Companies House Web Incorporation Service

Q. What is the Web Incorporation Service?

A. It is secure system for customers to submit their applications to incorporate a company online.  The service is accessed via the www.businesslink.gov.uk website and submits the information directly to Companies House. 

Q. When will the service be available?

It was implemented on 6th April 2011. The service will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Q. What company types can be incorporated using the service?

A. The following company types can be incorporated using the web incorporation service:
- Private limited by shares, adopting model articles.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. To submit your company incorporation the fee is £18. 

Q. How do I pay?

A. Payment can be made online using a credit or debit card, or by a previously agreed Online Filing Services Credit Account.

Q. Can Companies House help me to form my company?

A. Companies House can provide you with guidance on the forms and methods of incorporating a company, on your choice of company name and also provide general advice on matters such as filing requirements. However, we cannot advise you about the content of your company's articles, or whether a company is the best vehicle for your business. If you are unsure about any aspect of forming a company, you should consider seeking professional advice from a solicitor, accountant or company formation agent.

Q. How do I register for the web incorporation service?

A. You need to supply an email address and password to use the service.

If you are already registered with the Companies House WebFiling service, you can sign-in to the Web Incorporation Service using the same email address and password. 

Q. How will I be notified if my incorporation has been accepted or not?

A. If your incorporation application has been accepted, you will be sent an email within approximately 2 days; which will include confirmation of your company number and company name.  Your certificate of incorporation and memorandum of association will both be attached to the email in PDF format.

Q. What is the certificate of incorporation?

A. The certificate is conclusive evidence that the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 as to registration have been complied with and that the company is duly registered under this Act. The certificate will state:

• the name and registered number of the company;
• the date of its incorporation;
• that the company type is private limited by shares;
• whether the company's registered office is situated in England and Wales, Wales, Scotland or in Northern Ireland.

The certificate will be authenticated by the registrar's official seal.

Q. Will I be able to save the data I have entered and return to it later?

A. Yes, you can save your submission at any point in the process up until the 'Payment' section, by clicking on the 'Log out and Finish Later' button in the top right corner of the screen.  The incorporation information will be saved for 90 days, however, the company name entered will not be reserved and cannot be guaranteed.

To return to a previously started incorporation, you simply need to sign in with your email address and password/security code; and the service will invite you to continue with the incorporation or delete it. 

Q. Is there more information on how to complete the sections within the service?

A. There are extensive notes and guidance contained within the service explaining what information is required.  The screens need to be completed in sequence; you can however save the information already input and return to the application later.  A summary of the data entered is shown at the end of each section and at the end of the application process with the option to amend any details if required.

Companies House provides further guidance on the incorporation process in the guide 'Incorporation and Names' .