A registered office address service gives your UK company the official address it must have by law, and handles the government post sent there. The right service is one that meets the legal "appropriate address" rules, scans and forwards official letters quickly, and is run by people you can actually reach. For overseas directors, choosing well matters more than price, because missed letters from Companies House or HMRC can lead to penalties or even strike-off.
This guide explains what the law requires, what a good registered office address service includes, and the questions to ask before you sign up.
What is a registered office address?
Every UK limited company must have a registered office. It is the address shown on the public register at Companies House, and it is where official documents can be legally delivered to the company. That includes letters from Companies House, HMRC and, in some cases, court papers.
The address must be in the same UK jurisdiction where the company was registered. A company registered in England and Wales needs an address in England or Wales. A Scottish company needs an address in Scotland, and a Northern Irish company needs one in Northern Ireland. You can read the official rules on GOV.UK.
For a fuller explanation of the rules, see our guide to registered office address rules.
What does the law require from a registered office address service?
Since 4 March 2024, under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), a registered office must be an "appropriate address". In plain English, this means:
- Documents sent there should be expected to come to the attention of a person acting on behalf of the company.
- Delivery of documents there can be recorded with an acknowledgement.
This is why a PO Box on its own is no longer acceptable. A proper registered office address service has staff on site who receive post on behalf of the company, record it, and pass it on.
If Companies House decides an address is not appropriate, it can change the company's registered office to a default address held by Companies House. Being moved to the default address can cause real problems, so it is worth choosing a service that clearly meets the rules from the start.
What should a good registered office address service include?
Not every service offers the same thing. Before you choose, check that the following are included in the price, not charged as extras.
- Address in the correct UK jurisdiction - Why it matters: Required by law for your company
- Staffed premises - Why it matters: Meets the "appropriate address" rule
- Same-day scanning of official mail - Why it matters: Lets you act on deadlines from overseas
- Mail from Companies House, HMRC and courts handled - Why it matters: These are the letters you cannot afford to miss
- Clear terms on general business post - Why it matters: Avoids surprise charges
- A named person to contact - Why it matters: Questions are answered by someone who knows your company
- Help with the change of address filing - Why it matters: Moving the address on the register is done correctly
For overseas directors, scanning is usually more useful than physical forwarding. A scanned letter arrives in your inbox the same day. A forwarded envelope can take a week or more to arrive abroad.
Is a registered office address service legal?
Yes. Using a third party's address as your registered office is legal and very common. Many UK companies, including those owned by UK residents, use a professional address to keep their home address off the public register.
What matters is that the service meets the appropriate address rules, and that you have permission to use the address. Using an address without the owner's consent is not allowed, and Companies House now has stronger powers to query and remove addresses.
If privacy is your main concern, our guide on how to keep your home address off Companies House explains the other addresses on the register, such as the director's service address.
What questions should you ask before choosing a provider?
Use these questions to compare providers. A good provider will answer them clearly and in writing.
- Where exactly is the address? Check it is in the right jurisdiction for your company.
- Who receives the post? Ask whether staff are on site during working hours.
- How fast is official mail scanned? Same working day is a sensible standard.
- What happens to parcels and general post? Ask about any limits or extra fees.
- Who do I speak to if something goes wrong? A named UK-based specialist is better than a generic inbox.
- What happens if I stop paying? Most providers will ask you to change your address. Find out how much notice you get.
- Can you also handle filings? Many overseas directors find it easier when the same team manages the address and the confirmation statement.
What are the red flags?
Some warning signs suggest a service may not be right for an overseas-owned company:
- Very low prices with many add-on charges for scanning or "official" mail.
- No physical staff at the address.
- Vague answers about who handles court or government letters.
- No clear contract or terms.
- No way to speak to a real person.
A cheap address can become expensive if a penalty letter is missed. Late filing penalties and the risk of strike-off far outweigh the saving.
How much does a registered office address service cost?
Prices vary across the market. At Keystone, our registered office service costs £50 per month for an address at 167-169 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PF. If you also want help with filings and company records, our registered office plus company secretarial support costs £70 per month.
Remember that the address service is separate from Companies House fees. For example, the confirmation statement fee is £50 per year for digital filing (£110 on paper). You can see all our fees on our pricing page.
Should overseas directors use a London address?
A London registered office is a common choice for companies registered in England and Wales. It is familiar to clients, suppliers and banks. It does not change your tax position or make your company more "official", but it gives a clear, professional address on the public record.
We explain the practical benefits in our article on choosing a London registered office address.
How does a registered office service differ from a virtual office?
A registered office address service covers the legal address and official post. A virtual office often adds a trading address, call handling or meeting rooms. Some companies need both, others need only the registered office. Our upcoming guide to a virtual registered office address explains the difference in more detail.
Can you change provider later?
Yes. You can move your registered office at any time by filing the change with Companies House. There is no Companies House fee for this. Our guide on how to change a registered office address walks through each step.
If you are thinking about using an address outside the UK, read our guide on whether a UK company can use an overseas address first. The short answer for the registered office is no.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my home address abroad as my registered office?
No. A UK company's registered office must be in the UK, in the same jurisdiction where the company is registered. Directors can still live anywhere in the world.
Can a PO Box be a registered office?
Not on its own. Since March 2024, the registered office must be an appropriate address where documents come to the attention of someone acting for the company and delivery can be acknowledged.
Will a registered office address help me open a bank account?
It is a requirement for your company, but it does not guarantee a bank account. Banks apply their own checks. Our guide to UK business bank accounts for non-residents explains what to expect.
Does using a registered office service change my tax position?
No. Where your company is registered or where its address is does not decide your personal tax position. Speak to Keystone or a local tax adviser for advice on your situation.
How quickly can I start using the address?
You can use it as soon as the service is set up and the address is filed with Companies House, either at incorporation or as a change of address.
Talk to a named UK specialist
If you would like a registered office address service run by a named UK-based specialist, Keystone can set up your London address and handle your official post from day one. Start your enquiry or call 0330 043 2654 to talk through what your company needs.
This article is general information about UK filing requirements, not legal or tax advice. Requirements change - we will confirm what applies to your company before anything is filed.
