If you want to start a business in London, you may want to register it ASAP. Registration sounds easy, but only if you have the right partner from the get-go.
Speaking of which, you don’t want a company that’ll suddenly rack up your fees halfway. Nor would you like to settle with a firm that may drag the process out longer than expected.
With complete requirements and correct details, you only need 24 hours to get your business out there. These firms totally get this process down to a T – sometimes even making registrations possible in a couple of hours!
For services worth your time and money, here are companies to consider.
How much does company registration cost in London?
The cost of company registration in London ranges from £100 to £150 for an online application. Some companies offer registration services as part of a package for newly registered or starting businesses.
How we chose the best company registration companies in London
- Ease of registration process: Companies must offer clear guidance, minimal paperwork, and intuitive online platforms to make the process easier.
- Range of services: Beyond basic company formation, we also looked into registered office addresses, VAT registration, and compliance reminders.
- Pricing: Rates must be clear and competitive, with no hidden fees.
- Customer support: Agencies must offer responsive support, plus availability and accessibility via different support channels (e.g., phone, chat, and email).
- Processing speed: Companies must be able to submit and process company registrations within a reasonable timeline.
1. Your Company Formations Ltd
Location: 128 City Rd, London EC1V 2NX
Contact: +44 20 7689 7888
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
It’s hard to miss Your Company Formations, considering the sheer scale of their track record. Having processed over 1 million orders globally, they’re definitely a giant in this field.
We’re not surprised that many businesses come to them. They have a Digital Package that only costs £2.48. This one gives access to many perks, including a free .co.uk domain name and an online company manager.
The entire ecosystem also won our favour. As we’ve assessed, the application can be completed in around 5 minutes. Most registrations are processed in 3 to 4 hours.
We also liked that they don’t leave international clients out of the picture. They offer remote company formation with a London address, global mail forwarding, and banking guidance.
Though it’s not a red flag, a few clients said they experienced delays in the verification process. It’s best to ensure all requirements are complete to avoid these issues.
Excellent service, friendly and professional
“I have used Your Company Formations Ltd for years and have always found their service excellent. Recenly I had to go through an ID check process and found it easy to complete. A big thank you to Clarice, April, Zoe and Judee who were very friendly and professional. They resolved my queries efficiently and quickly.”
Atif Qureshi | Google Review
Professional, patient, and accommodating
“I had an excellent experience with Your Company Formation’s customer service. Justin and Jay were especially helpful throughout the process. They were professional, patient, and always willing to answer my questions clearly. Their support made everything smooth and stress free. I truly appreciate their help and would highly recommend their service.”
Ibrahim Abdulkadir | Google Review
2. 1st Formations
Location: 71-75 Shelton St, London WC2H 9JQ
Contact: +44 20 3897 2233
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
1st Formations is huge in terms of experience. They handle thousands of incorporations every month and have now formed over a million companies.
During our evaluation, we appreciated how simple the process was. Clients can easily complete the registration in 4 steps: check the name, select a package, complete checkout, and submit company details.
The ease of experience extends even during the incorporation process. The application is only about 15 minutes, and incorporations are normally completed within 24 hours.
There are companies that can do this faster. However, realistically, this is more of the average timeframe.
The rate for their Digital Package is affordable at only £2.99. It’s a low-cost entry option that already includes key services like a free business bank account referral and an online company manager dashboard.
Partnership with national banks can also help businesses manage their accounting needs better.
We’re just a bit unsatisfied with the customer service. Some clients said nobody replies to their inquiries; some said they weren’t able to solve their concerns.
Quick and efficient assistance
“Brilliant service from Libby and team at 1st formations. Setting up a new company and made small mistake which I thought might scupper the whole setup, but Libby managed to sort it. Also managed to mess up country of jurisdiction which was corrected with online chat. All in all quick and efficient assistance and kept in the loop at every step. Definitely recommend.”
Alistair Magill | Google Review
Made everything simple
“”Very professional team! TaxSimba handled my tax queries with confidence and patience. The dashboard is intuitive and well-designed, making everything simple even for someone not tech-savvy. The value for money is exceptional.
Emilia Pratt | Google Review
3. Quality Company Formations
Location: 71-75 Shelton St, London WC2H 9JQ
Contact: +44 20 3908 0044
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Like the others, Quality Formations also got our attention with their fast process. Through their site, clients can easily get their businesses registered within 24 hours.
The application only takes about 20 minutes or less to complete. Same-day incorporation is also possible if complete documents are submitted before the cutoff time.
They also have one of the lowest starting rates for a basic package. They only charge £1.99 for the basic offering. But of course, it does not have as many perks as other packages from different agencies.
Still, they impressed us with their post-formation support. We really appreciate the lifetime customer service, which clients said was accessible.
They also provide an online company management portal. This gives the ability to file confirmation statements or update company details online.
One drawback we observed was that a few clients were met with additional fees. Some others encountered confusion with their mail-forwarding options.
Truly cared
“Couldn’t ask for better support! Marianne, Zoe, & Averil were patient, responsive, and truly cared about my needs. Their guidance made all the difference. Highly recommend!”
Camille Y | Google Review
Quick service and communication
“I phoned regarding some invoices which I was unsure of. The call was answered very quickly and my queries were efficiently answered. I was very happy with the service.”
Malcolm “Wolfie” Smith| Google Review
4. 121 Company Formation
Location: 3rd Floor, 207 Regent St., London W1B 3HH
Contact: +44 20 3893 2121
Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours
When we were looking at company registration companies in London, we preferred those that process applications fast. 121 Company Formation came at the top.
Their average incorporation time is just within 2 business hours. At that rate, it’s safe to say they’re pretty unbeatable in terms of speed.
However, starting prices for packages aren’t as affordable as those of other companies.
The package options are comprehensive, though. Each one includes essentials such as appointment of offices, share capital setup, and a free admin portal.
Another thing we liked is their registered office address service. This one includes statutory mail handling and forwarding. Businesses can take advantage of this if they have international clients or remote business owners.
Customer service is also consistent. One client even said that their request was resolved within minutes.
Just one thing to note is that there are occasional glitches in their online application form. Fortunately, the team resolves these quickly.
Excellent company
“I have been a client of 121 Company Formation in London UK since 2019. They do an excellent job as my local partner for business. They provide great service in getting my mail forwarded to Canada and managing my UK business address and other services. I could not manage my company remotely without their assistance. Great company and Zeddy is always helpful and prompt on his commitments.”
Lino Hilario | Google Review
Committed to great service
“It was amazing to work with this company. The staffs are brilliant and were committed to great service and were very friendly specifically Rachael Aye. She was always there to help me for everything i need. She had such a passion for her job that it translated to pure excellence in her job. Well done 121 Company Formation for employing such a remarkable staff member.. Everything i need was done within 1 day. I will definitely return there if i need anything, Highly recommend it!!!!”
Ebonie Kalisa | Google Review
5. Rapid Formations
Location: 71-75 Shelton St, London WC2H 9JQ
Contact: +44 20 7871 9990
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
One of the strongest advantages of Rapid Formations is their quick formation timeline. On average, they’re able to complete registrations within 3 hours after submission.
For cases requiring additional documents, the timeline is within 24 hours.
Clients we interviewed said the process was easy to follow. We also appreciate that there are staff members who guide users if needed.
The formation packages are competitively priced, starting at £2.99. This includes a free business bank account introduction and filling of the first confirmation statement.
We also liked their All-Inclusive package. This option covers VAT registration, company secretary services, and more.
Their London Registered Office service is only £39 per year. We see this as a solid option for clients who need official government mail scanned and emailed ASAP.
The only drawback is that the optional services during checkout are a bit confusing. This can lead to miscommunications in billing.
Polite, knowledgeable, and eager to help
“Rapid Company is a new business, but their service quality is already top-notch. The staff was polite, knowledgeable, and eager to help. Everything was handled smoothly and on time. It’s refreshing to see a company that truly values its customers. Wishing them continued success!”
Shahzaib Attari | Google Review
Very fast and efficient
“Good Customer service by Libby , help with opening the company and sorting out the right package to purchase for my application. Very fast and efficient. Thank you. Definity recommend their services”
Raj C | Google Review
