UK Registered Office Address: What Counts and What Does Not

Every UK company must have a registered office address. It is the official address where government post and legal papers are sent, and it appears on the public register. This guide explains what counts, what does not and how a founder who lives abroad usually solves it. Check the current rules on gov.uk. For the full service, see UK company registration.

What the rule says

• The registered office must be in the UK, in the same part of the UK as the company is registered (England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland).
• It must be an appropriate address: somewhere a document addressed to the company can be delivered and its delivery acknowledged. Companies House says a PO box does not meet this.
• It is public. Anyone can see it on the register.

The three common choices

1. Your own premises. Possible if you have an office in the UK.
2. A friend or adviser's address. Only if they agree, and the address becomes public.
3. A registered office service. A provider's address is used, and the provider receives the company's official post and passes it on. This is the usual choice for a founder abroad.

What to check before you choose

• That it is a real street address in the UK, not a PO box.
• How the post reaches you, for example a scan uploaded online.
• The renewal price after the first year.
• That the provider will keep your details up to date with Companies House.

Why it matters

Companies House, HMRC and the courts send important notices here. A missed notice can lead to fines, a strike-off or a court judgment you did not know about. Also see documents required to register a UK company.

Getting one with your company

Our UK package includes a registered office address under its terms. See UK company registration for non-residents. This is general information, not legal advice.

Related guides and pages

• UK company registration for non-residents
• GOV.UK: set up a limited company
• Companies House
• Benefits of UK company registration for non-residents
• Documents required to register a UK company
• UK company vs US LLC for non-residents
• UK company registration cost

Frequently asked questions

Can my home abroad be the registered office?

No. The registered office must be in the UK, in the same part of the UK as the company is registered.

Can I use a PO box?

Companies House says a PO box is not an appropriate address for the registered office. Check gov.uk for the current rule.

Is the registered office address public?

Yes. It is on the public register, so anyone can see it.

Can I change the registered office later?

Yes. You notify Companies House of the new address, and you should do it before the old arrangement ends.

What if I miss a notice sent to the registered office?

It can lead to fines, a strike-off or a court judgment you did not know about, so make sure your provider forwards post promptly.