Set up a UK company fast and clearly. For U.S. founders looking to expand, 1st Formations offers a friendly, trusted route to register company details with minimal fuss.
The online journey is simple and priced from day one, with a basic LTD formation at £53. Many customers find their company is registered and ready to trade within one working day, and official details appear on Companies House quickly.
You can register a company with one person, while keeping the option for unlimited directors and shareholders as your venture grows. Digital documents arrive by email and you can add a Central London address for credibility and privacy.
This page guides U.S. founders through who the services suit, why to choose this provider, how filing with Companies House works, and what to expect after incorporation. Options range from low-cost digital setups to full bundles with registered office, officer service addresses, and VAT support.
Key Takeaways
- Quick UK company formation — often ready to trade within one working day.
- Register company with a single person; scale directors and shareholders later.
- Transparent pricing and digital documents make the process clear.
- Optional Central London address boosts credibility and privacy.
- Packages cover simple setups to full-service bundles with compliance help.
- Experienced support staff assist customers with next steps and filings.
Hassle-Free Company Formation Services Built for Today
Modern company formation tools speed the setup so you can focus on building your business. The flow is mobile-friendly and packed with clear prompts, tooltips, and intuitive forms. That removes guesswork and lets first-time founders finish the formation process in minutes.
The platform integrates directly with Companies House, submitting applications accurately to reduce delays. Most companies are formed within one working day, subject to the registry’s workload, and you get digital confirmation by email when the application is approved.
One platform, all the steps. Choose your package, add a London or registered address, and receive incorporation documents without leaving your desk. The service supports remote teams and distributed founders with fully digital delivery and optional office address services for credibility.
- Clear guidance and prompts to keep you compliant from day one.
- Dedicated support if you get stuck during the process.
- Scales easily — from a single-person company to multiple directors and shareholders.
Who Our Service Is For: Founders in the U.S. and Worldwide
U.S. founders can form a UK limited company entirely online, even if they don’t live in the UK. The process uses clear steps and digital delivery so clients can complete filings from anywhere.
Starting a UK limited company from the United States
A UK company does not require UK nationals or residents. A single overseas resident may act as sole director and shareholder, which keeps ownership simple and gives full control.
Choosing the right structure based on goals and liability
Compare high-level options:
- Limited company (LTD) — common for investors and scalable fundraising; limits personal liability.
- LLP — suits professional partnerships, with a partnership governance model.
- LBG / CIC — for mission-led groups or charitable objectives, with different compliance rules.
Tip: Think about future fundraising, profit distribution, and grant eligibility when choosing share classes and structure. Investors often expect a limited company format.
Choosing a unique company name matters for brand and compliance. Use the name checker before you apply to avoid delays. Once Companies House approves, your company registered details will appear publicly, helping vendor and bank onboarding.
Non‑UK founder packages start at £89 and include a Central London address to boost credibility. An external address also keeps your home details private when you trade and work with marketplaces or payment providers.
Why Choose 1st Formations for Your Company Formation
Speed, accuracy, and clear pricing matter. 1st Formations combines a long track record with hands-on help so founders can focus on growth, not paperwork.
Authorized agents with proven experience
1st Formations are authorized company formation agents known for fast, accurate filings. Their experience reduces errors that can delay approval.
Fast digital filing that syncs with Companies House
The online process is digital-first and designed to work with Companies House. That lowers friction and often leads to quicker confirmations.
Transparent packages, address options, and responsive support
Packages start at £53 for LTD base formation, £60 with a Registered Office, and £79 with VAT registration. Options include a Central London office and free officer service addresses to protect privacy.
- Clear fees and simple add-ons for compliance and mail handling.
- Friendly support to guide share structure, articles, and address documents.
- Flexible level support that scales from solo founders to growing teams.
How the Formation Process Works with Companies House
Start the formation by confirming your chosen company name and gathering all officer and share details. This first check avoids conflicts and helps protect your brand when you get started.
Check company name availability and prepare your details
Use the name checker to make sure your company name is available. Then collect director, shareholder, and address details.
Include PSC information, share allocation, and the intended registered address so the application can move through without delays.
Submit incorporation documents and receive email confirmation
Complete the online form and submit the incorporation package. The system formats the data and forwards it to Companies House to reduce rejections.
Expect an email once the filing is approved. That email includes your certificate and confirms your company registered details appear on the public register.
Typical turnaround: ready to trade within one working day
Most companies are formed within one working day, depending on Companies House workload and the completeness of your submission.
Keep key documents handy — certificate of incorporation, memorandum, and articles — for banks, vendors, and tax setup. If privacy matters, add a London registered office and officer service addresses to keep residential addresses off public records.
- Follow guidance prompts for SIC codes, share statements, and articles choices.
- Note: VAT registration can be done later and won’t stop your company from trading right away.
- Get started with a step-by-step flow that sends confirmation by email and lists your company on Companies House promptly.
Packages and Pricing: From Digital Setup to All‑Inclusive Support
Select a clear, priced plan so you only pay for the company features you actually need. Our tiers cover quick digital setup through to full bundles for founders who want added privacy and compliance help.
Core LTD and add‑ons
The basic LTD package is £53 for fast online registration. Upgrade to a £60 LTD that includes a Central London registered office and free officer service address to maintain privacy.
VAT, LLPs and specialist structures
Choose the £79 LTD with VAT registration if VAT is relevant to your model. LLPs start at £65; add a Central London registered office for £79.
Tailored and specialist options
- LBG from £65 (or £79 for suffix exemption)
- CIC (guarantee or shares) £135
- Registered Charity/CIO application £720 via affiliated accountants
- Multiple share classes £68; use your own Articles £73
Clear pricing and flexible address services mean both UK and non‑UK founders can pick only the business services they need now and add more later.
Registered Office Address and Service Address to Maintain Privacy
Choosing a Central London address helps your business look established to vendors, marketplaces, and banks. The LTD with Registered Office package supplies a professional registered office address in central london that boosts credibility during checks and onboarding.
Central London registered office address for your company
The registered office handles official correspondence and shows a clear UK presence. Banks and payment providers often check public records, so a central office address helps pass those checks faster.
Free officer service addresses to keep home details off public records
Service address coverage keeps directors’ and shareholders’ home addresses private. This helps maintain privacy and reduces unwanted contact on public listings.
Secure processing and forwarding of official mail
Official mail from regulators arrives at the registered office. Staff process it securely and forward items promptly so you never miss filings or deadlines.
- Updates for officer appointments and resignations are handled without extra charges.
- This service separates your trading address from the registered office for compliance and privacy.
- Add address services during checkout to bundle privacy from day one.
- Scalable options suit UK and non‑UK residents who need a reliable, compliant UK presence.
Combine the registered office and service address coverage to reduce admin and keep compliance tidy all year.
Bank Account Introductions and Getting Your Company Ready to Trade
With your company formed, arranging a reliable bank account and payment services speeds onboarding with vendors. This step helps you take payments, manage cash, and present a professional profile to partners and marketplaces.
Business bank account setup guidance after incorporation
Typical documents banks request:
- Certificate of incorporation and memorandum/articles.
- Proof of registered office or office utilities tied to your address.
- Photo ID and verification for directors and beneficial owners.
- Occasionally, a short business plan or projected turnover.
What banks and payment providers look for at onboarding
Banks and payment services ask about ownership, company activity, and expected transaction volumes. Be ready to explain where payments come from and who controls funds.
Timelines and tips: Many founders open an account soon after incorporation. Having documents ready and matching public company records speeds approvals. Keep your registered information up-to-date to avoid verification delays.
Account choices vary: traditional banks, fintech challengers, and international-friendly providers each offer different fees and integrations. Introductions to suitable providers can help you compare fit for payroll, invoicing, and cross-border services.
Why this matters: A dedicated business bank account keeps bookkeeping clean and supports future funding conversations. Friendly support is available if you need help assembling paperwork for bank onboarding or marketplace checks. Plan your account shortlist while incorporation is processing so you can trade faster once approved.
Non‑UK Residents: Form a UK Company with a London Address
Non‑UK founders can quickly establish a UK presence using a Central London address included in our non‑resident packages. Both limited companies and LLPs aimed at overseas clients include a professional London address to speed onboarding and boost credibility.
Pricing: Limited company packs and LLP packs for non‑UK residents cost £89 and include a Central London registered office and mail handling.
Who can apply and basic requirements
No UK nationals or residents are required to set up a company. The only mandatory UK detail is a registered office address.
For LLPs, at least two designated members are needed; two or more overseas persons or companies can register together.
What to expect at onboarding
- Non‑UK packages include a london address so clients present a UK footprint for banks and partners.
- Expect ID and verification checks; accurate, consistent details help avoid delays.
- After approval, your company registered details will appear on public records for vendor and bank checks.
| Package | Structure | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Non‑UK LTD | Limited company | Central London registered office, mail forwarding, officer service option |
| Non‑UK LLP | Limited Liability Partnership | Central London office address, designated member support, mail handling |
| Privacy add‑on | Service address | Protects personal home addresses for directors/members |
Which to choose? LTD packs suit most trading companies. LLPs fit professional partnerships that prefer partnership taxation and flexible profit sharing.
We offer support to help non‑UK clients with documentation, HMRC steps, and timelines after formation so your company can trade confidently.
Advanced Company Types and Configurations
Special structures let you match governance to growth, fundraising, and purpose. These choices shape voting, dividends, and reporting so your company can scale without surprises.
Companies with multiple classes of shares
Alphabet shares let you separate voting power from economic rights. Founders can keep control while investors get preferred dividend or liquidation terms.
Cost and when to use it: The multiple share classes add‑on is £68. Use it when you need tailored investor rights or to protect founder control during fundraising.
Formation using your own Articles of Association
You can incorporate using bespoke articles to set bespoke governance rules. This suits startups with complex voting or transfer restrictions drafted by lawyers.
Fee: Formation with your own Articles is £73. Expect to have professional legal input for clear, enforceable clauses.
Community Interest Companies (CIC)
CICs serve social missions. Choose limited by guarantee for grant‑focused groups, or limited by shares for social enterprises that may pay dividends.
Price and review: Both CIC options are £135 and require Regulator approval. If there are five or fewer individual officers, approval often takes 3–4 days. Larger officer lists or corporate officers can extend review to 3–4 weeks.
Limited by Guarantee (LBG)
LBGs suit clubs, associations, and non‑profit bodies. The standard option with a “Limited” suffix is £65.
Suffix exemption: If you qualify to omit “Limited,” the fee is £79 and you must provide appropriate objects to satisfy the registry.
| Option | Use Case | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple share classes | Tailored voting and dividend rights for founders/investors | £68 |
| Formation with own Articles | Bespoke governance; lawyer‑drafted articles | £73 |
| CIC (guarantee or shares) | Social mission; grants or dividend‑paying social enterprise | £135 (Regulator approval) |
| LBG standard / suffix exemption | Clubs, associations; optional omission of “Limited” | £65 / £79 |
Plan ahead: Decide on board composition, reporting needs, and any impact statements before you apply. A professional office address and consistent records help smooth regulator checks.
Support available: Our formation agents provide guidance on selecting the right structure, filing paperwork, and keeping admin manageable so your companies limited choices match mission and growth.
VAT Registration and Ongoing Compliance Support
Knowing when to register for VAT protects your cash flow and keeps filings on schedule. If your UK taxable turnover is expected to exceed £90,000, you must complete VAT registration. You can also register voluntarily to reclaim input VAT earlier.
When VAT registration is required or beneficial
Mandatory registration applies at the £90,000 threshold. Voluntary registration can benefit startups that incur VAT on purchases and want to reclaim it.
Confirmation statements and routine filings with Companies House
After formation, keep up with annual confirmation statements, timely accounts, and director and PSC updates at Companies House.
Keep your registered office and service address current to avoid filing problems and public record mismatches.
- Package benefit: The LTD with VAT Registration package (£79) streamlines VAT application during or after registration.
- Open a dedicated company account and follow basic bookkeeping to simplify VAT returns and audits.
- Create a compliance calendar for VAT deadlines, confirmation statements, and corporation tax dates.
Proactive support is available to help clients file on time and avoid penalties. Save digital copies of filings at your office or secure cloud storage for easy access during reviews.
Timelines, Turnaround, and What to Expect After You Apply
Most applicants receive registration confirmation quickly. Many registrations finish within one working day, though Companies House workload can extend that timeline.
You’ll get your certificate and company documents by email, ready to share with banks, payment providers, or partners.
“Keep an eye on the public register—your company registered details appear there shortly after approval.”
After approval, review your public profile for any errors. Correcting an address or officer entry early avoids delays with onboarding and verification checks.
- Line up bank introductions and payment gateway applications while you wait so you can trade fast.
- Schedule VAT checks, confirmation statements, and bookkeeping setup immediately after incorporation.
- Address updates and officer changes can be handled swiftly to keep records current.
Need help? Our support team can troubleshoot documents and guide next steps for smooth post‑formation activity. This simple process plus clear actions makes your experience positive and fast.
Customer Experience: Clear Communication and Helpful Staff
Prompt responses from the team remove uncertainty when you’re completing ID checks or address setup. Customers often tell us that timely email and phone replies matter most during formation. That quick contact keeps the process moving and reduces stress.
Guided onboarding and responsive team support by email and phone
Clients praise the support staff for clear, patient guidance. Real reviews name representatives like Gordon Andrew, Anthony, and account manager Yana Yaneva for swift, practical help.
Staff guide customers through forms, articles choices, and name changes. For example, one client needed a fast company name update and the team handled it with minimal delay.
Addressing third‑party app verification challenges proactively
Third‑party ID apps can be confusing. In one detailed review, the Credas app stalled before the selfie stage. Staff explained the verification stages, identified the hold-up, and followed up until the check completed.
“They explained each step and stayed on the case until my verification finished.”
- Clear follow-up: Staff escalate issues and tell clients exactly which stage needs action.
- Hands‑on support: Team members call or email to push third‑party checks over the line.
- Longer-term help: Assistance continues after formation for updates, filings, and address changes.
The result: A consistent, human service where customers feel supported through technical steps and critical milestones. That reliable support improves the overall company formation experience for founders across scenarios.
Social Proof: What Customers Say About Our Formation Service
Customers consistently praise clear communication, fast approvals, and hands‑on help from named staff. Reviews from September 2025 mention representatives like Gordon Andrew for being very helpful and responsive.
Common praises: users call the setup “easy and straightforward” and note smooth handling of company name changes when using the All Inclusive Package.
“Very reactive team” — many reviewers report quick formation once verification finished and prompt follow-up on Credas issues.
Feedback also values the bundled services for limited companies, especially the professional office and London address that boost confidence during bank checks.
| Review Highlight | Outcome | How We Respond |
|---|---|---|
| Clear, friendly support | Faster verification & approval | Dedicated agents guide each step |
| All Inclusive Package praised | Smoother name changes & onboarding | Account manager assistance provided |
| Third‑party tool delays | Temporary hold on verification | Staff escalate and follow up until fixed |
Bottom line: verified reviews show that knowledgeable support and complete services create a positive experience. Prospective founders should compare packages based on timeline and needs, confident that real customers recommend the company to peers.
Comparing Alternatives: How We Stack Up Against Other Providers
Choosing the right formation agent shapes how fast you can register company details, open a bank account, and start trading.
ANNA Money blends free company formation (you pay the £50 Companies House fee) with an integrated business account, tax and admin tools, e-commerce plugins, and 24/7 support. This all-in-one approach suits founders who want a single platform for banking and compliance. The trade-off is limited company types; they don’t support LLPs, charities, or some specialist structures.
Companies Made Simple is a large, established provider with many packages and add‑ons. They offer breadth of services but can be pricier and more complex for first-time founders. Expect a true one-stop shop, with the downside of potential upselling during checkout.
Your Company Formations focuses on premium Central London addresses and privacy. Turnaround is often very fast (3–6 hours) and support is responsive. Renewal fees for address services can be higher, so factor that into long-term costs.
Mint Formations targets low entry prices and rapid setup (often under six hours). They offer wide-ranging extras—web, branding, and more—but their top-tier all-inclusive package carries a higher price tag.
| Provider | Strengths | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| ANNA Money | Free formation + integrated account, tax tools, 24/7 support | Limited company types; no LLPs or charities |
| Companies Made Simple | Wide add‑on suite, established reputation | Higher pricing; complex options for beginners |
| Your Company Formations | Premium Central London address, fast turnaround, privacy focus | Higher renewal fees for address services |
| Mint Formations | Low entry cost, rapid setup, extensive add‑ons | Expensive top package for full bundles |
| Our Service | Support for LLP, LBG, CIC, multiple limited shares, and privacy addresses | Balanced pricing and level support to reduce onboarding friction |
Key takeaways: pick a provider based on what matters most—price, integrated account features, a Central London address, speed, or advanced company options like multiple limited shares. Reliable support and clear timelines help you plan bank introductions and next steps after you register company details with Companies House.
Location Advantage: Central London Office Address for Professional Credibility
Choosing a Central London office gives your company a professional front that vendors and payment providers trust. A central london address signals credibility to banks, marketplaces, and international partners during onboarding.
The registered office is the official contact shown on public records and used for regulatory mail. That listing is verified during checks, so keep details consistent across filings and banking documents.
Secure mail handling and forwarding ensures you receive important notices and filings promptly. Staff scan, process, and forward items securely so deadlines are not missed.
Many packages include free officer service addresses to keep personal home details private. This spacing of personal and business address information reduces exposure on public records.
- Trading location vs registered office: your shop or team hub can be different from the registered office used for official correspondence.
- Trust for international sales: a london address helps when selling abroad or working with UK‑based platforms.
- Scales with your business: the service fits solo founders and growing distributed teams.
Tip: A reputable address improves brand perception and cuts friction at verification checkpoints common in regulated services.
Security, Privacy, and Data Handling Across the Formation Process
We secure sensitive information at every step so founders and their company records stay protected. Personal data used for ID and document verification travels over encrypted channels to approved identity providers. Completing checks in order—ID, selfie, then proof of address—helps prevent app delays and speeds approval.
Officer service addresses keep residential details off public registers. That privacy reduces the risk of unsolicited contact and makes scraping personal data less likely for bad actors.
Mail handled at the registered office is scanned, processed, and forwarded securely. This ensures official correspondence reaches clients reliably and reduces missed deadlines.
Support teams stand ready to step in if verification stalls. Staff give clear, step-by-step guidance so any pending stage completes quickly.
- Use consistent ID details and match addresses across documents.
- Save incorporation paperwork in secure storage and limit internal access.
- Follow the formation flow to minimize exposure while meeting regulatory checks.
These measures lower fraud risk and keep companies compliant. Security is built in so efficiency and privacy go hand in hand.
Get Started Today: Simple Steps to Register Your Company
Ready to begin? Follow a clear plan and you can register company details quickly. The guided flow keeps each step focused so you finish with confidence.
Choose your package and add any address or privacy options you need. Pick a digital LTD (£53), LTD with Registered Office (£60), or LTD with VAT Registration (£79). LLP and specialist structures are available if they suit your plan.
Select your package and add address services
Choose the plan that fits your budget and needs. Add a Central London office or service address to protect privacy and boost credibility.
Complete your details, submit, and receive incorporation by email
Use the name checker to confirm your company name and enter director, shareholder, and address fields. The formation process uses clear prompts to reduce errors.
- Submit online and watch for your approval email; your company registered details will then appear on the public register.
- Line up a business account and payment provider so you can transact once documents arrive.
- Save your certificate of incorporation, memorandum, and articles for banks and partners.
- Set reminders for VAT and confirmation statements to stay compliant.
If you need help, reach out. Friendly support shortens timelines and helps you register company details right the first time. Scale services later as your business grows.
Conclusion
Finish your incorporation with confidence using fast filings and practical address privacy options.
1st Formations delivers clear company formation plans from £53, plus VAT and LLP choices to match your goals. Most registrations complete within one working day and you get documents by email so you can move fast.
Privacy matters: add a Central London address and officer service addresses to keep home details off the public record.
Choose from LTD, LLP, LBG, CIC, custom Articles, or multiple share classes. Confirm your name, submit details, and prepare bank paperwork to launch quickly.
Friendly support is on hand for submissions, filings with Companies House, and ongoing compliance. Start today and build a credible UK presence that grows with your business.
