Which documents do I need to set up a limited company?

19th February 2026

Making the move to a limited company often happens at a point of growth, when a business is gaining traction or planning for the future. However, many founders find themselves navigating unfamiliar legal terminology and decisions about ownership or governance at this stage of the process. Taking the time to understand these elements before registering can help avoid delays and ensure your company is structured correctly from day one.

At 99p Company Formations, we aim to make the process of setting up a company as easy as possible, which is why we’ve outlined all the legal documents you need to have on hand when you register your limited company on Companies House.

Why documentation is required when forming a company

When you register a limited company, you are creating a separate legal entity. Because the business becomes legally distinct from its owners, the registrar must verify who is responsible for running it and how it will be governed.

You must provide details about directors and people with significant control (PSCs) as part of the registration process to establish accountability from the start.

Once approved, the registrar issues a certificate of incorporation confirming the company legally exists and showing its company number and date of formation.

Core documents required to register a limited company

1. Memorandum of Association

The memorandum of association (MOA) is a legal statement confirming that the initial shareholders agree to form the company. In practical terms, the memorandum is the formal declaration that the company’s founding members intend to create the business.

Every company registered in the UK must submit an MOA as part of incorporation. It must follow a prescribed format set out in company legislation. Without it, the application will be rejected and the company cannot be legally formed.

2. Articles of Association

The articles of association governs how the business is run day to day, making it one of the most important parts of the formation process.

Every company must have articles, which are legally binding on the company and its members. They set out how decisions are made, how shares are handled, and how directors operate.  Companies may adopt standard ‘model articles’ or create bespoke versions tailored to their needs which can be particularly useful if you have external investors or multiple share classes.

3. Application to register a company (Form IN01)

To incorporate a company, you must submit an application form (commonly known as IN01) alongside the constitutional documents.

This form includes:

• Registered office details

• Director and secretary information

• Statement of capital (if limited by shares)

• Confirmation of company structure and name

If you apply by post, this form must be filed together with the memorandum, articles, and fee.

4. Statement of Capital (companies limited by shares)

If your company is limited by shares, you must declare:

• The number of shares issued

• Their value

• The rights attached to them (such as voting or dividend rights)

5. Statement of Guarantee (companies limited by guarantee)

For companies limited by guarantee (commonly used by charities or non profits), there is no share capital. Instead, members guarantee to contribute a fixed amount if the company is wound up.

This replaces the statement of capital and reflects the organisation’s non share structure.

When do you need these documents in the process?

Understanding when these documents are required can make the formation process feel far more manageable.

Before you apply

You’ll need to decide:

• Your company name

• Director(s) and shareholder(s)

• Share structure or guarantee structure

• Registered office address

• PSC details

During the application

The incorporation process generates:

• Memorandum of association

• Articles of association (if using model articles)

• Statement of capital or guarantee

After Approval

You will receive:

• Certificate of incorporation

• Official confirmation of your company’s legal existence

Can you create these documents yourself?

Yes, it is possible to prepare formation documents independently. However, they must meet strict legal formatting requirements and align correctly with your chosen company structure. Errors can result in rejected applications or complications that require formal amendments later.

Common mistakes when preparing for formation documents

Even simple companies can run into issues if details are not carefully considered. Typical mistakes include:

• Allocating shares without understanding ownership implications

• Using an unsuitable registered office address

• Naming PSCs incorrectly or omitting them entirely

• Customising articles unnecessarily

• Providing inconsistent information across documents

How long does it take to prepare and file these documents?

The actual registration can often be completed quickly once everything is ready. However, you need to invest time gathering accurate information so you’re prepared for registration.

Timeframes typically depend on:

• How quickly ownership decisions are made

• Whether shareholders agree on structure

• Preparing correct address and PSC details

• Ensuring documents align with your business goals

Working with a formation service can significantly reduce preparation time by guiding you through the required information step by step.

Information you must provide alongside the documents

In addition to formal paperwork, Companies House requires specific company and personal information as part of the registration process.

You must supply:

• Proposed company name

• SIC code

• Registered office address in the correct UK jurisdiction

• A registered email address for official communications

• Personal identifying information for directors, shareholders, or guarantors

Director and person with significant control (PSC) details

Companies House requires transparency about who runs and controls the company. A PSC is typically someone holding more than 25% of shares or voting rights. These disclosures help ensure accountability and reduce the risk of fraud or misuse of corporate structures.

You must provide core details for each director and PSC, including:

• Full name

• Date of birth (month and year publicly displayed)

• Nationality and occupation

• Service address and residential address

Registered office address

Every company must have a registered office address in the same UK country in which it is incorporated. It does not have to be your trading location, but it must be a valid physical address.

This address:

• Appears on the public register

• Receives official correspondence

• Acts as the company’s legal point of contact

How to hide your address if your company is registered to your home.

Documents you receive after incorporation

Once the application is approved, Companies House issues official formation documents, including:

• Certificate of incorporation: The official proof that your company exists. You will need this to open a company bank account and apply for credit.

• Statutory registers and share certificates (where applicable): These identify who has shares in your company.

These records form the legal foundation of your company and must be retained for compliance purposes.

Consequences of incorrect documentation

Submitting incomplete or incorrect documentation can delay incorporation, prevent you from opening a business bank account, or stop you from trading under limited liability protections.

Because incorporation only takes legal effect once Companies House approves the documents and issues the certificate, businesses should avoid entering contracts or making commitments beforehand.

Ready to register your company?

With clear preparation and the right information, registering your limited company with Companies House is a straightforward process. If you prefer a simplified, supported experience, 99p Company Formations offers fast, affordable incorporation services with optional add ons to help your business stay compliant from day one.

We offer full registration services that help you begin trading without the administrative hassle. Call us today to get started.