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If you’re planning to start a business in the UK, knowing exactly which documents are required can save you days of delay, rejected applications, and unnecessary stress.
This guide explains all documents required for UK company formation and opening a UK business bank account, in the correct order, with clear explanations for UK residents and non-UK residents alike.
No legal jargon. No assumptions. Just what you actually need.
What Documents Are Required for UK Company Formation?
To register a company in the UK, documents are submitted digitally to Companies House. In most cases, you don’t upload files like PDFs — instead, you provide verified information.
Still, you must have the following documents and details ready.
Why Having the Right Documents Matters
Incomplete or incorrect documents are the number one reason UK company formations and bank account applications get delayed.
Having everything prepared:
Speeds up company approval
Improves bank approval success
Reduces compliance risk later
Avoids follow-up requests
Banks, in particular, are strict. What works for company formation may not be enough for a bank.
Please watch the video given below to learn more:
Documents Required Before Registering a UK Company
Company Name Approval
No document upload is needed, but you must confirm:
The name is unique
It doesn’t contain restricted words
It doesn’t imply regulated activity
A rejected name means restarting the process.
Registered Office Address (UK Address Required)
You must provide a valid UK address. This can be:
A commercial address
An accountant’s address
A registered office service
Document typically required (by agents or banks):
Utility bill or address confirmation (not always mandatory at formation stage)
This address becomes public record.
Director Identification Documents
For each director, you’ll need:
Valid passport (mandatory for non-UK residents)
National ID (sometimes accepted for UK residents)
Date of birth
Nationality
Residential address
Banks will later request scanned copies of ID, even if Companies House doesn’t.
Shareholder (PSC) Documents
If a person owns 25% or more of the company, they are a Person with Significant Control (PSC).
Required details:
Full name
Date of birth
Nationality
Residential address
Ownership percentage
Supporting ID documents are usually requested during bank onboarding.
SIC Code (Business Activity)
No physical document is required, but you must select:
One primary SIC code
Optional secondary codes
Choosing the wrong SIC code can cause bank rejection or compliance issues later.
How to Submit Documents for UK Company Formation (Step by Step)
Step 1: Prepare Director and Shareholder IDs
Have clear, valid identification ready before starting.
Step 2: Confirm UK Registered Office Address
Ensure the address can receive official mail.
Step 3: Submit Details Online
Documents are not uploaded to Companies House, but banks will ask for them later.
Step 4: Receive Certificate of Incorporation
Once approved, this becomes a key document for banking.
How Long Does Document Verification Take?
Company formation: Often same day or within 24 hours
Bank verification: 3–15 working days (can be longer for non-UK residents)
Banks conduct deeper checks than Companies House.
Documents Required to Open a UK Business Bank Account
This is where most founders get stuck.
Mandatory Company Documents
Certificate of Incorporation
Company registration number
Memorandum & Articles of Association
Confirmation statement (sometimes requested)
Director & Shareholder Documents
Banks usually require:
Passport copy
Proof of residential address (last 3 months)
Utility bill
Bank statement
Government-issued letter
Non-UK documents must be:
In English, or
Officially translated
Business Activity Evidence
Depending on the bank, you may need:
Website or landing page
Contracts or invoices
Business plan or activity description
This is especially common for:
Non-UK residents
Online businesses
Consulting or service companies
Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection
Address proof older than 3 months
Mismatch between company activity and SIC code
Poor-quality ID scans
No online presence or unclear business model
Using personal bank statements with missing details
Banks don’t reject randomly — they reject uncertainty.
Can Non-UK Residents Provide Documents From Overseas?
Yes. Non-UK residents can fully register a UK company and open a bank account, but expectations are higher.
You may need:
Additional proof of address
Source of funds explanation
Extra verification calls
Preparation matters more than residency.
Is It Safe to Share These Documents Online?
Yes, if you use reputable platforms and banks.
Best practices:
Never email documents unsecured
Use official portals only
Avoid unknown agents with no UK presence
Read privacy policies carefully
Once shared, documents should be stored securely.
Documents Required for UK Company Formation + Bank Account FAQs
Do I need original documents or scans?
Scans are accepted. Originals are rarely required.
Can I use the same documents for formation and banking?
Yes, but banks require more verification.
Do banks accept digital address proofs?
Most do, as long as they are official and readable.
Is a business plan mandatory?
Not always, but helpful for faster approval.
Can I open a bank account before company formation?
No. The company must exist first.
Final Thoughts
UK company formation is document-light. UK business banking is not.
If you prepare both formation and bank documents together, you avoid delays, reduce rejection risk, and start trading faster.
Treat documentation as a foundation, not an afterthought. It makes the entire UK setup process smoother and more predictable.
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