Forming a company

Companies House co-ordinates the administration of businesses in the UK. It is where new companies must be registered.

Detailed guidance on the requirements for forming a company is available at: www.companieshouse.gov.uk

There are four types of registered company: private company limited by shares; private company limited by guarantee; private unlimited company; public company limited by shares.

The overwhelming majority of overseas businesses are established in the UK as either private or public companies limited by shares.