How Many People Do You Need to Form an LLP in the UK?

You need a minimum of two people to form a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in the UK. These are called designated members, and the law requires at least two of them at all times.

Key Takeaways

• You need at least two designated members to register an LLP, and they can be individuals, companies, or a mix of both.
• Designated members can be based anywhere in the world, but the registered office must be a physical UK address in the same jurisdiction as the LLP.
• Since November 2025, designated members must complete identity verification with Companies House and obtain a personal code, the same as company directors and PSCs.

What Counts as a Designated Member?

A designated member is basically the LLP equivalent of a company director. They hold extra legal responsibilities compared to regular members, like filing accounts and telling Companies House about changes to the business.

You need at least two of them to register an LLP. They can be:

• Two individuals
• One individual and one company acting as a corporate member
• Two companies acting as corporate members

There's no upper limit on how many members an LLP can have. Some LLPs run with just two people for years. Others bring on dozens of partners as the business grows.

Do Designated Members Need to Be UK Residents?

No. Designated members can be based anywhere in the world and hold any nationality. The only UK requirement is for the registered office address, which has to be a physical location in the UK.

This makes LLPs a genuinely flexible structure if you've got partners spread across different countries. Just remember that your registered office still needs to sit within the same jurisdiction you're registering in (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland).

Is There a Minimum Age to Be a Designated Member?

The minimum age to be a designated member of an LLP is 16, across the whole of the UK. This used to only apply in Scotland, but the rule was brought in UK-wide as part of changes under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.

So whether you're forming your LLP in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, nobody under 16 can be listed as a member.

Identity Verification for LLP Members

Since November 2025, every director and PSC of a UK company or LLP has had to complete identity verification with Companies House. This applies to designated members too. Once verified, you're issued an 11-character personal code that links your identity to your role at the company.

You can also complete your identity verification directly with Companies MadeSimple if you form your LLP through our platform.

If you're already verified for another company or LLP, you don't need to repeat the process. Your code carries across every business you're involved with. If you haven't done this yet, it's worth sorting out early, since you'll need the code for filings like your confirmation statement.

What Happens If You Only Have One Member?

You can't register an LLP with a single member. Companies House requires two at the point of incorporation.

That said, an LLP can carry on trading with only one member for a short period, for example if a member resigns or dies. But if it drops below two members for more than six months, the remaining member can become personally liable for the LLP's debts during that time. So it's not something to let drift.

LLP vs Limited Company: Member Numbers Compared

A standard limited company can be formed with just one director and one shareholder, and that can be the same person. An LLP always needs at least two people involved from day one.

If you're a solo founder without a business partner, a limited company will usually be the simpler route. If you're going into business with someone else, whether that's a person or another company, an LLP could be worth a look, especially if you want that partnership structure with limited liability protection built in.

Incorporating Your LLP With Companies MadeSimple

Companies MadeSimple can help you register a Limited Liability Partnership with Companies House. Our online service guides you through the required information, checks your application details and provides your incorporation documents through your online account.

See what’s included in our LLP formation service and get started when you’re ready. Companies House decides whether to accept the application and how long registration takes.

FAQs

Can one person form an LLP on their own?

No. You need at least two designated members to register an LLP with Companies House. A single founder would need to form a limited company instead.

Can a company be a designated member of an LLP instead of a person?

Yes. A designated member can be an individual or another company acting as a corporate member. You just need at least two designated members in total, made up of any combination of people and companies.

Do LLP members need to live in the UK?

No. Members can be based anywhere in the world and hold any nationality. Only the registered office address has to be a physical UK location, in the same jurisdiction as the LLP.

What's the minimum age to be an LLP member?

16, across the whole UK. This applies whether you're registering in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Rules and requirements can vary depending on individual circumstances, so it's worth checking the latest guidance on GOV.UK or speaking to a qualified professional before making decisions.