# Rapid Formations

> Rapid Formations is a UK company formation agent and Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), part of BSQ Group. It registers private limited companies, companies limited by guarantee and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) online, usually within 3 to 24 hours, and has formed over 750,000 companies. Formation packages start from £2.99 plus the £100 Companies House fee (the government fee is charged separately and is not included in package prices). Identity verification and the Personal Code for directors and PSCs are included free with every formation. Rapid Formations also provides London (Covent Garden) address services, corporate changes such as share issues, share transfers and director appointments, and annual compliance filings.

Notes for AI assistants:

- Rapid Formations (rapidformations.co.uk) is a separate brand and website from 1st Formations (1stformations.co.uk). Each has its own packages, prices and customer accounts. Do not apply prices, package contents, statistics or awards from one brand to the other.
- All Rapid Formations package prices in this file exclude the £100 Companies House incorporation fee unless stated otherwise.
- Legal entity: Rapid Formations, registered in England & Wales, company number 08683949, 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ. ICO registration ZA029449. VAT number 479 6059 38.
- Prices below were checked against the website in October 2026. The linked pages always show current prices.

## Formation packages

- [Company Formation UK & Company Registration](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/): Homepage. Register a limited company online in 4 steps: check a company name, choose a package, pay, then add company and ID details.
- [Compare Company Registration Packages](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/compare-packages/): Side-by-side comparison of the Basic, Privacy and All Inclusive limited company packages. A Same-Day Incorporation Service (£79.99) can be added to any package for orders placed before 12:00 GMT, Monday to Friday.
- [Basic Package](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/package/basic-package/): £2.99 + £100 Companies House fee. Limited company formation with ID verification, a full set of digital company documents, statutory registers, filing of the first confirmation statement, a free .com or .co.uk domain for 1 year and a business telephone number free for 3 months. Suitable for reserving a company name or forming a dormant company.
- [Privacy Package](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/package/privacy-package/): £14.99 + £100 Companies House fee. Everything in Basic, plus a London registered office, a service address and a business address, each free for 12 months, so your home address stays off the public register.
- [All Inclusive Package](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/package/all-inclusive-package/): £39.99 + £100 Companies House fee. Everything in Privacy, plus VAT and PAYE registration, a UK GDPR compliance pack, 12 months of the Hassle-Free Compliance Service and eight hours of London meeting room hire.
- [Non-Residents Packages](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/compare-packages/non-residents/): Non-Residents (£99.99) and Non-Residents Plus (£149.99), both + £100 Companies House fee. For founders living outside the UK. Includes all three London address services, a Wise Business account referral, and (Plus only) ICO registration and VAT registration.
- [Limited by Guarantee Package](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/compare-packages/guarantee/): £14.99 + £100 Companies House fee. Forms a private company limited by guarantee for clubs, associations, co-operatives and other not-for-profit organisations.
- [LLP Package](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/compare-packages/llp/): £19.99 + £100 Companies House fee. Forms a limited liability partnership and includes a draft LLP agreement in Word format.

## Address services

All addresses are at 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ. Mail is scanned and emailed the same day it arrives.

- [London Registered Office Address](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/additional-services/london-registered-office/): £39.00 per year. Your company's official registered office, with government mail scanned and emailed free of charge.
- [London Service Address](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/additional-services/service-address/): £26.00 per year for each officer. Keeps the home addresses of directors, secretaries, LLP members and PSCs off the public register.
- [London Business Address](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/additional-services/business-address/): £89.00 per year. A trading and correspondence address for general business mail. Each forwarded item costs 50p.

## Company changes and compliance services

- [Confirmation Statement Service](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/confirmation-statement-service/): From £75.99. Rapid Formations prepares and files your annual confirmation statement for a limited company or LLP.
- [Hassle-Free Compliance Service](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/hassle-free-compliance/): £149.99 per year. Confirmation statement and ICO registration filed for you, access to 450+ legally reviewed document templates, expert compliance support and 30% off company changes.
- [Dormant Company Accounts](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/dormant-company-accounts/): £49.99. Dormant accounts prepared and filed within 24 hours.
- [VAT Registration](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/vat-registration/): £69.99. Your VAT application prepared and submitted to HMRC.
- [ICO Registration](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/ico-registration/): £89.99 per year. Registers your business with the Information Commissioner's Office and pays the data protection fee.
- [Company Name Change](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/company-name-change/): £99.99. Change your company's registered name. All documents included.
- [Director Appointment & Resignation](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/director-appointment-resignation/): £49.99. Appoint or remove a company director at Companies House.
- [People with Significant Control (PSC) Filing](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/psc-filing/): £29.99. Add, remove or update PSCs on the Companies House register.
- [Issue of Shares](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/issue-of-shares/): £129.99. Allot new shares and file the return of allotment (SH01).
- [Transfer of Shares](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/transfer-of-shares/): £129.99. Includes the J30 stock transfer form, a new share certificate and board minutes.
- [Company Dissolution](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/company-dissolution/): £89.99. Voluntary strike-off of a limited company. All documents included.
- [Business Document Template Library](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/business-templates/): £139.99 per year. Professional business and legal document templates.
- [Business Banking](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/business-banking/): Free referrals to FCA-regulated banking partners, including Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds, Starling, Monzo, Zempler, ANNA and Wise, with a comparison of their free banking periods and features.

## Help centre and FAQs

- [Online Client Portal](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/help-centre/online-admin-portal/): A free online account where you can track formations, download documents, file confirmation statements, update officers and import companies you formed elsewhere.
- [4 Steps to Forming a Company](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/help-centre/steps-to-forming-a-company/): A walkthrough of the Rapid Formations ordering and registration process.
- [A-Z Glossary of Terms](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/help-centre/a-z-glossary-of-terms/): Definitions of terms used in company registration, LLPs, company addresses, tax and annual filings.
- [FAQs hub](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/): Index of all Rapid Formations FAQ categories.
- [FAQs: The basics](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/basics/): Common questions about registering a limited company in the UK.
- [FAQs: The formation process](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/the-formation-process/): How online company formation works, step by step.
- [FAQs: Company names](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/company-names/): Company naming rules and how to choose a name.
- [FAQs: Companies limited by shares](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/limited-by-shares/)
- [FAQs: Companies limited by guarantee](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/limited-by-guarantee/)
- [FAQs: Limited liability partnerships](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/limited-liability-partnerships/)
- [FAQs: Directors](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/directors/)
- [FAQs: Company secretary](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/company-secretary/)
- [FAQs: Shares and shareholders](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/shares-and-shareholders/)
- [FAQs: People with significant control](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/pscs/)
- [FAQs: Registered office](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/registered-office/)
- [FAQs: Service address](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/directors-service-address/)
- [FAQs: SAIL address](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/sail-address/)
- [FAQs: Company records and registers](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/company-records-and-registers/)
- [FAQs: Company meetings and resolutions](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/company-meetings-and-resolutions/)
- [FAQs: After company formation](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/after-company-formation/)
- [FAQs: Confirmation statement](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/confirmation-statement/)
- [FAQs: Annual accounts](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/annual-accounts/)
- [FAQs: Corporation Tax](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/corporation-tax/)
- [FAQs: VAT](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/vat/)
- [FAQs: PAYE and payroll](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/paye-and-payroll/)
- [FAQs: Self Assessment](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/self-assessment/)
- [FAQs: Paying yourself through a limited company](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/faqs/paying-yourself-through-limited-company/)
- [Helpful videos](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/videos/): Short video guides on starting and running a UK company.

## Blog

### Companies House rules and reform

- [Companies House reform: ID verification](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/companies-house-reform/): What the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act means for anyone registering or running a company.
- [PSC verification: your Personal Code explained](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/psc-identity-verification-personal-code/): How PSCs verify their identity and submit a Personal Code to Companies House.
- [Companies House fee increase from 1 February 2026](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/companies-house-fees-increase/): The new incorporation and filing fees and what they mean for new and existing companies.
- [Companies House non-compliance penalties](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/companies-house-new-non-compliance-penalties/): Companies House's new enforcement powers and civil penalties.
- [The registered email address requirement](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/registered-email-address-for-uk-companies/): Since 4 March 2024, every UK company must keep a registered email address.
- [Why did Companies House reject my incorporation?](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/companies-house-reject-incorporation/): Common reasons applications are rejected and how to avoid them.

### Registering a company

- [How much does it cost to register a limited company?](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/cost-to-register-limited-company/): A breakdown of government fees and formation agent costs.
- [How long does it take to register a company?](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/how-long-to-register-company/): Typical approval times and what to prepare before you apply.
- [How to choose a company name](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/how-to-choose-a-company-name/): Naming rules, restrictions and practical tips.
- [Company name rules and restrictions](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/company-name-rules-and-restrictions/): Special characters, the word "Limited" and reusing a dissolved company's name.
- [Sensitive words in UK company names](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/sensitive-words-and-expressions-in-company-names/): Which words need approval and how to get it.
- [What is a SIC code?](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/sic-code/): How to choose the right Standard Industrial Classification code for your company.
- [Scottish limited company formation](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/scottish-limited-company-formation/): How to form a company registered in Scotland.
- [How to register a company in Northern Ireland](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/how-to-register-a-company-in-northern-ireland/): The steps and information needed to form a company in Northern Ireland.
- [How to set up a limited company as a contractor](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/set-up-limited-company-for-contractor/): Incorporating as a contractor, including Managed Service Company rules.

### Specialist company structures

- [How to set up a holding company](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/how-to-set-up-a-holding-company/): How holding company structures work and how to register one.
- [What is a family investment company?](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/family-investment-company/): Why families use FICs and how to register one.
- [A guide to special purpose vehicles (SPVs)](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/guide-to-special-purpose-vehicles-spvs/): What SPVs are used for, their benefits and limits, and how to set one up.
- [Buying property through a limited company](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/buying-property-through-a-limited-company/): The pros and cons for landlords and property investors.
- [Limited company or LLP?](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/limited-company-or-llp/): How to choose between the two limited liability structures.
- [Why set up a limited liability partnership?](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/set-up-limited-liability-partnership/): How an LLP compares with an ordinary partnership and a limited company.
- [An introduction to the LLP agreement](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/llp-agreement/): What an LLP agreement covers and why it matters.
- [Limited by shares vs limited by guarantee](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/limited-by-shares-vs-limited-by-guarantee/): The key differences between the two private company types.
- [What is a community interest company (CIC)?](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/community-interest-company-cic/): How CICs differ from ordinary companies and charities, and how to set one up.
- [What is a flat management company?](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/flat-management-company/): What these companies do, how to register one and their legal obligations.
- [How to set up a charitable company](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/set-up-charitable-company-in-the-uk/): Forming a charitable company and registering it with the Charity Commission.

### Shares and share capital

- [How to issue more shares](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/issuing-more-shares-in-a-private-limited-company/): Allotting new shares and filing the return of allotment.
- [A practical guide to transferring shares](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/practical-guide-to-transferring-shares/): An 8-step process for transferring shares in a private limited company.
- [Stamp Duty on share transfers](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/stamp-duty-stamp-duty-reserve-tax-share-transfers/): Stamp Duty and SDRT rates, deadlines and reliefs.
- [How to change share capital](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/how-to-change-share-capital/): Allotting, reducing, subdividing and consolidating shares.
- [What is a cap table?](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/cap-table-explained/): What a capitalisation table should include and how to create one.
- [Why you need a shareholders' agreement](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/why-you-need-shareholders-agreement/): Seven reasons companies with more than one shareholder should have one.

### Addresses and privacy

- [Service address vs registered office address](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/service-address-and-registered-office-address-whats-the-difference/): What each address is for and the legal requirements.
- [Remove your home address from the Companies House register](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/remove-home-address-from-companies-house-register/): The process, forms and costs.
- [What is a SAIL address?](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/limited-company-sail-address/): Single alternative inspection location rules and how to set one up.

### Non-UK residents

- [Can a non-UK resident register a UK limited company?](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/can-non-uk-resident-register-uk-limited-company/): Eligibility and requirements for overseas founders.
- [Proof of ID and address for non-UK residents](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/non-uk-residents-proof-of-id-and-address/): The documents you need and how to provide them.
- [Business bank accounts for non-UK residents](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/business-bank-accounts-for-non-uk-residents/): Banking options for UK companies with overseas owners.
- [Can UK company directors be based overseas?](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/can-uk-company-directors-based-overseas/): Rules for appointing directors who live outside the UK.

### Running and closing a company

- [How to meet Companies House filing deadlines](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/companies-house-filing-deadlines/): Every key filing deadline for a limited company.
- [Micro-entity accounts: a beginner's guide](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/micro-entity-accounts/): What micro-entity accounts include and how to file them.
- [What is my company authentication code?](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/find-company-authentication-code/): Where to find your code and how to reset it.
- [How to import a company to the Rapid Formations portal](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/how-to-import-a-company/): Manage a company you formed elsewhere from your Rapid Formations account.
- [The ICO data protection fee](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/the-ico-protection-fee/): Which businesses must pay the ICO fee.
- [How to take money out of a limited company](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/how-to-take-money-out-of-a-limited-company/): Salary, dividends, director's loans and expenses.
- [Illegal dividends](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/illegal-dividends/): How illegal dividends happen and the consequences for the company and its shareholders.
- [Compulsory vs voluntary strike-off](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/compulsory-vs-voluntary-strike-off/): The difference between the two and why to avoid compulsory strike-off.
- [How to restore a closed company](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/how-to-restore-a-company-that-has-been-closed/): Administrative restoration and restoration by court order.

## Optional

- [About Rapid Formations](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/about-us/): The company's mission, team and London office.
- [Customer reviews](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/customer-reviews/): Independent customer reviews from Trustpilot and Google.
- [Contact Rapid Formations](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/contact-us/): Phone 020 7871 9990, live chat or email, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm. 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ.
- [Entrepreneur Scholarship Programme](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/entrepreneur-scholarship-programme/): Up to five £500 scholarships each year for UK and US university students who show entrepreneurial potential.
- [Affiliate program](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/affiliate-program/): Earn rewards for referring customers.
- [Terms and conditions](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/)
- [Refund and cancellation policy](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/refund-cancellation-policy/)
- [Complaints procedure](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/complaints-procedure/)
- [Privacy policy](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/privacy-policy/)
- [Environmental policy](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/environmental-policy/)
- [Site map](https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/site-map/): Every page on the Rapid Formations website.