Last updated Aug 20, 2024 and written by David Daly

The Registered Office: Your questions answered

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At Company Formation MadeSimple we get many queries regarding certain terms and phrasings, in particular, to do with the registered office; a limited company’s official address at Companies House (the UK’s registrar of companies). In this post, we will look at and answer some of these common questions.

Do I have to use my home address as my company’s registered office?

No. Whilst it is commonplace for people to use their residential address as their registered office, you do not have to. Many people simply do this because they do not have an alternative. The registered office can be any address in the UK that you have permission to use. In fact, because the registered office is on the public register, it’s probably beneficial to not use a residential address. If privacy is a concern for you, take a look at our ‘Registered Office Service’.

Does my trading address need to be the same as the registered office?

No. Your business can be conducted from wherever you want – the trading address is not even an address that Companies House ask for.

Is a registered office address the same as a service address?

No. Whilst the registered office is the official address for a limited company, the service address is the official address for a limited company’s director/s. It is on the public register so if privacy is an issue, take a look at our ‘Service Address Service‘.

Does my registered office have to be in the UK?

Yes. If you are looking to form a company in the UK then you need a registered office which is in the UK. This does not mean that you have to be physically based in the UK, but your registered office does.

If I’m renting can I use the rented address as my registered office?

It really depends on the terms of your rental contract. Do not use an address as a registered office (or service address) without first consulting the landlord.

What is official government mail?

This is mail from these particular government bodies:

  • Companies House
  • HMRC
  • Government Gateway
  • Intellectual Property Office

This is the mail that you can expect to receive at your registered office (as well as plenty more as remember, the address is on the public register and so accessible for anyone to find out).

Can I change my registered office?

Yes. You can file an AD01 form with Companies House, or if you form with us, we have an online admin portal that allows you to quickly and simply update company information (for free) – all updates are then sent to Companies House where they’re normally accepted within just three hours.

We hope this has answered any questions you have about the registered office. If it hasn’t, please do get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

If you’re interested in finding out more about our products and services – including limited company formations –  take a look here.