Important Facts to Know About a Registered Business Address in the UK

Mary Geisenhoff
Staff Writer

If your company has a physical presence in the UK, you need to have a registered business address. A registered address is where a company receives its official correspondence. It could be the place of business, a shop, or accountant’s office.

However, all official correspondence must not only be received, but should be responded to at this address. At times, documents may need to be inspected, delivered, or picked up personally. The address will be part of the Public Registry of the Companies House. This is something to keep in mind if using a personal residence as a service address. Additionally, UK rules stipulate that this address must be displayed as the address on the company letterhead. This letterhead is required for all official correspondence. Some businesses prefer to get a registered address through private businesses which provide this service. If, for example, a company receives its correspondence through a P.O. Box, this is not a legal business address.

Additionally, packages cannot be received or sent from a P.O. Box. For this reason, many companies prefer to get an address through a business address provider. You can use a PO Box, if it is used in conjunction with the physical address, including the postcode. This address must be validated by the Royal Mail.

Registered companies (commonly referred to as subscribers) do not have to be residents of the UK. Furthermore, your registered address does not have to be the same address where you conduct day to day business. It will serve as the address to receive and send official correspondence. If you use your personal residence for this purpose, your lease may not allow business to be conducted on the premises.

In addition to Companies House, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) requires many forms for businesses to fill out, most of which require a registered business address. If you are doing business in the UK or intend to start, you may need to register for VAT (Value Added Tax). Different rules apply for different types of companies. Be sure to read all applicable rules.