Can you register a company for free?
Not usually. UK limited company registration has an official Companies House filing fee, and that fee can change. The safest way to compare “free” offers is to check what you pay upfront, what the provider includes, and whether any reimbursement is conditional.
Sterling Formations links to a Tide partner journey where applicants may pay £14.99 upfront. Tide may reimburse that amount for eligible applicants. A separate £25 reward may also apply after a qualifying £100 deposit. These are Tide terms, not guarantees from Sterling Formations.
Free at the end is not free upfront
A reimbursement offer can reduce your final cost, but you may still need to pay first and complete extra account or deposit steps. Check Tide’s current eligibility, approval, reimbursement, reward, deposit, and payment-timing terms in the live application journey before you apply.
Compare UK registration routes
The right route depends on whether you want to file directly, receive guided help, or consider a partner offer. Compare the whole first-year cost rather than relying on a “free” headline.
| Route | Upfront position | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Companies House | Current official filing fee | Use the official GOV.UK service and check the live fee |
| Tide partner journey | £14.99 upfront | Reimbursement, approval, account steps, and timing |
| Possible Tide reward | £25 after a qualifying £100 deposit | Separate reward criteria and payment timing |
| Optional formation support | Varies by provider | Registered office services, renewals, and support scope |
How to register a company in the UK
1. Check the real upfront cost
Confirm the current Companies House fee or provider fee before starting. Do not treat a possible reimbursement as a guaranteed discount at checkout.
2. Prepare the company details
Choose an available name, provide director and shareholder details, select a SIC code, and prepare a suitable UK registered office address.
3. Choose a registration route
Apply directly through Companies House or use a formation journey that explains its service and partner terms. Review optional renewals before paying.
4. Complete the application
Submit accurate information and complete any identity, account, or verification steps requested by the provider or Companies House.
What “free” does not cover
Even when a formation fee is reimbursed, running a limited company can create ongoing costs. Budget for:
More UK company formation guidance
Free company registration FAQs
Is company registration free in the UK?
Usually not. Companies House charges a fee for online incorporation and the amount can change, so check the current official fee before applying. A separate partner offer may reimburse a £14.99 formation fee for eligible applicants, but that is not the same as free registration upfront.
What is the £14.99 Tide formation offer?
The current partner journey may require applicants to pay £14.99 upfront. Tide may reimburse that fee when its eligibility, approval, account, and timing requirements are met. Check the live Tide terms before applying because Sterling Formations cannot guarantee approval or reimbursement.
How could the £25 Tide reward apply?
A qualifying £100 deposit into a Tide business account may make an eligible applicant eligible for a separate £25 reward. The deposit, account approval, qualification, and payment timing are controlled by Tide’s current terms and are not guaranteed by Sterling Formations.
Can I register directly with Companies House?
Yes. You can use the official Companies House service and pay its current online incorporation fee. The direct route does not include formation-agent guidance or any partner reimbursement, so compare the official fee and the support you need.
What do I need to register a company?
You generally need a company name, a registered office address in the UK, at least one director aged 16 or over, shareholder details, a share structure, and a SIC code describing the business activity. Identity and verification requirements can apply.
What costs continue after registration?
A limited company still has ongoing obligations after incorporation, including annual accounts, Corporation Tax administration, the Confirmation Statement, and any registered-office, payroll, accounting, or professional services you choose.