscriber” is used to describe any shareholder who takes up shares when a company is formed so if you are going to be working alone then the subscriber details would be your details.
Best regards
How does company limited by guarantee transfer its ownership to a prospective parent company also limited by guarantee? Assume consent of all guarantors and officers of both companies.
Dear Ronald
Thank you for your question.
The transfer of ownership is not something we can advise on and I would suggest that you speak to a solicitor or accountant about this matter.
Kind Regards