How long does it take to form a company?

It depends on how busy Companies House (the UK’s registrar of companies) are, however, a company is typically formed within 24 hours. If you need your business set up without delay, you can add our Same-Day Incorporation Service for [[price slug="same-day-incorporation-service"]] at checkout with any package. Orders must be placed by 12 noon (GMT), Monday to Friday. Same-day registration is subject to us receiving all required company identification details by 2pm on the same working day. We cannot guarantee same-day incorporation if the necessary information is not supplied by this deadline.

Once my application has been submitted can I get an update on its progress?

We’re afraid not. Once the application has been sent we have to wait until we have a response from Companies House. You will receive an email as soon as it has been accepted (or rejected, in this instance we will be in touch to help fix any issues).

How do I claim my free co.uk or .com domain name?

We will email you as soon as your company has been formed. This email will include a link to claim your free .co.uk or .com domain name with IONOS. The discount will automatically be applied at checking when using the link provided.

What company formation package shall I buy?

We offer a number of company formation packages so it’s understandable if you're having trouble deciding. Take a look at our compare packages page to see the structures that we can form ( limited by shares , limited by guarantee and limited liability partnerships ), the packages that are available, and what's different about each package. If you still need help deciding, please give us a call on [[telephone]] and we’ll be happy to help.

What’s the difference between the address services?

We provide Registered Office, Service Address and Business Address services. Take a look at our Company Addresses Guide for details on what sets each apart.

Do you provide accountancy services?

As we are not accountants, we are unable to provide accountancy services.

How do I open a business bank account?

During the company formation process you will be given the opportunity to select who you wish to bank with. The banks that are presented to you will differ depending on your company formation package, however, we have partnerships in place with: ANNA Barclays Zempler Lloyds Monzo NatWest Tide Once your company has been formed the bank you have chosen will contact you directly so you can open your acccount. Non-UK residents The banks mentioned above are not available to non-UK based customers. We recommend you form your company using one of our Non-Residents Packages , which includes a referral to a Wise business bank account. Please note: We can not guarantee that your application to open a business bank account will be successful.

How do I close my company?

If your company has not traded in the last 3 months you should be able to dissolve it. We can take care of this for you with our Company Dissolution Service , available for [[price slug="company-dissolution-service"]] +VAT. We recommend contacting an accountant if your company has traded.

When will I find out if my company has been formed?

As soon as your company has been formed we will email you. This email will include your company documents and authentication code.

Where is my authentication code?

This can be found in the email we sent to you straight after your company was formed. You will also find it on your company’s ‘Overvew’ page. Login to your Rapid Formations Account to access this.

Where is my Unique Tax Reference (UTR) number?

HMRC will send a letter to your registered office within 2-3 weeks of your company being formed. This will include the UTR number. You will need to contact HMRC directly if you have lost this letter. Find out more here: Find a lost UTR number

Will I need to provide any documents to form a company?

You do not need to provide any documentation to form your company with Rapid Formations on our website. However, in line with Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements and Anti-Money Laundering Regulations, we must verify the identity and address of the named customer, all directors, and any persons with significant control (PSCs) in the company. Identity verification will be requested via the Onfido App. We will try to confirm your address electronically, but if this is not possible, we will request proof of address from you.

Does my company’s name have to end with Limited or Ltd?

Yes, your company name will need to end with ‘Limited’ or ‘LTD’. They both mean the same thing but you can pick which version is applied to your company name. There are some instances when a limited by guarantee company does not have to include the suffix.

Can anyone be the director of a company?

Yes, provided they are at least 16 years old, have not been disqualified from being a director, and is not an undischarged bankrupt.

What if I have no intention of trading as a limited company and only want to reserve the business name?

We recommend that you buy our Basic Package , complete your company formation, and then notify HMRC about your intent to be dormant. See our Guide to Dormant Companies for more information.

How do I form a dormant company?

We recommend that you buy our Basic Package , complete your company formation, and then contact HMRC as soon as possible about your intent to be dormant. See our Guide to Dormant Companies for more information.

Why do I have to pay for the forwarding of my business mail?

If you are using our Business Address Service we will forward on your day-to-day business mail. This costs 50p per item forwarded by scan and email. For anything of value that cannot be forwarded via scan and email, we will forward by Royal Mail. This costs the Royal Mail postal rate plus 15%. We are unable to include the forwarding costs as part of the annual fee (like we do with the Registered Office) because we do not know how much mail you will receive. We hope you understand.

I’ve received a ‘mail received - not covered by your service’ email, what does it mean?

We offer 3 different address services. If you have received this email, it means that mail has arrived at our address that shouldn’t have, and so is not covered by your service. Below is the mail that is covered by each service: Registered Office Address Service - mail from government departments and Court documents (addressed to the company) will be scanned and emailed to you. Service Address - mail from government departments and Court documents (addressed to a company director or secretary) will be scanned and emailed to you. Business Address Service - general day-to-day mail such as mail from banks, customers and other business contacts will be scanned and emailed to you. Visit your Customer Dashboard and choose ‘My Services & Renewals’ to check what service(s) you have.

How do I renew my address service(s)?

Any address service that you have with us will automatically renew annually so you don’t have to do anything. We will email you 3-7 days before your expiry date notifying you of the upcoming renewal. This email will give you the chance to check the debit/credit card details that we hold as well as give you the option to update these card details. Payment will then be taken on the expiry date. You can contact our Services Manager, Angus Park, via 020 8036 5036 if you would like to discuss an upcoming address service renewal.

What is the cost of renewing my address service(s)?

All of our address services are renewable on a yearly basis at the below rates: Registered Office [[price slug="london-registered-office"]] +VAT Service Address [[price slug="london-service-address"]] +VAT Business Address [[price slug="london-business-address"]] + VAT

How do I cancel a service?

Please give Angus Park - our Services Manager - a call on 020 8036 5036 and he will be happy to help you.

I do not live in the UK, can I still register a UK company?

Absolutely, provided you are at least 16 years old, are not an undischarged bankrupt, and have not been disqualified from being a company director. You will however need a UK-based address to use as your company’s registered office (this is something that we can assist with).

As a non-UK resident, must I use the Non-Residents Packages?

No, but these packages have been created specifically for non-UK residents and so come with extras that will be particularly useful to you. This includes all 3 of our address services as well as a referral to WorldFirst, who can provide you with a UK business bank account.

What are the registered office and service address?

The registered office address is a company’s official address. It must be in the UK but a company need not have any presence at the address nor does any trading activity have to take place at the address. The registered office is published on the public register. The service address is the official address for directors, shareholders, secretaries, and people with significant control (PSCs) in the company. This can be anywhere in the world but it is published on the public register, so using a residential address is not recommended. Again, no one from the company needs to be based at the address nor does any trading activity have to take place at the address. Mail from government bodies such as Companies House and HMRC will be sent to both the registered office and the service address.

Can my mail be forwarded overseas?

Yes, we will forward your normal business mail to you regardless of where you live (provided you are using our Business Address Service). You will be charged 50p for any mail sent via scan and email. For any items of value that cannot be sent via scan and email, such as bank cards, we will forward via Royal Mail. You will be charged Royal Mail postal rate plus 15% for the forwarding of this mail. Any official government mail that we receive (as a result of you using our Registered Office and Service Address Services) will be scanned and emailed to you.

Can I open a UK business bank account?

Yes, our partnership with Wise enables our customers who are non-UK residents to open a UK business bank account with a UK bank account number and sort code. This referral is included with our Non-Residents Packages . Please let us know if you form your company via another package and we’ll refer you to Wise manually. Please note: We can not guarantee that your application to open a business bank account will be successful.

Do I receive any support after I have formed my company?

Yes, we will give you free support via phone, email and live chat for as long as your company exists. You will also find your free Online Customer Portal useful as it allows you to make updates to your company and manage your services with us.

Will you file my annual accounts?

As we are not accountants, we are unable to file your annual accounts.

Are there any extra costs involved with the Non-Residents Packages?

Only the forwarding costs that are required for forwarding your business mail to you (provided you are using our Business Address Service). The cost of this is 50p per item sent via scan and email, and the Royal Mail rate plus 15% for any item sent by post. The Business Telephone Number will renew monthly at [[price slug="business-telephone-number"]] +VAT after the first 3 months.

How much does it cost to renew the Non-Residents Packages?

Some of the services included in our Non-Residents Packages are renewable annually. These include the three address services and our Hassle-Free Compliance Service. The total cost to renew all four services is £303.99 +VAT per year. The Business Telephone Number renews monthly at [[price slug="business-telephone-number"]] +VAT after the first three months.

Can I make my company formation order over the phone?

Of course. Just call us on [[telephone]] and we’ll happily process your company formation order.

How do I update my home address details on your system?

You can update your Primary address, Billing address and Forwarding address (forwarding address is only relevant if you have an address service with us). To update your Primary and Billing Addresses Login to your Rapid Formations Account Go to ‘My Details’ Locate ‘Postal Address’ and select ‘Choose Another’ next to the Primary address Choose from a recently used address or select ‘Add New Address’ Select ‘Submit’ Follow this process again for the Billing address To update your Forwarding Addresses Login to your Rapid Formations Account Go to ‘My Services & Renewals’ Select an ‘Active’ service and click on ‘Details’ Locate ‘Forwarding Address’ and select the Pencil icon Choose from a recently used address or select ‘Add New Address’ Select ‘Submit’ Follow this process again for all ‘Active’ services

How can I add a new card to my account?

Login to your Rapid Formations Account Go to ‘Finances’ Go to ‘Card Management’ You will then have the option to update your card details

How long does the ID check take?

Every customer, director, and person with significant control (PSC) must complete identity verification using our Onfido App. The process is quick—typically taking no more than 5 minutes—and the app is provided at no cost. In most cases, we’re able to verify residential addresses electronically. If we’re unable to do so, we’ll request proof of address, which can be submitted online through a secure link we’ll provide.

Can I contact someone about my ID?

Yes, our Compliance Team will be happy to help if you require assistance. Email: id@rapidformations.co.uk Telephone: 020 3955 7566

What type of ID will I need to provide?

We need 2 types of ID: Proof of ID (passport, national identity card or driving licence) Proof of address (bank statement, water utility bill, electricity bill, gas bill, broadband bill or a Council Tax bill). We will only ask for proof of address if we are unable to conduct an address check electronically.

Can ID be provided online?

Yes, the easiest and fastest way to provide your ID is online. We’ll give you access to a free app that allows you to securely upload your identification. The process is straightforward and typically takes less than five minutes to complete. If we require proof of address documents, these can be sent to us via a dedicated link that we will give you. Paper documents can be shared as clear scans or photographs (in any file format). Digital documents must be supplied in their original, downloaded PDF format (screenshots can’t be accepted).

What’s the difference between proof of address and proof of ID?

We require proof of address to confirm your residential address, this being where you live at the time of placing your order. Typically this is a bank statement, utility bill or Council Tax bill. We require proof of ID to confirm your identity. This should be a government issued photographic ID that includes your name, date of birth, and the expiry date (or date of issue with the period of validity clearly defined). Typically this would be a passport, national identity card or driving licence.

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Our London Office

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71-75 Shelton Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2H 9JQ

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