Important Update: Company Incorporation and Filing Fees Changing from 1 February 2026

If you’ve been thinking about starting your own company or updating your business records, now is the perfect time to act. From 1 February 2026, Companies House will be implementing several important changes to filing fees, as part of ongoing efforts to modernise the UK company registration system and strengthen corporate transparency.

These changes will affect both new incorporations and ongoing company filings. Here’s what you need to know:

🔸 Key Fee Changes

• Incorporation digital filing fee will increase to £100 (previously lower).

• Confirmation statement digital filing fee will increase to £50.

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While these may seem like small adjustments, they represent a significant shift in the cost structure for maintaining your business on the official register. The goal behind these changes is to support improved digital services, enhance data accuracy, and strengthen the verification process for company officers and beneficial owners.

🔸 Why Are the Fees Changing?

The UK government has been introducing reforms through the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which aims to make the business environment safer, more transparent, and better equipped to tackle fraud. As part of this, Companies House is introducing stricter identity verification procedures for directors, shareholders, and anyone involved in forming or managing a company.

This means that from mid-November 2025, before the new fees even come into effect, company incorporations and filings will be subject to more rigorous ID verification checks. These additional security steps may increase the time and cost associated with new registrations — another reason to act sooner rather than later.

🔸 Why You Should Incorporate Before the Changes

If you’ve been delaying the decision to set up your company, now is the ideal time to take action. By incorporating your company before February 2026, you can:

1. Save money – Avoid paying the higher digital filing and confirmation fees.

2. Simplify the process – Current ID verification requirements are still relatively straightforward, but these will become more complex in the coming months.

3. Secure your business identity early – Protect your business name and start building your brand before others register similar names under the new, more competitive environment.

   
   

🔸 Plan Ahead to Avoid Delays

With stricter rules and higher fees coming soon, demand for incorporation services is expected to rise as the deadline approaches. It’s wise to prepare your paperwork early — including your company name, address, director details, and share structure — to ensure a smooth registration process.

🔸 Final Thoughts

The upcoming changes to Companies House fees and verification rules are part of a broader effort to make the UK business landscape more transparent and accountable. While these updates are positive for the long term, they also mean higher costs and stricter compliance for business owners.

To avoid the upcoming increases and potential processing delays, take action now. Incorporate your company or update your filings before February 2026 — and stay ahead of the changes.

Don’t wait until the last minute — make your move today!