{"id":12839,"date":"2024-10-03T11:41:30","date_gmt":"2024-10-03T10:41:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/?p=12839"},"modified":"2024-10-11T15:44:56","modified_gmt":"2024-10-11T14:44:56","slug":"certificate-of-incorporation-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/certificate-of-incorporation-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Certificate of incorporation explained"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you apply to register a company, you\u2019ll receive a certificate of incorporation from Companies House once they have approved the application. This document confirms that the company legally exists as a separate legal entity and is distinct from its owners.<\/span><\/p>\n

Below, we explain what a certificate of incorporation looks like, when you might need to use it, and what you can do if you need a replacement.<\/span><\/p>\n

What information does the certificate of incorporation include?<\/h3>\n

A certificate of incorporation is a fairly basic document. <\/span>Section 15 of the Companies Act 2006<\/span><\/a>, the primary legislation that governs UK companies, states that the certificate must include the following details:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0(a) the name and registered number of the company,<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0(b) the date of its incorporation,<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0(c) whether it is a limited or unlimited company, and if it is limited whether it is limited by shares or limited by guarantee,<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0(d) whether it is a private or a public company,<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0(e) whether the company\u2019s registered office is situated in England and Wales (or in Wales), in Scotland or in Northern Ireland.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The certificate must be signed by the registrar or authenticated by the registrar\u2019s official seal.\u00a0<\/span>Here is an example of what a certificate of incorporation looks like:<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Certificate<\/p>\n

Once issued, the Companies Act 2006 affirms that \u201cthe certificate is conclusive evidence that the requirements of this Act as to registration have been complied with and that the company is duly registered under this Act.\u201d In other words, the company has been registered in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your first certificate of incorporation<\/h3>\n

How and when you receive your first certificate depends on how you apply to form your company.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Online<\/h4>\n

If you apply online\u2014be it via a company formation agent like Quality Company Formations or directly with Companies House\u2014you\u2019ll normally receive a digital certificate via email within 24 hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes, this may take longer if your application contains errors. In that case, Companies House will ask for additional information before approving it and issuing a certificate of incorporation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What information do I need to set up a limited company?<\/span><\/a>\n How to fix common mistakes made on incorporation \u00a0<\/span><\/a>\n What are Companies House services?<\/span><\/a>\n <\/p>\n

If you register your company with us, a company expert will check your information before submitting it to ensure it has been completed correctly, thus avoiding potential delays.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By post<\/h4>\n

Postal registrations take a little longer. These are typically processed within 8-10 days, so you should receive a hard copy of your certificate in the post shortly after. Again, bear in mind that there could be delays, so generally, allow around two weeks for your certificate to arrive.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you register with Quality Company Formations and purchase one of the following packages, you will receive a hard copy as well as a digital version of your certificate of incorporation:<\/span><\/p>\n