How long does it take to set up a limited company?

So, how long does it take to set up a limited company? If you’re picturing a bureaucratic nightmare filled with endless forms, legal lingo and weeks of twiddling your thumbs… good news: it’s way simpler than that 🎉

In fact, if you file online and get everything right, it can take as little as 24 hours! That said, it’s not always smooth sailing. One tiny typo or a poorly timed weekend submission and your speedy setup can turn into a waiting game. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how long it takes to set up a limited company, what delays to look out for and how to give yourself the best chance of a quick and painless launch. 🙌

What are the different ways to set up an LTD company?

There’s more than one way to get your limited company up and running, some faster (and simpler) than others. Let’s break them down:

• Through Companies House: this is the official route. You can register online (faster, cheaper and less chance of error) or by post (slower and more prone to hiccups). Either way, you’re going straight to the source. 📮
• Using a formation agent: these are third-party services that register the company for you. You pay a bit more, but some include extras like a registered office address and digital documents.
• Via an accountant: some accountants offer company registration alongside their usual services. While we don’t set up companies ourselves, we can jump in once you’ve set up, helping you with tax registration, deadlines and all the boring-but-important tasks that follow. 👋

Each option can affect how long it takes to register a company in the UK, especially if your application ends up in a manual review queue. 

What affects how long it takes to set up a limited company?

Even if you opt for the slickest, fastest online method, the time it takes to set up a limited company can still vary depending on a few key factors: 

Application method

Online is your best bet. Most applications are processed within 24 hours. But if you go old-school with a postal application, you’re looking at 8–10 working days (and a higher chance of errors). 

Errors on the application

Typos, missing info or incorrect details on your IN01 form are the top reasons for delays. Common slip-ups include company director details, share structures and forgetting to sign the form (yes, really). ✍️

Manual checks

If your company name raises any red flags (such as restricted words or one that is too similar to an existing company), someone at Companies House will need to review it manually. That can add a few days to the process.  

Timing

Submitting at 6 pm on a Friday? Don’t expect a certificate before Monday (or Tuesday if there’s a bank holiday involved). Companies House only processes applications during working hours.

The moral of the story? Timing matters, details matter and picking a straightforward company name that doesn’t raise any eyebrows is usually your best bet. 

Other common causes of delay

Beyond the usual paperwork and timing issues, there are a few extra hiccups that can slow down your company setup: 

• Payment issues: if your card is declined or the payment details are entered incorrectly, your application will not be processed until the issue is resolved. 
• ID verification fails: Companies House may need extra documentation if you’re a non-resident director or if the identity checks don’t pass automatically. 🕵️‍♂️
• Unusual company structures: if your business has multiple directors, complex shareholdings, or unusual articles of association, it may take longer to process. 
• Incorrect supporting documents: if you’re asked for additional documents (like a memorandum of association) and send the wrong thing, your application will be put on hold until the correct version is submitted. 📎
• Technical issues: occasionally, delays occur on the Companies House side due to system outages or high application volumes. 

How to speed up the process

Want to set up shop ASAP? Here are our top tips:

• Use the online Companies House service. It’s quicker, cheaper and less error-prone. 
• Apply during office hours for the best chance of same-day processing. Monday to Friday, ideally in the morning. 🌅
• Double (and triple) check your IN01 form. Look out for typos, missing info and incorrect share details. 
• Choose a simple and clear company name, avoiding anything that sounds government-like, medical, or offensive.

When is your company officially set up?

Your company is officially up and running on the date of incorporation, the moment Companies House approves your application and issues your certificate of incorporation.

This date isn’t just a nice milestone, it sets everything else in motion: when your first set of annual accounts will be due, when to file your confirmation statement and when HMRC expects you to register for corporation tax.

HMRC will also send you a letter after incorporation, reminding you to register for corporation tax within three months. Don’t ignore it. It’s a legal requirement and missing the deadline could mean a penalty. 📬

Set up fast, skip the faff.

So, how long does it take to set up a limited company? If you go the online route and get everything right, it can be done in a day. But even the slightest misstep, a typo, a tricky company name or applying at the wrong time, can slow things right down.

The good news? Most delays are avoidable. Stick to the online process, double-check your application and keep things simple where you can. And if you want expert backup from the get-go, we’re here to help.