Business Address Requirements UK: What You Need to Know to Stay Compliant

When you register a company in the UK, you need a business address, a physical location where official documents can be delivered and where the company is legally considered to be based. Also known as a registered office address, this isn’t just a formality—it’s a legal requirement enforced by Companies House. Without a valid one, your company won’t be registered, and if you already have a business, you could be fined or struck off the register.

Many people think they need a fancy office space, but that’s not true. You can use your home address, a virtual office, or even a friend’s business premises—as long as it’s a real, physical location in the UK. PO boxes alone won’t cut it. Companies House needs to know where someone can physically receive mail, like legal notices or tax forms. If you’re running an online business from your kitchen table, that’s fine. Just make sure you can get letters there. The address must also be publicly listed on the Companies House register, so it’s visible to customers, suppliers, and government agencies.

There are some common mistakes that trip people up. Using a mail forwarding service that doesn’t offer physical mail handling? That’s a red flag. Renting a serviced office but not actually being there? That’s okay, as long as the provider accepts official mail on your behalf. And if you’re a director living abroad, you still need a UK-based address for your company. You can’t use a foreign address, even if you’re the only owner. The registered office address, the official address tied to your company’s legal identity must be in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.

Why does this matter? Because if HMRC or Companies House sends you a letter and it gets returned, they assume you’re avoiding them. That can trigger audits, penalties, or worse—automatic dissolution of your company. You also need to update your address within 14 days if it changes. Many small businesses forget this until they get a notice from Companies House saying they’re at risk of being removed.

Some people use third-party services to manage their business address. These are legal, as long as they’re registered with Companies House as a registered office provider. Look for providers that offer mail scanning, forwarding, and compliance alerts. Don’t just pick the cheapest option—check reviews and make sure they actually handle official correspondence properly.

And here’s something most guides don’t tell you: your business address doesn’t have to be where you work. You can have your registered office in London while your team works remotely from Manchester, Bristol, or even abroad. That’s perfectly legal. Many startups do this to appear more established or to meet client expectations. But if you’re using a virtual office, make sure the provider gives you access to your mail quickly. Delayed letters can cost you more than the service fee.

The posts below cover the real-world details you won’t find in government guides. You’ll find how to pick the right address for your business type, what to do if you’re using your home, how to avoid common compliance traps, and how other UK businesses are handling this without hiring a lawyer. Whether you’re setting up your first company or fixing an old mistake, these guides give you what you need to get it right—fast.