What is the cheapest way to start a limited company?
Updated 2026-07-03
The cheapest way to start a UK limited company is to register through a business bank account provider that bundles free company formation, such as Tide, ANNA, Revolut Business or Wise, which cover your Companies House filing fee in exchange for you opening an account with them. This means £0 out of pocket for registration, compared with paying the standard Companies House filing fee if you register independently.
| Route | Cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Bank-bundled formation (Tide, ANNA, Revolut, Wise) | Free | Company registered + business account opened together |
| Direct via Companies House | Standard filing fee (check gov.uk for the current amount) | Registration only, no account |
| Formation agent (paid) | Varies, often more than the direct fee | Registration + extras (registered office, templates) |
FAQs
Is free formation the same legal company as a paid one?
Yes, every route ends up on the exact same public Companies House register with identical legal status.
What isn't included in free formation?
A registered office address (if you don't want your home address public) and ongoing filings after registration.
References
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