UK LTD Formation in 2026: Agent vs DIY — Cost & Risk Comparison After Companies House Fee Hike
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The CH Fee Hike Changes the Math
Since 1 February 2026, the digital incorporation fee at Companies House doubled from £50 to £100. The Confirmation Statement rose from £34 to £50. For non-resident entrepreneurs, this changes the risk calculus significantly.
DIY Formation: The Real Cost in 2026
| Component | Minimum Cost |
|---|---|
| Companies House digital incorporation fee | £100 |
| Registered Office Address (cheapest provider) | ~£39/year |
| Director’s Service Address | ~£26/year |
| Total (first year, bare minimum) | ~£165+ |
This assumes your application is approved on the first attempt. Every rejected application costs another £100.
What Can Go Wrong with DIY?
- SIC code mismatch — Companies House rejects applications with incorrect business activity codes
- Company name conflicts — the “same as” rules are stricter than they appear
- Missing UK address — both registered office and director’s service address are mandatory
- Articles of Association — Model Articles may not suit your business structure
- ECCTA 2026 compliance — mandatory identity verification for directors and PSCs adds complexity
Market Comparison: What Agents Charge in 2026
1st Formations (Non-Resident Package)
Formation fee: £99.99 + Registered Office £39 + CH fee £100 = ~£239 minimum. Accounting not included.
TaxAngels
- Registration only: £149 (no address)
- Registration + Address: £289
- Registration + Address + Bank: £579
- Accounting: from £99/month
Rapid Formations
Premium B-Corp service. 4.9★ on Google (1,429 reviews), 4.8★ on Trustpilot (11,824). ACSP-authorised. Non-resident pricing behind consultation wall.
Semper Paratus: All-Inclusive Approach
Our formation packages include the Companies House fee. No hidden extras. UK registered office address and director’s correspondence address available in higher-tier packages. Accounting packages from 400 PLN/month (approx. £80) for companies without employees — including Annual Accounts, CT600 filing to HMRC, and Confirmation Statement.
The Bottom Line
The £100 CH fee makes DIY formation riskier than ever. One rejected application wipes out any savings. A professional formation agent not only handles compliance but also provides the UK address infrastructure and ongoing accounting support that non-resident directors need.
📋 Book a Free Consultation
📞 UK Phone: +44 745 638 6117
📞 PL Phone: +48 530 447 230
📧 Email: [email protected]
📅 Calendar: calendly.com/semperparatus
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