You can use your home address as a registered office for your limited company, provided that it is situated in the UK jurisdiction where your company is incorporated (i.e. England & Wales, Wales only, Scotland, or Northern Ireland). However, you should be aware that Companies House places all registered office addresses on public record, so a home address is not recomended.
You will also be required to make your statutory company records available for inspection at your registered office, unless you use a Single Alternative Inspection Location (SAIL address) or elect to maintain certain statutory registers on the public register at Companies House instead.
Due to the public disclosure of limited company data, the vast majority of company owners are inclined to use a commercial (non-residential) address for registered office purposes. This is the best way to protect your privacy and create the right impression.
The benefits of a non-residential registered office
A non-residential registered office will protect your privacy and boost the professional image of your business. Limited companies are generally viewed as established, credible businesses, simply because they’re incorporated and subject to greater scrutiny than other business structures (like sole traders). Consequently, limited companies are more appealing to potential clients and investors.
To maintain this kind of elevated status, a non-residential registered office will be more appropriate and effective than using your home as a registered office address. Furthermore, you will drastically reduce the odds of receiving unsolicited mail, cold calls, and unexpected visitors at your private residence.
Alternatives to using your home address as a registered office
There are many alternatives to using your home address as a registered office. The most popular option is to set up a professional registered office service with a third-party provider. These types of services are ideal for protecting the privacy of your home address.
The details of your nominated registered office address will be placed on public record alongside your company profile. You will benefit from an impressive, commercial registered office in a prime location, and all statutory company mail will be forwarded to you via email or to a postal address of your choosing.
Do I have to use my business address as my registered office?
Your registered office does not have to be the same as your business address, nor does it have to be the same as your trading address or service address. You are not required to work from or visit your registered office at any time – it is simply required for statutory mailing and inspection purposes.
Set up a Registered Office Service in London or Glasgow
Rapid Formations Registered Office Service is available in London or Glasgow for an annual cost of just £39.00 plus VAT. It is ideal for limited companies and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) incorporated in England and Wales or Scotland, respectively.
As part of this service, our professional Mail Handling Team will scan and email all official government mail to you within 24 hours of receipt for no additional charge. Alternatively, we can send this mail to a forwarding address of your choice.
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.
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