Thinking of starting a company in the UK? Planning to file your next confirmation statement? Companies House, the registrar of UK companies, is soon to increase its filing fees again.
From 1 February 2026, Companies House is introducing a revised set of fees that affect almost every UK business – including a 100% increase in the cost of incorporation. At the same time, the fee to close a company drops dramatically. Whether you’re forming, maintaining, or dissolving a business, it pays to know what’s changing and when to act.
In this article, we clarify the new Companies House fees and the reasons for these changes. We also show how our prices here at Rapid Formations will change as a result.
Companies House operates on a cost-recovery model. This means its statutory fees must cover the cost of running the register – including major upgrades to security, digital infrastructure, and governance.
The 2026 fee changes have been introduced to fund the long-term implementation of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) , passed in October 2023. The most significant overhauls in decades, the reforms give Companies House more authority to manage bad actors and improve data quality across UK businesses.
Nicholas Campion, Director and chartered governance professional at Rapid Formations, notes that:
At the heart of these changes is a drive for greater corporate transparency and reliability of information. Companies House wants to know that the people who ultimately run and control a company actually exist.
The first stage of delivery for the ECCTA began on 4 March 2024, when the UK government’s public register of companies was granted new policing powers .
The registrar’s role is moving from passive record-keeping to active oversight. As part of this shift, Companies House is now authorised to:
These capabilities require new staff, verification systems and monitoring tools, which the 2026 fee changes helps support.
From 1 February, three common filings will see the most significant price changes: incorporation, confirmation statements, and voluntary strike-offs.
To form a new limited company or LLP:
All active companies are required to submit a confirmation statement annually. New fees:
Closing a company through Form DS01 is getting cheaper:
The main impact of the new pricing structure is financial, whereby starting and running a compliant business in the UK is now more expensive.
However, the extent to which your business is affected depends on your plans:
Because the changes take effect on 1 February 2026, there’s a short window to take action before the higher fees apply.
You may wish to file in January 2026 if:
Even with the latest increases, the UK still ranks among the most cost-effective countries to start a business, particularly when filing digitally. Key benefits include:
Across much of the EU, additional costs like certified translations and resident representatives are common. The UK’s simplified digital process and flat fees keep it competitive and accessible for entrepreneurs worldwide.
For example, incorporating in other European countries, such as Germany or Italy, is typically far more expensive. Setting up a German GmbH can cost €4,000–€5,000, excluding share capital, while forming an Italian S.a.s . (Società in accomandita semplice) usually starts from €1,200, depending on legal and notarial requirements.
In short, company registration is often only one part of the total formation cost. The UK’s simplicity, speed and transparency make it an attractive option for both domestic and overseas founders – particularly when setting up remotely or under time constraints.
The adjusted Companies House fees have also affected the price of Rapid Formations’ packages and services. Our new package prices will include the new Companies House filing fee of £100.00.
Here is a breakdown of the new prices (excluding VAT):
The 2026 fee changes are just part of the bigger regulatory picture. You can also expect:
These measures are intended to strengthen business trust in the UK. However, they also place more responsibility on directors to stay informed and compliant.
The Companies House fee update rolling out on 1 February 2026 marks another major step in the UK’s corporate reform programme.
Whether you’re starting a company, filing an annual confirmation statement, or dissolving one you no longer need, it’s important to factor these cost changes into your plans.
If you’d like support incorporating a company, submitting filings, or staying on top of changing legislation, Rapid Formations is here to help. Explore our company formation packages or speak to one of our team members today.
The new fees take effect on 1 February 2026. Any filings made on or after that date will be charged the updated rates.
From 1 February 2026, it costs £100 to register a company online, or £156 for same-day online incorporation.
Yes. The digital confirmation statement fee is rising from £34 to £50. If you file by paper, it will now cost £110.
Yes, strike-off fees are dropping. If you close a company digitally, the cost goes down from £33 to just £13.
If you submit your filing before 1 February 2026, you’ll still pay the current (lower) fee – so filing early can save you money.
The increases are funding major reforms at Companies House, including identity checks, better fraud detection, and more oversight of company filings.