Company Registered Address: What It Is and Why It Matters in the UK

When you set up a limited company in the UK, you need a company registered address, the official address where legal and government mail is sent for your business. Also known as a registered office address, it’s not just a box to tick—it’s the legal heartbeat of your company. This is where Companies House, HMRC, and even court summonses will send notices. If you miss one because your address is wrong or outdated, you could face fines, penalties, or even have your company struck off.

It doesn’t have to be your home or a fancy office. Many small businesses use a virtual office service, a accountant’s address, or even a friend’s business location—so long as it’s a real, physical place in the UK that can accept mail. You can’t use a PO Box unless it’s part of a registered business service that provides physical mail handling. And once you pick it, you must tell Companies House. Changing it later? That’s easy, but you must update it within 14 days, or you’re breaking the law.

Your registered office address, the official location tied to your company’s legal identity also affects how customers and partners see you. A London address can signal credibility, even if you work remotely from Manchester. That’s why so many startups choose a London-based registered address—it looks professional, and it helps with local SEO and trust signals.

And here’s the thing: your Companies House, the UK government body that maintains official company records doesn’t care if you’re working from a café. But they do care that your registered address is accurate, active, and monitored. If mail bounces back, they’ll send you a warning. Ignore it, and you risk losing your company status.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from UK businesses that have dealt with this exact issue. From how to choose a cost-effective registered address without risking compliance, to how to update it when you move offices, to why some directors use a third-party service to keep their home address private—these posts cut through the noise. You won’t find fluff here. Just clear steps, real examples, and the exact details you need to keep your company in good standing.