Author
Mark C
- 1st January 2026
Cheap Company Registration UK (2026): Ultimate Guide to Affordable Company Formation
Looking for cheap company registration in the UK? Whether you’re starting your first business or switching from sole trader status, finding the cheapest way to register a company online is a crucial step. A reliable provider can cut costs, save you time, and ensure compliance with Companies House and HMRC from day one.
In this guide, we break down the best cheap company formation options available in the UK. We compare three trusted providers — Tide, ANNA Money, and 1st Formations — each offering affordable company registration packages designed for startups, freelancers, and small businesses. You’ll discover features, pricing, pros and cons, and exclusive startup offers to help you find the cheapest way to set up a Ltd company in the UK.
Best Cheap Company Registration Deals
Anna Money
Cheap Company Formation with Extras- Affordable company formation service
- Registered office address in London (optional)
- Mail forwarding and document scanning (optional)
- Meeting room hire and call answering
Tide
Cheapest Way to Register a Company + Cashback- £200 cashback reward*
- 70% cheaper than companies house
- Receive certificate of incorporation & set up within 1 business day
- Free Business Bank account at registration
1st Formations
Low-Cost Premium Company Registration- Includes £50 Companies House Fee
- Expert-led UK company formation service
- Fast and hassle-free online company formation setup
- Prestigious and central business addresses
What Is Cheap Company Registration?
Cheap company registration — also known as cheap company formation or incorporation — is the process of creating a limited company in the UK without paying premium fees. Most entrepreneurs choose to form a Private Limited Company (Ltd), which separates personal finances from business liability.
Using a cheap online company formation agent makes the process faster, more accurate, and more affordable than registering directly with Companies House. These services often include:
✔️ Digital incorporation documents
✔️ A free business bank account
✔️ Registered office addresses
✔️ Optional VAT and PAYE registration
So if you’re searching for the cheapest way to register a company, a trusted agent is usually the smarter route.
Benefits of Using a Cheap Company Formation Agent
Even though the word “cheap” might sound basic, the best cheap company registration services still offer quality support. Here’s why they’re worth it:
Save money
Packages start from as little as £12.99.
Faster setup
Most companies are registered within 24 hours.
Extras included
From business bank accounts to VAT registration.
Expert help
Avoid mistakes and stay compliant from day one.
Perfect for startups
Designed for sole traders and SMEs who want to register quickly and affordably.
Best Cheap Company Formation Services in the UK
Looking for the best cheap company formation options for your startup? Below we’ve reviewed three cheap company registration agents in the UK — Tide, ANNA Money, and 1st Formations — to help you choose the cheap way to register a company online.
Tide – Cheapest Way to Register a Company + Banking Integration
Website: Visit Tide
From: £14.99
Best for: Low-cost formation + business banking.
Key Features:
Affordable online company registration with Companies House Open a Tide business account at the same time Register your business in minutes via the Tide app Optional upgrades: Registered office address, VAT, and more No hidden fees or subscriptions Ideal for sole traders, freelancers, and small teams
Why We Recommend Tide:Tide offers one of the cheapest ways to register a company in the UK, making it a top choice for budget-conscious founders. Not only do you get fast and easy cheap company formation, but you can also open a free business bank account at the same time — with the bonus of upto £200 cashback*. For many entrepreneurs, that makes Tide the most cost-effective package available.
Get your 70% company registration discount & earn upto £200 cashback* >> Click here
Read our full Tide Business Registration review >> here for more details!
*T&C’s apply
ANNA Money – Best Company Formation + Tools for Tax & Invoicing
Website: Visit ANNA Money
From: £50.00
Best for: Admin-friendly company registration + financial tools
Key Features:
✔️ Company formation with Companies House
✔️ Comes with free business account (with account number & sort code)
✔️ Registered office address in London (optional extra)
✔️ Free business debit card
✔️ Auto-generated invoices, tax reminders, and expense tools
✔️ Optional virtual receptionist, mail handling, and VAT registration
Why We Recommend ANNA Money:
ANNA is ideal if you want cheap company registration with more than just the basics. Alongside cheap online company formation, you also get useful admin extras like invoicing tools, expense tracking, and tax reminders — perfect for freelancers, startups, and side hustlers who need affordable formation plus business support.
Get Started with ANNA Money for Free >>
Read our full Anna Money Company Formation review >> here for more details!
1st Formations – Best Premium Company Formation Agent for UK Startups
Website: Visit 1st Formations
From: £52.99
Best for: Premium service and full support from a top-rated company formation agent
Key Features:
✔️ Same-day UK company registration with Companies House
✔️ Digital documents + printed Certificate of Incorporation
✔️ Free .co.uk domain for 1 year
✔️ Business bank account referrals
✔️ VAT, PAYE, and trademark registration options
✔️ Ideal for founders who want long-term support
Why We Recommend 1st Formations:
With over 1 million incorporations, 1st Formations is a trusted name in the industry. While still offering cheap company formation packages, they focus on a premium experience — with professional guidance, printed incorporation documents, and prestigious address options. For founders who want value but also long-term support, they’re one of the best choices for cheap company registration UK services.
Premium features — including printed documents, address services, VAT & PAYE registration, and company secretarial support — are available via higher-tier packages, making this a strong choice for startups planning to scale.
Register your company with 1st Formations >>
Read our full Virtually There product review >> here for more details!
Why Register a Company?
Even if you’re just starting out, there are strong reasons to go beyond working as a sole trader and complete a cheap company registration. Choosing the cheapest way to register a company through an online agent gives you the same legal protections and credibility as a more expensive service — but at a fraction of the cost.
Here are the key advantages of cheap company formation:
Limited Liability
Separate your personal assets from your business. Even the cheapest way to set up a Ltd company in the UK gives you legal protection.
Professional Credibility
A registered Ltd company looks more trustworthy to clients, banks, and investors. Cheap company formation boosts your image affordably.
Easier Funding
Most lenders prefer limited companies. With cheap online company formation, you can access loans, grants, and open a business bank account.
Scalability
Easily add directors, shareholders, and raise investment. Cheap company registration services give you room to grow.
Tax Efficiency
Limited companies have more tax planning options than sole traders. The cheapest way to register a company can reduce your tax bill.
📌 In short, cheap company formation is a low-cost way to protect yourself, appear professional, and prepare your business for long-term growth.
How Does Company Registration Work?
Company registration — also known as company formation or incorporation — is the legal process that gives your business its own identity. If you’re launching a startup, registering your company is one of the first (and most important) steps.
When you register a company in the UK, you’re creating a separate legal entity that is distinct from you as an individual. This process is overseen by Companies House, the UK’s official registrar. It’s essential for anyone looking to trade as a limited company.
Here’s how the process works — and why choosing the best way to register a company online can make all the difference:
🔄 Step-by-Step Breakdown
🧾 Your company details are submitted to Companies House
This includes your company name, registered office address, director(s), shareholder(s), and share capital information. Most of the best online company registration providers make this simple with easy-to-use forms.
🔍 Identity and AML checks are performed
To prevent fraud and comply with anti-money laundering regulations, the best company formation agents will verify your ID and address during setup.
✅ Your application is reviewed and approved
If everything is correct, approval usually takes less than 24 hours on working days — a key reason to use one of the best company registration services to avoid delays.
📩 Your company is added to the public register
Once approved, your business will appear on the Companies House register. You’ll receive a certificate of incorporation and can legally start trading.
💡 Optional services are often bundled in
The best company formation services also offer VAT registration, PAYE setup, registered office addresses, and even business banking options — everything you need to start strong.
📌 Using the best company formation agent simplifies every step. It’s the smartest route for startups, sole traders transitioning to Ltd, and anyone who wants to register a company online quickly and compliantly.
How Does Cheap Company Registration Work?
The cheapest way to set up a Ltd company in the UK is straightforward when you use a trusted cheap online company formation agent. Instead of dealing directly with Companies House paperwork, these providers guide you through simple online forms, check your documents for errors, and often include extras like a registered office address or a free business bank account.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how cheap company registration works:
1. Pick a Company Name
The first step is choosing a unique business name. Most cheap company formation providers include a free name-check tool to make sure it isn’t already taken at Companies House. Getting this right at the start saves time and avoids rejection.
2. Choose Your Company Structure
Most startups opt for a Private Limited Company (Ltd), which offers limited liability and tax flexibility. However, some cheap online company formation agents also support other structures like LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships). Deciding this upfront is crucial for your business goals.
3. Add Directors and Shareholders
Every UK company needs at least one director and one shareholder (they can be the same person). With cheap company registration services, you’ll simply enter their names and details into an online form. The agent then handles the official filings.
4. Provide a Registered Office Address
A registered office is required for every UK company. Many cheap company registration packages include a free or low-cost registered office service, which protects your home address from appearing on the public record.
5. Prepare Company Documents
Formation documents include your Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association. The good news? With cheap company formation services, these are auto-generated for you. Some providers also supply free digital copies of share certificates and incorporation documents.
6. Submit Your Application Online
Once the forms are complete, your cheap online company formation agent submits the application to Companies House. Thanks to electronic filing, most applications are approved within 24 hours on working days, making this the cheapest and fastest way to register a company.
7. Receive Your Incorporation Documents
When your company is approved, you’ll get:
A Certificate of Incorporation
Share certificates
A unique company number
This means your business is now legally registered and ready to trade.
📌 Pro Tip: Many providers offering cheap company registration in the UK bundle extra services such as business banking, VAT registration, PAYE setup, and even mail forwarding. Providers like Tide and ANNA Money let you register your company and open a bank account at the same time, making them some of the cheapest ways to set up a Ltd company in the UK while saving time and money.
Do I Need to Register a Company in the UK?
If you’re asking, “Do I need to register a company as a sole trader or freelancer?” — the answer depends on how you want to operate and grow your business. Sole traders can work without registering with Companies House (you only need to notify HMRC and complete a Self Assessment), but there are many advantages to choosing cheap company registration through a trusted formation agent.
For startups, freelancers, and small business owners, the cheapest way to register a company online often gives you long-term benefits that outweigh the small upfront cost. By opting for cheap company formation packages, you’re not just saving money — you’re building a stronger foundation for growth, credibility, and legal protection.
Here are the main reasons why choosing cheap online company formation makes sense:
Pros and Cons of Cheap Company Formation
When considering the cheapest way to register a company in the UK, it’s important to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of using a cheap online company formation service. While affordable packages can save startups and freelancers significant money, there are also a few trade-offs to keep in mind. Below, we’ve broken down the pros and cons of cheap company registration to help you decide if this route is right for your business.
Pros of Cheap Company Registration:
✔️ Affordable and fast setup
Packages start from just £12.99, making this one of the cheapest ways to set up a Ltd company in the UK, often approved within 24 hours.
✔️ Expert support included
Even low-cost formation agents check documents and filings to keep you compliant with Companies House.
✔️ Extras often bundled in
Many cheap online company formation providers include perks like a free business bank account, VAT registration, or cashback.
✔️ Ideal for first-time founders
Cheap company registration packages simplify paperwork with auto-generated documents and easy online forms.
Cons of Cheap Company Formation:
Premium features cost extra
Services like same-day incorporation, virtual office addresses, or mail forwarding usually aren’t in the cheapest packages.
Company details are public
Directors’ names and office addresses appear on the Companies House register unless you pay for privacy services.
Quality varies by provider
Some budget agents cut corners or offer limited support, so it’s best to choose trusted names like Tide, ANNA Money, or 1st Formations.
Possible hidden costs
Cheap packages may not include printed certificates or other extras, so compare deals carefully.
Comparison of Cheap Company Registration Providers
Looking for the cheapest company registration options in the UK?
If you want cheap company registration that’s fast, reliable, and compliant with Companies House, three standout providers are Tide, ANNA Money, and 1st Formations. Each offers cheap company formation packages designed for startups, freelancers, and small businesses. Whether you’re searching for the cheapest way to register a company, need a cheap online company formation service, or simply want the cheapest way to set up a Ltd company in the UK, these providers give you affordable solutions with professional support.
 |
 |
 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | £14.99 | £50.00 | £52.99 |
| Registered Office Address | ✔️ Available | ✔️ Available | ✔️ Available |
| Mail Forwarding | ✔️ Available | ✔️ Available | ✔️ Available |
| Mail Scanning | ✔️ Available | ✔️ Available | ✔️ Available |
| Virtual Receptionist | ❌ Not Included | ❌ Not Included | ❌ Not Included |
| Meeting Room Access | ❌ Not Available | ❌ Not Available | ❌ Not Available |
| Free Business Account | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes | ❌ No |
| Locations | Shoreditch, London | UK-wide | UK-wide |
| Exclusive Offer | Discounted company formation + upto £200 cashback* | Get £25 back when you top up your ANNA account | Discounted company formation |
| Get Deal | Register today | Register today |
FAQs – Cheap Company Registration UK
If you’re planning to launch a limited company, you might be wondering about the cheapest way to register a company online and whether cheap company formation is reliable. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about cheap company registration services in the UK. These FAQs cover everything from cheap online company formation to the cheapest way to set up a Ltd company in the UK.
Q1: What is the cheapest way to register a company?
Answer: The cheapest way to register a company in the UK is through an online company formation agent. Providers like Tide £14.99, often including extras such as a registered office address, banking referrals, and digital incorporation documents. This makes them a better value than paying the standard Companies House fee directly.
Q2: Is cheap company formation reliable?
Answer: Yes. Reputable providers offering cheap company formation services are fully approved by Companies House and deliver all the legal documents you need, such as your Certificate of Incorporation and Articles of Association. Cheap doesn’t mean low-quality — it means affordable company registration packages that help startups and small businesses save money without compromising compliance.
Q3: Can I register a company online myself?
Answer:
Yes, you can register directly with Companies House for £50. However, many founders find that cheap online company formation agents offer far better value, since they often include free extras like bank account setup, VAT registration, and business address services. In most cases, the cheap company registration route through an agent is more efficient and cost-effective.
Q4: How long does cheap online company formation take?
Answer:
Most cheap company registration services in the UK complete the process within 24 hours on working days, provided your details are correct. Some providers even offer same-day incorporation for a small additional fee. This makes the cheapest way to register a company online both fast and hassle-free compared to handling paperwork manually.
Q5: What’s the cheapest way to set up a Ltd company in the UK?
Answer: The cheapest way to set up a Ltd company in the UK is to use a trusted cheap online company formation service. Tide has excellent options — offering packages under £20, often bundled with free banking and cashback deals. These make them the top choice for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups searching for budget-friendly company registration.
Final Thoughts – Cheap Company Registration Options
If you’re a startup, freelancer, or SME, cheap company registration services are the most cost-effective way to get started. Providers like Tide, ANNA Money, and 1st Formations offer cheap online company formation packages that are quick, compliant, and packed with extras.
Choosing the cheapest way to register a company doesn’t mean cutting corners — it means getting your business legally formed while saving money on setup costs. With deals starting under £20, there’s no reason to delay forming your company.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication, please be aware that regulations and circumstances may change. We recommend consulting with a qualified professional for personalised guidance specific to your situation. Additionally, some links on this website may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. Please ensure you read and understand all terms and conditions before making any decisions.
*Tide Offer: Use the code STARTUP200 when you register your business and open your Tide account. Spend £100 on your Tide card within 30 days to unlock your £75 cashback reward. In addition, if you deposit at least £5,000 into your Tide Instant Saver Account within 7 days of opening (and keep it there for one month), you’ll qualify for the additional £125 Tide Instant Saver offer.
**Anna Money Pricing: Indicated prices and plans are for reference / dated 15/11/2025. For current pricing please check the page where you sign up.
