Comparison Guide · 2026-07-03
Company Formation Agent vs DIY Companies House Registration UK 2026
Registering directly with Companies House costs just £50 online and takes as little as 24 hours, giving you full control over every field on the application. A formation agent charges more (typically £15–£100+) but bundles extras such as a registered office address, model articles guidance, digital certificates and sometimes business bank account introductions, useful if you want privacy for your home address or extra hand-holding.
At a Glance
| Feature | Formation Agent | DIY Companies House |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £50 (standard online registration), £78 (paper) direct from Companies House | £15–£100+ depending on the package and extras included |
| Registration speed | Usually same day to 24 hours online | Usually same day to 24 hours, some agents offer instant same-hour formation |
| Registered office address | Must use your own address (or pay separately for a registered office service) | Often bundled — useful if you do not want your home address on the public register |
| Guidance through the process | Minimal — you complete the form yourself using GOV.UK guidance | Agent guidance on share structure, SIC codes, articles of association |
| Extras (bank account introduction, VAT registration help) | Not included — arrange separately | Often bundled or offered as add-ons |
| Control over details | Full — you enter every detail yourself | Slightly less direct control, though agents check for errors before submission |
When Formation Agent Wins
- You are comfortable navigating the Companies House process yourself and want the lowest possible cost
- You do not need a registered office service and are happy to use your own address (or already have separate premises)
- You have a straightforward single-shareholder company structure
When DIY Companies House Wins
- You want to keep your home address private from the public Companies House register
- You want guidance on share structure, articles of association or SIC codes
- You want bundled extras like a business bank account introduction or VAT registration support
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a company directly with Companies House?
The standard online registration fee is £50, with same-day registration available for an additional fee, or £78 for a paper application by post which takes 8–10 days. This is the minimum cost — formation agents charge on top of or instead of this fee for their bundled services.
Can I keep my home address private when forming a company?
Yes — you must provide a registered office address which is publicly visible on the Companies House register, but this does not have to be your home address. Many formation agents offer a registered office address service (typically £30–£60/year) specifically to keep your home address off the public record, or you can arrange this separately through a virtual office provider.
Do I need a formation agent to open a business bank account?
No — you can apply directly to any bank once your company is registered, using your Companies House registration number and certificate of incorporation, but some formation agents have referral partnerships that can speed up the account-opening process or offer introductory perks.
Show 2 more questionsShow fewer questions
What information do I need to register a company?
You need a unique company name, a registered office address, details of at least one director and shareholder, a SIC code describing your business activity, and to decide on your articles of association (most small companies use the standard "model articles" provided by Companies House).
Is it riskier to use a formation agent than registering directly?
Not inherently — reputable formation agents are simply intermediaries submitting the same Companies House application on your behalf, but always check reviews and that the agent is a genuine, established provider, since you are trusting them with sensitive company setup details.
Key Sources
Related Comparisons
Calculators for this comparison
Dividend Tax Calculator
Calculate tax on dividends received from UK companies for 2025/26.
Calculate your Self-Employed Tax
Calculate income tax, Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance for self-employed and sole traders for 2025/26.
VAT tool
Add or remove VAT from any amount. Supports 20%, 5% and 0% UK VAT rates.
Check your R&D Tax Relief
Estimate UK R&D tax credit benefit under the SME scheme, merged RDEC scheme or pre-April-2023 SME rules.
Disclaimer: This comparison is general information, not personal financial advice. Figures reflect the 2026/27 UK tax year and can change. Always check current HMRC/gov.uk guidance or speak to a regulated adviser before making a decision.