Companies House Price Increase 2026: What UK Startups Need to Know

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Introduction

If you’re planning to register a limited company this year, the companies house price increase is something you’ll want to factor into your setup budget straight away. Even small fee changes can affect first-time founders, freelancers switching from sole trader to limited company, and growing SMEs looking to incorporate a new business or spin up a second venture. When you’re juggling domain costs, bookkeeping, software subscriptions, and the basics of launching, an unexpected company registration cost increase can feel like one more hurdle in an already busy checklist.

This guide is written for UK sole traders, startups, contractors, and small business owners who want a clear, practical breakdown of what’s changing, when it changes, and what you can do next. We’ll cover how the companies house fee increase affects the overall companies house registration cost, what founders should budget for in 2026, and the steps you can take to register smoothly without getting caught out.

If you want a simple path that bundles registration and a business account in one place, you may also prefer to use a company formation partner. One option many startups consider is Tide’s company formation route, which can help you complete the process with less admin and predictable pricing. If you’re eligible, you can register your business for £14.99 and get up to £200 cashback using the code STARTUP200 (subject to eligibility; offers may change and you should always check the latest terms).

Register with Tide here: https://companyformationdeals.co.uk/recommends/tide-company-formation/ (use code STARTUP200, subject to eligibility; offer may change)

Throughout the article, you’ll also see guidance on timing. A common question is when do companies house fees increase, because founders often try to register before higher costs kick in. While cost isn’t the only factor in your decision, understanding the new fee landscape is useful for planning cashflow and deciding whether to incorporate now, wait, or restructure how you run the business.

By the end, you’ll know what the new Companies House fees mean in practice, how to estimate your 2026 formation budget, and how to avoid common mistakes that cause delays and extra costs.

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Contents

What is changing with Companies House fees in 2026?

For founders, the key issue isn’t just that fees are going up—it’s that the overall companies house registration cost becomes a bigger line item at the exact moment you’re trying to keep startup costs lean. The companies house fee increase that takes effect from 1 February 2026 changes the baseline cost of incorporating and can influence how you plan your launch timeline. If you’re registering a limited company as a first-time founder, adding a new company for a side project, or incorporating after trading as a sole trader, it’s worth understanding what sits behind the fee changes and how those changes typically show up during registration.

Companies House fees cover specific administrative processes, including the handling of incorporation applications and certain filings. When the company registration cost increase comes into effect, it may not be the only cost you pay—but it becomes the fixed “starting point” that everything else builds on. That’s why many founders look at the companies house registration cost not as a single figure, but as part of a wider “formation bundle” that includes a registered office address, confirmation statement planning, bank account setup, and basic compliance habits.

The big practical impact is budgeting and timing. If you’re trying to decide whether to incorporate in January or February, you’ll likely ask when do companies house fees increase and whether there’s any advantage to registering earlier. In many cases, registering earlier can mean paying less in direct fees and starting your compliance clock sooner, which could be helpful if you’re raising money, signing contracts, or onboarding clients who prefer dealing with a limited company. That said, rushing incorporation without having your key details prepared can cause rejections or delays, which can cost more than the fee difference.

To keep things sensible, treat the new companies house registration cost as one part of a controlled checklist. Make sure you have a clear company name, a compliant registered office address, at least one director, and your share structure planned. If you don’t want to manage the admin alone, a company formation provider can streamline steps and sometimes provides predictable pricing for the setup stage. With Tide, for example, eligible founders can register their business for £14.99 and get up to £200 cashback with code STARTUP200, which can help offset the wider company registration cost increase—but always check the current terms before you commit (subject to eligibility; offer may change).

Ultimately, the fee changes matter because they affect the baseline cost of doing things “the official way”. If your goal is to incorporate smoothly, look professional to clients, and avoid avoidable errors, knowing the new fee landscape is a straightforward advantage in 2026.

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Why the price increase matters for sole traders and startups

For many people reading this, the decision to incorporate isn’t theoretical—it’s a practical step driven by growth. Sole traders often incorporate when client work becomes more regular, when they want a more “business-like” structure for larger contracts, or when they’re thinking about liability and credibility. Startups and small teams incorporate to bring co-founders under one structure, issue shares, open a business bank account, and build a brand that feels investable. That’s why a companies house fee increase can have an outsized impact, even if the number itself looks small in isolation.

The issue is that founders rarely pay just one fee. The companies house registration cost sits alongside other early expenses like a domain, email, bookkeeping software, and possibly a virtual office address. So when there’s a company registration cost increase, the question becomes: how much does it push up the total cost of becoming “official”? For a bootstrapped founder, even an extra £10–£20 can influence whether they register now or delay by a month while they line up work. For a freelancer, it might change how they price their first few contracts under the limited company.

It also matters because of timing pressure. When do Companies House fees increase is a question that pops up because founders often want certainty. If you’re about to sign a client who needs a company number for procurement, you can’t afford delays. Similarly, if you’re launching a new ecommerce brand or app, you may want the company registered so you can open accounts, apply for services, and set up payments. In that situation, the difference between paying the new companies house registration cost in February versus the old fee in January is less important than avoiding rejection or admin back-and-forth.

There’s also an emotional factor: fee increases often make founders feel like they’re being penalised for starting. That’s where simple, predictable routes can help. Instead of treating incorporation as a confusing, one-off government process, many startups prefer to bundle it with tools they already need—like a business bank account and basic financial admin. For example, Tide’s formation route is designed to simplify registration and, for eligible founders, includes an offer where you can register your business for £14.99 and get up to £200 cashback using code STARTUP200 (subject to eligibility; offers may change). That can make the company registration cost increase feel less painful because you’re gaining a broader setup package rather than paying fees in isolation.

The bottom line: the companies house fee increase matters because it’s part of your launch runway. The better you understand the costs and timelines, the more confidently you can incorporate, price your work, and start trading under the structure that matches your goals.

Companies house price increase: what it means for your registration budget

Understanding how the companies house price increase affects your registration budget is less about the headline fee and more about how it changes your overall startup maths. For many founders, company formation sits at the very start of their financial journey, often before revenue is predictable. That’s why even a modest company registration cost increase can have knock-on effects when combined with other unavoidable setup expenses.

In practical terms, the companies house registration cost is a fixed, non-negotiable fee if you choose to register directly. When this rises, it shifts the minimum amount you must spend to legally form a limited company. That may sound trivial, but founders often operate with tightly controlled budgets in the first few months. The increase can influence decisions like whether to register immediately, wait until contracts are signed, or explore bundled options that spread or offset costs.

Another important consideration is that registration rarely happens in isolation. The moment you incorporate, you’ll likely need a business bank account, a registered office address (if you don’t want to use your home), and a plan for statutory filings. The companies house fee increase effectively raises the entry price for accessing this entire ecosystem. As a result, many startups reassess how they register, not just when.

This is where comparing routes becomes relevant. If you register directly, you pay the companies house registration cost upfront and handle each additional task separately. If you use a formation partner, the pricing model often looks different. For example, with Tide’s company formation route, eligible founders can register for £14.99 and get up to £200 cashback using the code STARTUP200, which can materially change your net startup costs (subject to eligibility; offers may change and terms should always be checked). In a year where the companies house price increase raises baseline costs, that kind of incentive can help protect your early cashflow.

Budgeting in 2026 therefore means thinking holistically. Instead of asking “how much does Companies House cost?”, it’s smarter to ask “what will it cost me to become fully operational as a limited company?” The answer includes the fee increase, but also the admin time, potential mistakes, and opportunity cost of delays. Planning for the new fee environment helps ensure you start trading with fewer surprises and more financial clarity.

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When do Companies House fees increase? Key dates and timing

One of the most common questions founders ask is when do Companies House fees increase, because timing can influence whether it makes sense to register now or wait. For the 2026 changes, the companies house fee increase takes effect from 1 February. Any company incorporated on or after that date will be subject to the new pricing structure, while applications completed before may fall under the previous fees, depending on processing and submission timing.

This distinction matters because incorporation isn’t always instantaneous. While online applications are often processed quickly, delays can happen if details are incorrect or additional checks are required. If you’re aiming to avoid the higher companies house registration cost, submitting early isn’t enough—you also need to ensure your application is accurate and complete. Otherwise, a rejected submission could push you past the increase date and into the higher fee bracket anyway.

Timing also intersects with business readiness. Some founders rush to incorporate purely to beat a company registration cost increase, only to realise they’re not ready to trade, invoice, or meet ongoing obligations. That can create stress later, especially when confirmation statements and record-keeping kick in. On the other hand, waiting too long can delay opening a business bank account or signing contracts that require a company number.

A balanced approach is to align incorporation with a clear milestone: securing your first client, launching your website, or formalising a partnership. If that milestone happens before the fee increase, registering early may make sense. If it happens after, the priority should be simplicity and accuracy rather than trying to shave a small amount off the fee.

This is where guided routes can reduce timing risk. Using a formation service that walks you through the process can lower the chance of errors that cause delays. With Tide, eligible founders can complete registration alongside opening a business account, and the £14.99 registration plus up to £200 cashback with code STARTUP200 can soften the impact of the companies house fee increase (subject to eligibility; offer subject to change). In a year where timing matters, reducing friction can be just as valuable as saving a few pounds.

Ultimately, understanding when do Companies House fees increase helps you plan calmly, rather than reactively. The goal is to register at the right moment for your business, not just the cheapest possible day.

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How much does it cost to register a company in 2026?

When founders ask how much it costs to register a company in 2026, they’re usually looking for a single number. In reality, the answer depends on how you register and what you include as part of your setup. The companies house registration cost is the starting point, but it’s rarely the final figure you pay by the time your business is ready to trade.

Following the companies house fee increase effective from 1 February, the baseline cost of registering directly with Companies House rises. This fee covers the incorporation itself—creating the company record, issuing the company number, and making your business officially visible on the public register. On its own, that might seem manageable, but founders quickly discover that incorporation triggers other practical needs.

For example, once registered, most limited companies need a business bank account to accept payments and manage expenses. Many also choose not to use a home address as their registered office, opting instead for a virtual address to protect privacy. While these aren’t mandatory at the point of registration, they are common and often necessary steps that follow immediately. This is why a company registration cost increase can feel larger in practice than it looks on paper.

Another factor is time cost. Registering directly means handling each stage yourself, from checking name availability to submitting details correctly. Mistakes can lead to rejected applications, which delay incorporation and can indirectly increase costs if you miss deadlines or lose momentum. In contrast, bundled routes aim to reduce friction. With Tide’s company formation route, eligible founders can register for £14.99 and get up to £200 cashback using the code STARTUP200, potentially offsetting not just the companies house price increase but also some early operational costs (subject to eligibility; offers may change).

In 2026, the most accurate way to think about cost is to separate “legal minimum” from “practical minimum”. The legal minimum is the updated companies house registration cost. The practical minimum is what it takes to be ready to trade confidently as a limited company. Budgeting for both will help you avoid surprises and start on more stable footing.

Step-by-step: how to register a limited company in the UK

Understanding the steps involved in registration helps founders see where costs arise and where delays can happen, especially following a companies house fee increase. While the process itself is straightforward, accuracy matters at every stage.

Step one is choosing a company name. The name must be unique and comply with Companies House rules. Checking availability early avoids rejection and wasted time. Step two is deciding on your registered office address. This address becomes public, so many founders consider whether they’re comfortable using a home address or prefer an alternative.

Step three is appointing at least one director and, if applicable, shareholders. You’ll need personal details for each person involved, and these must be entered correctly. Step four is defining your share structure, even if you’re the sole founder. This includes the number of shares issued and their nominal value.

Step five is preparing your incorporation documents, including the memorandum and articles of association. Standard templates are usually sufficient for simple setups, but accuracy is still important. Step six is submitting your application and paying the companies house registration cost, which reflects the updated fee after the company registration cost increase.

Finally, once approved, you receive your company number and can move on to post-registration tasks like opening a business bank account and setting up basic record-keeping. Many founders find that doing everything separately increases admin load. That’s why guided routes exist. With Tide, eligible founders can complete registration alongside opening a business account, register for £14.99, and access up to £200 cashback with code STARTUP200 (subject to eligibility; offer subject to change). This can simplify the process and reduce the risk of errors during a period when fees are rising.

Common hidden costs that increase your company registration spend

While the companies house price increase is visible and widely discussed, many founders underestimate the hidden costs that appear around registration. These costs don’t always show up as line items on an invoice, but they can significantly affect your overall spend.

One common hidden cost is rework. Incorrect details, rejected names, or incomplete forms can delay incorporation, sometimes pushing you past a fee increase date. That can mean paying the higher companies house registration cost anyway, plus losing time you could have spent trading. Another hidden cost is privacy. Using a home address may be free, but it can lead to unwanted mail or privacy concerns later, prompting a paid change.

There’s also the cost of fragmentation. Registering directly means sourcing each additional service separately—banking, accounting tools, address services—which can lead to overlapping fees and decision fatigue. In contrast, bundled options aim to reduce this fragmentation. For example, Tide’s offer to register your business for £14.99 with up to £200 cashback using code STARTUP200 can offset multiple early expenses at once (subject to eligibility; terms may change).

Finally, consider opportunity cost. Time spent navigating admin is time not spent finding customers or refining your product. In a year shaped by a company registration cost increase, reducing friction can be just as valuable as reducing fees.

Comparison: DIY Companies House vs formation services like Tide

When facing a companies house fee increase, founders often compare registering directly with Companies House against using a formation service. Both routes lead to the same legal outcome—a registered limited company—but the experience, time investment, and effective cost can differ significantly.

Registering directly with Companies House is the most straightforward option on paper. You complete the application yourself, pay the companies house registration cost, and wait for approval. This route can suit founders who are confident with admin, have time to double-check details, and don’t mind managing post-registration steps separately. However, after a company registration cost increase, the margin for error feels smaller. Any rejected application or delay risks pushing you into higher fees or slowing your launch.

Formation services aim to simplify this process. Instead of handling each step independently, you’re guided through name selection, director details, share structure, and submission in one flow. Many services also integrate banking or compliance tools, reducing fragmentation. In a year shaped by a companies house price increase, this bundling can make costs more predictable.

Tide’s company formation route is an example of this approach. Eligible founders can register their business for £14.99 and get up to £200 cashback using code STARTUP200, while also opening a business account (subject to eligibility; offers may change). While you’re still complying with Companies House requirements, the process is packaged to reduce admin time and decision fatigue.

The comparison ultimately comes down to priorities. If minimising upfront cash outlay is your only goal, DIY may appeal. If reducing friction, errors, and hidden costs matters more—especially following a companies house fee increase—then a guided formation route can offer better overall value in 2026.

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How to choose the right registration route for your business

Choosing how to register your company isn’t just about reacting to a companies house fee increase; it’s about matching the route to your business stage and confidence level. Start by assessing how comfortable you are with compliance. If you’ve incorporated before and understand the requirements, direct registration may feel manageable. If this is your first company, the learning curve can be steeper.

Next, consider timing. If you’re incorporating because you need a company number quickly—for contracts, payments, or credibility—reducing the risk of delays becomes important. Errors that slow approval can cost more than the difference created by a company registration cost increase. Guided services exist largely to minimise that risk.

Cashflow also matters. While the companies house registration cost is a fixed expense, formation offers can change the net cost. Tide’s £14.99 registration with up to £200 cashback using code STARTUP200 can effectively offset other early expenses, provided you meet eligibility requirements (subject to change). In a year where founders are more cost-conscious, this can be a meaningful factor.

Finally, think beyond day one. Incorporation is the start of ongoing obligations, not the end. Choosing a route that sets you up with tools you’ll actually use—like banking and transaction tracking—can make compliance easier long after the companies house price increase has faded from headlines.

Offer conditions: register for £14.99 and get up to £200 cashback

For founders looking to reduce the impact of the companies house price increase, Tide offers a bundled route that combines company formation with a business account. The core offer allows eligible founders to register their business for £14.99 and access up to £200 cashback using the code STARTUP200.

To qualify, you must use the Tide company formation link and complete both registration and account opening. After opening your Tide account, you need to spend £100 on your Tide card within 30 days to unlock a £75 cashback reward. In addition, if you deposit at least £5,000 into a Tide Instant Saver Account within seven days of opening and keep it there for one month, you’ll qualify for an additional £125 Instant Saver offer.

These conditions mean the offer is best suited to founders who are ready to transact and manage some capital through their business account. It’s not a guaranteed benefit for every user, which is why it’s important to assess eligibility honestly. The offer can change, so always review the latest terms before proceeding. Subject to change—check current T&Cs.

Register with Tide here: https://companyformationdeals.co.uk/recommends/tide-company-formation/ (use code STARTUP200; subject to eligibility; offer may change)

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FAQs About the Tide Company Formation Offer

Can I use the STARTUP200 code with the companies house price increase?

Yes, if eligible, the code can help offset costs linked to the companies house fee increase.

Is the £200 cashback guaranteed?

No, cashback depends on meeting spend and deposit conditions.

Do I still pay the companies house registration cost?

Yes, registration is completed in line with Companies House requirements.

Is this offer suitable for sole traders incorporating?

Yes, provided eligibility criteria are met.

How long does the cashback take to arrive?

Timing depends on meeting the conditions within the required period.

Can I register more than one company with this offer?

The offer is typically limited per customer.

Does the offer reduce the company registration cost increase?

It can offset overall costs but doesn’t change official fees.

What happens if I don’t meet the conditions?

You won’t receive cashback, but your company remains registered.

Is the offer available all year?

Availability can change; always check current terms.

Can I use this alongside other discounts?

Usually not; check Tide’s terms for compatibility.

General FAQs About Companies House Registration

When do Companies House fees increase in 2026?

They increase from 1 February, affecting new registrations.

What is the companies house registration cost after the increase?

The cost reflects the updated fee structure effective from February.

Can I avoid the companies house fee increase?

Only by registering before the increase date or offsetting costs elsewhere.

Does the increase affect existing companies?

No, it mainly affects new incorporations.

Is DIY registration still viable after the increase?

Yes, but budgeting becomes more important.

Does a formation service change Companies House fees?

No, it doesn’t change official fees but can alter net cost.

Is company registration mandatory to trade?

Only if you choose to operate as a limited company.

Are there ongoing Companies House costs after registration?

Yes, including confirmation statements and compliance filings.

Recap:

The companies house price increase in 2026 is a small change on paper, but for UK startups, freelancers, and sole traders, it plays a bigger role in how and when you decide to incorporate. With tighter budgets and more pressure to get things right first time, understanding the updated companies house registration cost helps founders avoid surprises and plan incorporation more confidently.

Throughout this guide, we’ve covered what’s changing, when the companies house fee increase takes effect, and how a company registration cost increase fits into the wider reality of launching a limited company. We’ve also explored why timing matters, how hidden costs can inflate your overall spend, and why the cheapest route isn’t always the most efficient one.

For founders who are comfortable handling admin and have time to manage each step, registering directly can still make sense. But for many new businesses in 2026, simplicity, speed, and predictability matter just as much as headline fees. That’s where bundled formation routes come into play, especially when they combine registration with tools you already need, such as a business bank account.

If you’re eligible, Tide’s company formation offer—registering your business for £14.99 with the chance to get up to £200 cashback using the code STARTUP200—can help soften the impact of rising registration costs and reduce early friction (subject to eligibility; offers may change and T&Cs should always be checked). Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with your readiness, cashflow, and long-term plans, not just the short-term cost.

https://companyformationdeals.co.uk/recommends/tide-company-formation/ (use code STARTUP200; subject to eligibility)

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Conclusion:

For founders navigating incorporation in 2026, the companies house price increase is best viewed as a planning signal rather than a barrier. It highlights the importance of understanding your setup costs early, choosing the right registration route, and avoiding rushed decisions that can lead to delays or unnecessary admin. While the fee increase raises the baseline cost of registering a company, it doesn’t change the fundamental reasons founders incorporate: credibility, structure, and the ability to grow with confidence.

The key takeaway is that company formation is no longer just a single transaction—it’s the gateway to everything that follows, from banking and compliance to invoicing and tax planning. As the companies house registration cost rises, founders who take a more holistic view often end up better off, even if their upfront spend looks slightly higher at first glance. Reducing errors, saving time, and starting with the right tools can easily outweigh the difference created by a company registration cost increase.

If you’re ready to incorporate and want a smoother route through the process, using a guided formation option can make sense. Tide’s company formation pathway allows eligible founders to register their business for £14.99 and potentially receive up to £200 cashback by using the code STARTUP200, provided specific conditions are met (subject to eligibility and change—always check the latest T&Cs). This approach can help offset rising fees while giving you a practical setup from day one.

Ultimately, the best decision is an informed one. By understanding the fee changes, knowing when to register, and choosing a route that matches your experience level, you can move forward confidently despite higher costs. If you want to minimise friction and maximise value as you incorporate, explore Tide’s company formation offer here:

https://companyformationdeals.co.uk/recommends/tide-company-formation/
Use promo code: STARTUP200 (subject to eligibility; offer may change)

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* Tide offer terms and conditions: 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.

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