Documents for Company Formation UK

by/1st July 2025/inLimited Company, Starting A Business, UK Startup
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Thinking about setting up a limited company? One of the first things you’ll need to know is which documents for company formation UK businesses must prepare.

Forming a company with Companies House is relatively straightforward, but there are key pieces of paperwork you must submit to get your business officially registered.

This post goes to some way to explaining what these documents are, what they include, and how to get them right from day one.

Why Company Formation Documents Matter

Your company formation documents are the legal foundation of your business.

They:

  • Create your company’s official identity
  • Define how your company is structured and who owns it
  • Set out the rules for running your company

Filing them correctly avoids delays, legal issues, and potential fines later on.

Essential Documents for Company Formation UK

When registering your company with Companies House, you’ll need these core documents:

1. Application to Register a Company (Form IN01)

The IN01 form is the main application. It includes:

  • Company name
  • Registered office address
  • Details of directors and secretaries (if appointed)
  • Details of shareholders (members)
  • Share capital and shareholdings
  • Statement of compliance (confirming legal requirements are met)

This can be completed online or submitted by post.

Learn more about Form IN01

2. Memorandum of Association

The Memorandum of Association is a legal statement signed by all initial shareholders (members). It confirms they agree to form the company and become its first members.

It must include:

  • The company name
  • Names and signatures of all subscribers

When registering online, the memorandum is created automatically as part of the digital process.

Memorandum of Association explained

3. Articles of Association

The Articles of Association are the company’s rulebook. They set out how the company will be run, including:

  • Rights and responsibilities of directors and shareholders
  • Procedures for meetings and decision-making
  • Rules for issuing and transferring shares

Most companies use the Model Articles provided by Companies House, but you can customise your articles if you have specific requirements.

More about Articles of Association

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Additional Documents You May Need

Depending on your business type or structure, you may also need to prepare or keep other documents alongside the core ones:

4. Shareholders’ Agreement (Recommended)

While not legally required for formation, a shareholders’ agreement is highly recommended if there’s more than one shareholder. It sets out:

  • Roles and rights of each shareholder
  • How dividends are paid
  • What happens if a shareholder wants to leave
  • Dispute resolution processes

This helps prevent conflicts later. Learn more about shareholders agreements.

5. PSC Register

You must keep a Register of People with Significant Control (PSC) from the day your company is formed. This lists individuals who:

  • Own more than 25% of shares or voting rights
  • Can appoint or remove a majority of directors
  • Have significant influence or control

You must also report PSC details to Companies House.

What is a PSC?

6. Statutory Registers

By law, every UK company must maintain up-to-date statutory registers, including:

  • Register of members
  • Register of directors and secretaries
  • Register of PSCs

These do not need to be filed at Companies House but must be kept at your registered office or SAIL address.

Statutory registers explained

What If You Use a Formation Agent?

If you use a company formation agent, they’ll typically prepare these documents for you.

They’ll:

  • Submit your IN01
  • Generate your Memorandum and Articles automatically
  • Provide template statutory registers
  • Help with your initial share certificates

However, it’s your responsibility to ensure everything is accurate and up to date.

Quick Tips for Company Formation Documents

Check accuracy carefully: Mistakes in names, addresses, or share details can cause delays and extra fees. Ensure all information matches your official ID and proof of address.

Choose your Articles wisely: Decide if the Model Articles are suitable for your business, or whether custom Articles would better reflect your rules for shareholders, directors, and decision-making.

Store your documents securely: Keep both digital and printed copies of your application, Memorandum, Articles, and share certificates. Back them up in secure cloud storage for easy access.

Stay compliant post-formation: Understand your duties to maintain statutory registers, update Companies House about changes, and file annual accounts and confirmation statements.

Get advice if needed: If your business has multiple shareholders, complex share classes, or investors, speak to a solicitor or formation expert to tailor your documents properly and avoid issues later.

Required Formation Documents Conclusion

So, what documents for company formation UK companies must submit? At a minimum, you’ll need an IN01 application, a Memorandum of Association, and Articles of Association.

Getting these right is the first step to a smooth and compliant start for your business.

Ready to form your company? Formations Wise makes it easy with expert help and fully compliant document templates.

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Formations Wise is a trading style of Accounting Wise Ltd, a limited company registered in England under company number 09365202. Our registered office is: The Carriages, Station Road, Ware, SG12 9PL UK.

Content is for general information only. Always take advice.

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