What documents will I receive after setting up a limited company?

Incorporating a limited company means bringing it into existence. As proof of its existence, you’ll receive certain information and documents from Companies House, the UK’s registrar of companies.

If you’re unsure what to expect after setting up a limited company, the UK’s leading company registration service, Rapid Formations, explains the key documents you’ll receive.

1. Certificate of Incorporation

One of the first documents you’ll receive after forming a limited company is the certificate of incorporation. This document confirms that your company legally exists in the UK.

The certificate will display key details about your company, including its:

• Registered name
• Registration number
• Date of incorporation
• Legal structure

How you receive your certificate of incorporation depends on the registration method. For instance, if you incorporate online through a company registration service like Rapid Formations, it will be emailed to you once Companies House approves your application. They can also post a physical copy of your certificate if you select this as an additional service.

However, if you register by post directly with Companies House, your certificate will automatically be posted to your company’s registered office address.

1. Memorandum of association

Another key document you’ll receive after setting up a limited company is the memorandum of association. This brief document states the initial owners’ names and signatures, confirming that they agree to form the company and hold at least one company share each.

Like the certificate of incorporation, how you receive your memorandum of association depends on how you form the company. If you register online, expect an electronic memorandum delivered via email.

For postal applications, the memorandum is attached to the articles of association (more on this below) and posted once the company application is accepted.

1. Articles of association

The articles of association are your company’s internal rulebook governing how it will operate. Most new companies adopt the default articles (known as model articles) prescribed by the Companies Act 2006.

However, you can set up a limited company under bespoke articles if you wish to issue multiple share classes, for example.

If you opt for the model articles, you’ll need to select this in your registration form, and your articles will be issued electronically alongside the memorandum of association. However, if you choose bespoke articles, you’ll need to produce this document yourself.

1. Share certificates

A share certificate (or membership certificate if the company is limited by guarantee) confirms a member’s shareholding. It contains the following details:

• Shareholder’s name and address
• How many shares they own
• The value and class of shares (e.g. ordinary shares)
• The details of the company in which they hold shares
• Whether the shares are paid, unpaid, or partly paid
• Certificate issue date

Companies House does not issue share certificates. You will need to produce this document yourself for each initial shareholder and any new shareholders in the future.

However, Rapid Formations customers automatically receive electronic share certificates along with their other incorporation documents.

Other information you’ll receive after registering a limited company

We’ve covered the main incorporation documents you’ll get after forming a limited company, but there is additional information you’ll receive, such as:

• Company Registration Number (CRN) – This is your company’s legal ID number. You’ll find it on the certificate of incorporation and all statutory mail from Companies House.
• Authentication code – This will arrive by post at your registered office address. You’ll need this code to submit online filings to Companies House.
• Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) – HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will issue your company a unique UTR within a couple of weeks of setting up your limited company. This will also arrive by post at the registered office address, and you’ll need it to file your company tax returns and pay your tax bills.

In conclusion

As registered companies in the UK are individual legal entities, forming them involves numerous documents. Once you set up a limited company, the key paperwork you’ll receive automatically are the certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association.

Other important post-incorporation documents are share certificates, your CRN, authentication code, and UTR.

For more information on what to expect after registering a company, visit the Rapid Formations website, where you’ll find plenty of helpful resources on this topic. You can also set up a limited company with the UK’s leading company registration service from as little as £2.99.

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