How to Set Up a Welsh Limited Company

Forming a limited company in Wales offers businesses a chance to operate under a distinct Welsh identity while benefiting from the protections and tax advantages of incorporation. Whether you’re launching a small startup or formalising a growing venture, the process is simple and can be completed online in just minutes.

In this post, we explain how to set up a Welsh limited company, what makes it distinct, and how to ensure your company is officially recognised by Companies House as a Welsh entity.

What Is a Welsh Limited Company?

A Welsh limited company is a type of private limited company (Ltd) that is legally incorporated with its registered office address located in Wales and its jurisdiction specifically set to “Wales” when forming the company with Companies House.

This is more than just a geographical distinction it gives businesses the option to embrace Welsh national identity and operate officially in the Welsh language. One of the most notable benefits of this choice is the ability to use Welsh-language suffixes in your company name:

• Cyfyngedig – the Welsh equivalent of “Limited”
• Cyf – the Welsh abbreviation of “Ltd”

So, instead of forming a company called Green Valley Limited, a business registered in Wales can choose to be called Green Valley Cyfyngedig or Green Valley Cyf, provided all incorporation requirements are met.

Why Choose a Welsh Company Jurisdiction?

Setting the jurisdiction to Wales (rather than the more common “England and Wales”) has symbolic and practical benefits:

• Cultural identity – Promote your brand as authentically Welsh, especially if you’re serving local communities or trading in Welsh.
• Language rights – Official correspondence from Companies House and other UK government departments can be issued in Welsh, supporting bilingual business operations.
• Local engagement – Businesses with a clear Welsh identity may be more attractive to local customers, funding bodies, and partnerships, especially when applying for support through Business Wales.

Important Tip: To use a Welsh suffix like “Cyfyngedig” or “Cyf” in your company name, you must set your company’s jurisdiction as “Wales” (not “England and Wales”) during the incorporation process. This setting determines the language suffix options and the legal context of your business.

Relevant Resources:

• Set up a private limited company 
• Companies House: Welsh language services
• Business Wales – Starting Up

What You Need to Set Up a Welsh Limited Company

Before you start your online application with Companies House, it’s essential to have all the required information and documentation ready. Preparing in advance helps ensure a smooth incorporation process and avoids delays due to missing or incorrect data.

Here’s everything you’ll need to form a Welsh private limited company (Cyf/Cyfyngedig) step by step:

1. A Unique Company Name

Your company name must be distinct and not already in use by another business on the Companies House register. Even names that are too similar to existing ones may be rejected.

• Use the Companies House name availability checker to test your proposed name.
• You can include a Welsh-language suffix such as “Cyf.” or “Cyfyngedig” if your jurisdiction is set as Wales.

Top Tip: Avoid using sensitive words or expressions (e.g. “Bank,” “Institute,” “Royal”) unless you have obtained prior approval. These words may require supporting documentation or permission from a relevant authority. Read the GOV.UK guidance on company name rules.

2. A Registered Office Address in Wales

All limited companies must have a registered office an official address where legal correspondence will be sent. This address must:

• Be a real physical location in Wales (not a PO Box alone)
• Be accessible for receipt of official mail
• Be within the jurisdiction of Wales to use Welsh suffixes in your company name

Your registered office address will appear on the public record at Companies House, so many small businesses choose to use a professional registered office service instead of a home address.

3. Details of At Least One Director

A UK private company limited by shares must have at least one natural person acting as a director. There is no upper limit on the number of directors.

You will need to provide the following for each director:

• Full name and title
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Occupation
• Residential address (not public)
• Service address (this is the public-facing address, which can be the company’s registered office or another correspondence address)

Read more about a director’s duties and legal responsibilities in our detailed post: Director Roles in UK Companies

4. Shareholder and Share Information

Your company must have at least one shareholder, and the same person can act as both director and shareholder. The initial shareholders are also referred to as subscribers.

You will need:

• Full name and contact details of each shareholder
• Date of birth, nationality, and address
• Number, currency, and nominal value of shares (usually £1 per share in GBP)
• The rights attached to the shares (e.g. voting rights, dividend entitlements, capital distribution rights)

Quick Tip: For most startups, simplicity is key. A single shareholder with one £1 share is enough to begin and keeps personal liability minimal.

For more guidance, see: GOV.UK – Guidance on shares and shareholders