--- title: "Register an LLP: 2026 Step-by-Step Companies House Guide" description: "**Updated for 2026/27.** Registering a limited liability partnership creates a separate legal entity at Companies House. Before filing, agree the members, name, registered office, designated members and governance terms, and complete the identity and transparency checks required at the filing…" url: "https://www.accountingfirms.co.uk/knowledge-bank/how-to-register-an-llp-with-companies-house/" updated: "2026-08-12" category: Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) --- # Register an LLP: 2026 Step-by-Step Companies House Guide **Updated for 2026/27.** Registering a limited liability partnership creates a separate legal entity at Companies House. Before filing, agree the members, name, registered office, designated members and governance terms, and complete the identity and transparency checks required at the filing date. ## Is an LLP the right structure? An LLP combines separate legal personality and limited liability with partnership-style management and normally tax-transparent profits. It suits many professional and owner-managed businesses but requires public accounts, confirmation statements and formal member reporting. A company, general partnership or sole trade may be more suitable depending on investment, tax and governance plans. ## What you need before applying - An available LLP name ending in “LLP” or “Limited Liability Partnership” - At least two members - At least two designated members, or an election that all members are designated - A compliant registered office in the relevant UK jurisdiction - An appropriate registered email address - Service and residential details for individual members - Required information for corporate members - A PSC assessment and supporting ownership/control information - Identity-verification details required under the current Companies House process - A lawful business purpose and intended activities ## Step 1: choose and clear the name Search the Companies House register for identical and similar names. Check sensitive words, trade marks, web domains and misleading regulatory implications. Registration does not give automatic trade mark protection. The name must use an accepted LLP ending. ## Step 2: select members and designated members The subscribers become the first members. Individuals and eligible corporate bodies can generally join. Designated members have extra responsibility for accounts, confirmation statements, changes on the register and insolvency procedures. Document consent and ensure the information supplied is accurate. ## Step 3: choose the registered office and email The office must be an appropriate physical address in the same UK jurisdiction in which the LLP is registered. Documents should be expected to reach someone acting for the LLP and delivery should be capable of acknowledgement. A PO Box alone is not sufficient. The registered office appears publicly; the registered email is used by Companies House but is not displayed publicly. ## Step 4: identify PSCs Assess who has significant control through voting rights, rights to appoint or remove those managing the LLP, or other significant influence or control. Report registrable PSCs or relevant legal entities and keep the position under review when rights change. ## Step 5: prepare the LLP agreement A written agreement is not normally submitted with the incorporation, but it should be agreed at the outset. Cover capital, profit and loss, drawings, authority, voting, duties, admissions, retirement, death, disputes, restrictive covenants and winding up. Without tailored provisions, statutory defaults may apply. ## Step 6: submit the incorporation Apply using the current Companies House online service or the prescribed paper process. Online filing is usually faster. From 1 February 2026, standard incorporation costs **£100 through compatible software** or **£124 on paper**. Same-day software incorporation costs £156. Review every name, date, address and status before submission. False or misleading filings can have serious consequences. ## After Companies House accepts the application Companies House issues a certificate of incorporation and LLP number. The certificate confirms legal formation; it does not register the LLP for every tax, licence or regulated activity. 1. Open an LLP bank account and document member capital. 2. Register the partnership and relevant members with HMRC. 3. Assess VAT, PAYE, CIS and pension registrations. 4. Put bookkeeping and member current accounts in place. 5. Arrange insurance and any professional authorisations. 6. Update contracts, invoices, website and privacy information. 7. Record accounts and confirmation statement deadlines. ## Information shown publicly The register normally displays the LLP's name, number, status, registered office, filing history, accounts, confirmation statements and much member/PSC information. Some residential and protected information is not shown in full. Use a lawful service address and apply for protection where a genuine risk meets the statutory conditions. ## HMRC registration The LLP partnership generally needs its own Unique Taxpayer Reference for SA800, while individual members use their own Self Assessment records and corporate members follow Corporation Tax rules. VAT registration is generally required once taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 or the forward-looking test is met. See our [HMRC registration guide](https://www.accountingfirms.co.uk/knowledge-bank/how-to-register-your-llp-for-tax-with-hmrc/). ## First filing deadlines The first accounts deadline depends on the incorporation date and accounting reference period. Subsequent private LLP accounts are normally due nine months after the period end. A confirmation statement must be filed at least every 12 months, generally within 14 days after the review period ends. Tax deadlines are separate. ## Common registration mistakes - Using a name without checking trade marks or sensitive words - Providing an address that is not an appropriate registered office - Leaving fewer than two designated members - Failing to assess PSC status - Starting business without an LLP agreement - Assuming incorporation automatically covers HMRC, VAT or PAYE - Missing the first accounts or confirmation statement deadline Use the official [Companies House LLP service](https://www.gov.uk/set-up-and-run-limited-liability-partnership) and current [LLP forms](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/limited-liability-partnership-forms). Review our [LLP naming guide](https://www.accountingfirms.co.uk/knowledge-bank/llp-naming-requirements/) and [agreement checklist](https://www.accountingfirms.co.uk/knowledge-bank/does-an-llp-need-a-partnership-agreement/) before filing. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long does registration take? Timing depends on the service, checks and whether the application is accurate. Do not sign contracts in the LLP's name before it legally exists. ### Can one person form an LLP? No. At least two subscribers are needed at incorporation. ### Is the LLP automatically VAT registered? No. VAT is a separate HMRC registration based on turnover and circumstances. *This guide is general information. Check the live Companies House service for current fees, verification steps and filing requirements.* ## Information checklist For a concise list of names, addresses, members and statements needed before filing, use our [LLP registration information checklist](https://www.accountingfirms.co.uk/knowledge-bank/what-information-is-needed-to-register-an-llp/).