How Long Does It Take to Form a Company?

Most online limited company formations in the UK are completed within one working day. How quickly yours gets processed depends on when you submit your application, how busy Companies House is, and whether everything in your application is correct first time.

This article explains the full process, what affects timing, and how to give your application the best chance of a quick turnaround.

Key Takeaways

• Companies House processing times for standard limited company incorporations vary and have increased in recent years. Check current processing times on the Companies House service availability page before submitting if timing is critical.
• Processing time is the same regardless of whether you form through Companies MadeSimple, another agent, or directly with Companies House. It is an industry-wide timeline.
• Applications submitted on weekdays are processed faster than those submitted on weekends or bank holidays, which carry over to the next working day.
• All directors and PSCs must complete identity verification and obtain a personal code before an application can be submitted. Delays here will delay the incorporation.
• Getting your application right first time is the most effective way to avoid unnecessary delays. Any errors can cause rejection, which resets the processing clock.

What Is the Current Companies House Processing Time?

Companies House processing times for standard incorporations vary and can change week to week depending on demand. What took a few hours a few years ago can now take considerably longer during busy periods.

It's worth checking current Companies House processing times before you submit if a specific date matters to you. The Companies House service availability page is the most reliable place to find up-to-date information on current turnaround times.

Why Has Incorporation Time Increased?

Two main factors have pushed average formation times up.

The first is volume. More companies are being formed in the UK now than at any point in history, which means more applications in the queue at any given time.

The second is the introduction of stricter identity verification requirements. After completing ID checks, all directors and PSCs must obtain personal codes before an application can be submitted to Companies House. This adds steps to the process that weren't previously required, which contributes to longer overall formation times.

What Affects How Quickly My Company Gets Formed?

When You Submit

Applications submitted on working days are processed faster than those submitted on weekends or bank holidays. A weekend submission will sit in the queue until Companies House opens on Monday morning.

Submitting early in the working day gives your application the best chance of being processed that same day, though this is not guaranteed.

Accuracy of Your Application

Any errors or inconsistencies in your application can cause delays or result in a rejection. Companies House will not process an application that contains incorrect information. Double-checking everything before you submit is worth the time.

ID Checks and Personal Codes

Before your application can be submitted to Companies House, the account holder, all directors, and all PSCs must complete identity verification and provide their personal codes. Delays in completing this step will hold up the whole application.

Make sure everyone involved completes their ID checks as early as possible in the process. Waiting until the last minute is one of the most common reasons formations take longer than expected. If you're unsure about any part of the ID verification process, the Companies MadeSimple support team is on hand to help.

What Happens After My Company Is Formed?

Once Companies House processes your application, your company is officially incorporated. You'll receive your Certificate of Incorporation, which confirms your company name, registration number, and date of incorporation.

From that point your company legally exists and can begin trading, open bank accounts, enter into contracts, and take on employees.

If you're ready to get started, check your company name is available and choose a formation package to begin.

FAQs

How long does it take to form a company with Companies MadeSimple?

Most applications are submitted to Companies House on the same day you complete your order. Companies House then processes them in order, and timescales vary depending on demand. Check current processing times before submitting if a specific date matters to you.

What can I do to speed up my company formation?

Submit your application early on a working day, make sure all information is accurate before submitting, and ensure all directors and PSCs complete their ID checks promptly. Any delays in ID verification will hold up your application.

Why is company formation taking longer than it used to?

Two main reasons: record numbers of company formations are putting pressure on Companies House processing capacity, and the introduction of mandatory identity verification for directors and PSCs has added steps to the process that weren't previously required.

Can I form a company on a weekend?

You can submit your application over the weekend, but Companies House does not process applications on weekends or bank holidays. Your application will join the queue and be processed on the next working day.

What if my application is rejected?

If Companies House rejects your application, typically due to an issue with your company name or the information provided, you'll need to correct and resubmit it. This resets the processing clock, which is why getting the application right first time matters.

Do I need to complete ID checks before I can submit my application?

Yes. The account holder, all directors, and all PSCs must complete identity verification and receive their personal codes before the application can be sent to Companies House.