Companies House Fee Changes Explained: What UK Businesses Need to Know

Laura
Nov 12
4 min read

If you’re planning to start a new limited company in the UK, there’s an important change that could affect your budget. From 1 February 2026, Companies House will increase most of its filing fees.

These changes might seem small, but they’re worth understanding, especially if you’re setting up a company, managing multiple businesses, or planning your next venture.

Here’s what’s changing, why it’s happening, and what you should do about it.

When the New Fees Take Effect

The new fees will apply to all company registrations and filings made on or after 1 February 2026.

If you register your company or file your paperwork before that date, you’ll still pay the current (lower) rates.

So, if you’ve been thinking about forming a company, it might be worth doing it before the new pricing takes effect.

Key Fee Changes at a Glance

Here are the main Companies House fee updates that will affect new company formations and common filings:

Registering a new company online (digital incorporation): Increases from £50 to £100.
Same-day digital incorporation: Increases from £30 upgrade to £156 total.
Filing an annual Confirmation Statement (digital): Increases from £34 to £50.
Change of company name (same-day digital): Increases to £85.

These are just some of the fee increases that will apply automatically to all submissions made on or after 1 February 2026.

Full list of Companies House fees can be found here.

Why the Fees Are Increasing

The increases are part of a wider reform to modernise Companies House and improve the UK’s corporate transparency.

The changes are linked to the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which gives Companies House new powers and responsibilities. The extra funding from these higher fees will support:

Identity verification for company directors and persons of significant control.
Better accuracy and quality of company information.
Stronger measures against fraud and misuse of company structures.
Improved digital systems and faster processing times.

In short, Companies House is evolving from being just a registrar of information to an active regulator.

What This Means for New Business Owners

If you’re about to start a new limited company, here’s what you should know:

1. Registering early could save you money

Right now, it costs £50 to form a company online. After February 2026, that will double to £100. If you know you’re going to start a business, forming before the price change could save you a bit of money.

2. Choose digital over paper

Digital filings are faster and far cheaper. The new paper fees are intentionally higher to encourage online submissions, which are more efficient and secure.

3. Budget for ongoing filings

Every company must file a confirmation statement each year. The cost for this will increase from £34 to £50 for digital submissions, so include this in your annual business expenses.

4. Expect new verification steps

From 2025, all directors and people with significant control will need to verify their identity before registering a company. This adds an extra layer of security but also means slightly more admin when setting up.

5. Closing a company will be cheaper

If you decide to dissolve a company, the voluntary strike-off fee will actually decrease from £33 to £13, making it more affordable to close down dormant or unused businesses.

How to Prepare Before 2026

For entrepreneurs and small business owners, here’s a simple plan to stay ahead of these changes:

Incorporate early: If your plans are ready, register your company before 1 February 2026 to lock in current fees.
Use digital filings: Always submit online to save time and money.
Plan your annual filings: Budget for the higher confirmation statement fee and keep your records up to date.
Stay compliant: With new verification rules coming in, make sure all directors and shareholders have valid identification ready.
Check your company portfolio: If you have dormant companies you no longer need, consider striking them off once the lower fee applies.

What This Means in Practice

For most new business owners, these changes won’t break the bank — but they do represent a shift in how company administration works in the UK.

Forming a company will cost a little more, but in return, you’ll benefit from a more secure, transparent system that helps protect legitimate businesses and makes it harder for fraudulent activity to take place.

If you’re serious about building a professional, trustworthy business, the extra compliance steps are well worth it.

Final Thoughts

The Companies House fee changes from 1 February 2026 are part of a larger effort to modernise the UK business landscape.

If you’re preparing to start your own limited company, it’s worth acting sooner rather than later. Forming before the fee increases could save you money, and getting used to the new digital systems now will make future filings much easier.

Starting a business is an exciting step — and with a bit of planning, you can stay one step ahead of the changes and focus on what really matters: growing your new company.