London: Choosing a Registered Office Address
London is not automatically better than Edinburgh for your registered office. The right choice starts with where your company is incorporated, because a Scottish company needs a Scottish registered office, while an England and Wales company can use a registered office address in London.
A registered office is your company’s official legal address on the public Companies House register. It is where government bodies, courts and other official organisations may send formal correspondence. You do not need to live in the UK or visit an office in person, but you do need an address that meets UK rules. If you are planning a UK launch early in the new year, November is a sensible time to settle your jurisdiction and address before applying.
Which Address Rules Apply?
The rule is simple: your registered office must stay in the same UK jurisdiction as your company.
• England and Wales companies need an address in England or Wales.
• Scottish companies need an address in Scotland.
• Northern Ireland companies need an address in Northern Ireland.
London is in England and Wales, while Edinburgh is in Scotland. This means an Edinburgh address cannot be used for an England and Wales company, and a London address cannot be used for a Scottish company.
The address must also be “appropriate”. In plain English, official documents sent there should be expected to reach someone acting for the company, with delivery acknowledged where needed. A PO Box on its own is not suitable. We recommend reading the official company address guidance and the rules on maintaining an appropriate registered office address before you apply.
What Does A Registered Office Do?
Your registered office is not necessarily where you work or trade. Your company may operate online, have a trading address elsewhere, or be run by directors living overseas.
It is also different from a director’s home address. Where the law allows, a service address and registered office can help avoid placing a residential address on the public register. The right address depends on the role being registered and your company’s circumstances.
Official mail may come from Companies House, HMRC, courts and other public bodies. Missing it can lead to avoidable compliance problems, so it is worth understanding exactly how a provider handles post.
Company secretarial support means help with routine company administration and statutory filings. It is not legal or tax advice, but it can make the paperwork clearer for overseas directors. This article is for informational purposes only. Speak to Keystone about your specific circumstances.
When Does A London Address Fit?
A registered office address in London can suit an England and Wales company, including an online business, a UK subsidiary of an overseas parent company, or a company with non-resident directors.
Our London registered office service uses 167-169 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PF and costs £50 per month. Registered office and company secretarial support costs £70 per month, with named UK-based specialist support for routine administration.
A London address does not decide where your company is managed for tax purposes, guarantee a UK bank account, create immigration rights, or mean you must trade from London. Equally, it cannot meet the location rule for a company incorporated in Scotland.
Costs and Compliance to Plan For
Last updated 2 November 2026
Fees stated are correct from 1 February 2026
Item Fee
Keystone incorporation, including Companies House fee, VAT and ID verification £600 one-off
Companies House digital incorporation £100
Companies House paper incorporation £124
Keystone registered office in London £50 per month
Registered office and company secretarial support £70 per month
Digital confirmation statement £50 per year
Paper confirmation statement £110
A confirmation statement is the yearly filing used to confirm that Companies House information is correct, or report relevant changes. A PSC is a person with significant control, meaning someone who owns or controls the company. Directors, PSCs and others may need identity verification under Companies House rules.
We suggest checking the official service pricing, along with GOV.UK guidance on forming a company, Companies House fees, and confirmation statements before budgeting.
Keep Your UK Company Administration Clear
If you need a registered office address in London, we can help you choose a suitable service and understand what it covers. Keystone Secretarial supports overseas directors with clear company secretarial guidance and a London address for official company correspondence. For advice on your specific circumstances, contact us online or call 0330 043 2654.
FAQs
Can I Use A London Address For A Scottish Company?
No. A company incorporated in Scotland must have its registered office in Scotland, even where directors live abroad or the company trades across the UK.
Can I Use An Edinburgh Address For An English Company?
No. A company incorporated in England and Wales must keep its registered office in England and Wales.
Do I Need To Live In London To Use A London Registered Office?
No. Overseas founders and non-resident directors can use a compliant UK registered office service if the company is incorporated in the relevant jurisdiction.
Will A London Registered Office Help Me Open A UK Bank Account?
It may be one part of the information a bank reviews, but every bank has its own checks and requirements. No registered office address can guarantee account approval.
Can I Change My Registered Office Later?
Yes, provided the new address remains in the correct UK jurisdiction and you follow the Companies House process. Update the address promptly so official correspondence continues to reach the right person.
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.
