A company formation is the legal process of creating a new business entity. In the UK, we register companies with Companies House or via a company formation agent. It includes choosing a unique company name, defining the company's legal structure, and submitting the required documents.

An "LTD" (Limited) in the context of a company name, such as "ABC SERVICES LTD," signifies a private limited company. This is a common business structure in the UK where the company is a separate legal entity from its owners (shareholders), meaning owners are only personally liable for business debts up to the amount of their financial investment. This offers limited liability, protecting personal assets from company losses.

You should set up a limited company for limited liability protection, which shields your personal assets from business debts, and for increased credibility and professionalism, which can attract more clients and investors. Limited companies can also offer tax efficiencies, allow for easier funding and investment through share sales, and provide a clear structure for selling the business or taking on partners.

No, you do not have to be in the UK to form a company there; non-UK residents can easily register a UK limited company online, provided they have a registered office address in the UK. This UK address is mandatory for official correspondence from Companies House and HMRC.

If you can't link your verified identity to Companies House records, it might be due to mismatched personal details. This can happen if you entered your personal code incorrectly or if your date of birth is incorrect on Companies House records. Verify that Companies House has the correct date of birth for you. If not, update it before providing your verification details.

We use SmartSearch and SmartDoc because it helps us:

Stay compliant with UK regulations

As an ACSP, we must meet strict rules set by Companies House and AML regulators. SmartSearch ensures we’re always compliant — even when clients are based outside the UK.

Protect your business (and ours)

Digital verification reduces the risk of fraud, fake IDs, or identity theft. This keeps your new company safe and ensures only legitimate directors are registered.

Make your life easier

No paperwork, no appointments, no waiting weeks for approval — just a quick, secure online check.

Support international clients

Many of our clients are non-UK residents. SmartDoc recognises ID from over 200 countries, so we can verify directors anywhere in the world, from Singapore to Spain.