UK Company Formation 2026: What Polish Entrepreneurs Must Know About the New Companies House Reforms
The landscape of UK company formation is changing — here’s what you need to know
If you’re a Polish entrepreneur considering registering a UK Limited company (LTD) in 2026, you’re entering a transforming legal landscape. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) is now fully in force, bringing the biggest overhaul to Companies House in over 180 years. Here’s your practical guide to what’s new — and how to navigate it.
1. Mandatory Identity Verification for Directors and PSCs
The most impactful change: every director and Person with Significant Control (PSC) of a UK company must now verify their identity through the GOV.UK One Login system. This applies to both new incorporations and existing companies.
For Polish entrepreneurs, this means:
- You must have valid photo ID (passport or national ID card)
- Verification must be completed before your company can be registered
- Existing directors must verify within the transitional period — Companies House is actively enforcing this
2. Registered Office Address — No More PO Boxes
Companies House now requires a physical address as your registered office. PO boxes and virtual mailboxes that don’t receive physical post are no longer accepted. Your registered office must be a place where official documents can be delivered and acknowledged.
At Semper Paratus, we provide registered office addresses at 42-44 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AH, London — a prestigious City of London location that fully complies with the new requirements.
3. New Filing Requirements — iXBRL is Now Mandatory
As of April 2026, Companies House has retired the old WebFiling system for accounts. All financial statements must now be filed in iXBRL format using compatible software. This means:
- Manual form-filling on the CH portal is no longer possible for accounts
- You need accounting software or a service provider that generates compliant iXBRL files
- HMRC’s CT600 corporation tax filing system is also undergoing changes — tight integration is essential
4. Stronger Compliance and Penalties
Companies House is no longer just a passive registrar — it now has active enforcement powers. This includes:
- Ability to query and reject filings that appear suspicious
- Fines for late or non-compliant filings (starting at £150 and scaling up)
- Cross-referencing data with HMRC and other agencies
- Potential striking-off of non-compliant companies
5. What This Means for Polish Entrepreneurs in Practice
Despite the new requirements, the UK LTD remains one of the most attractive business structures for Polish entrepreneurs. The key advantages still hold:
- Low corporate tax: UK Corporation Tax at 19-25% depending on profits
- International credibility: A UK company opens doors to global markets, banking, and payment processing
- Simple structure: No minimum share capital, single director allowed, straightforward setup
- Poland-UK Double Taxation Treaty: Protects against double taxation on cross-border income
The difference in 2026 is that professional support matters more than ever. DIY registration through outdated guides can lead to rejection, delays, or compliance issues down the line.
How Semper Paratus Helps Polish Entrepreneurs Register a UK LTD in 2026
We handle the entire process — from identity verification guidance to Companies House filings and ongoing accounting:
- ✅ Company name check and PKD (SIC) code selection
- ✅ Preparation of Articles of Association
- ✅ Certificate of Incorporation from Companies House
- ✅ Registered office address in London (42-44 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AH)
- ✅ Director’s correspondence address in the UK
- ✅ Dedicated company support specialist
- ✅ Ongoing UK accounting from 400 PLN/month (company without employees)
Ready to Register Your UK Company?
The new rules don’t make company formation harder — they make it more structured. With the right partner, your LTD can be registered smoothly and compliantly.
📞 Call us: +48 530 447 230 (PL) | +44 745 638 6117 (UK)
📧 Email: [email protected]
📅 Book a free consultation: calendly.com/semperparatus
🌐 Website: semperparatus.tax
Semper Paratus Legal House LLP — Your bridge between Poland and British business.
