Set up your company with Tide

Setting up your own company is a huge step towards doing what you love.

At Tide, we can do this process for you (and even pay most of the fee).

There are just a few things we need from you to do this, which you can learn about below.

Step 1: Choose your company name

Once you've decided what your company will do, you'll need to pick a name.

We can then give this to Companies House when we set up your company.

How to choose your company name

Your company name can be almost anything you'd like. There are certain restrictions, such as if the name is deemed offensive, is already taken, or refers to a business type we don't support.

We've created a tool for you to check whether you name is available here.

Your company name will need to have either LTD or Limited at the end of it. There's no difference between them, except for how they look. If you don't add this, we'll automatically add LTD.

Step 2: Start the application process

You can apply to register your company with Tide by yourself, and don't need the help of a solicitor or accountant.

How to start the application process

You just need to be over 18, a UK resident, and to be registering a company that you will own, rather than on behalf of someone else.

If you don't already have a Tide account, you can create one during this process as well.

All Limited Companies are required to have a business bank account which is separate from the owner's personal account.

To start the application process, first check your company name's availability in the search bar on this page, and follow the next steps.

Step 3: Provide your supporting documents

To make sure we keep our community safe and meet our regulatory duties, we need to verify everyone who applies to set up their company through Tide.

So you'll need to provide some supporting information during the application process.

How to provide your supporting documents

We've created a dedicated page to help you provide your supporting proof of identity, address and business here.

You'll also need to provide your Companies House personal code. If you don't have this yet, don't worry. We'll request one for you from Companies House during this process.

To complete your application, you'll need to download the Tide app from your smartphone's app store and follow the remaining steps, such as confirming your personal code.

Step 4: Your application outcome

Once you've completed your application, we'll provide you with an outcome. We unfortunately can't accept every application.

If your application is successful

Once accepted as a Tide member, you can then activate your account through your app. All needed documents can also be signed digitally.

The majority of businesses will be incorporated within 48 business hours. We'll then email you your Certificate of Incorporation, which is proof that your company is registered and held under your name.

If your application is unsuccessful

We unfortunately might not be able to set up your company. This could be for a number of reasons, and you're welcome to try again yourself or through another service.

If your company application is successful, but your application for a Tide account is unsuccessful, you'll still have your company. It will just need a different business account to start operating.

You can learn more about why you might not be eligible for a Tide account here.

What to do once your company is set up

Once your company is set up, a few things will happen.

HMRC will automatically be updated, and they'll send you your UTR to your registered address.

You'll also be sent your CRN, and you'll get your company authentication code once you set up an account with Companies House WebFiling.

We've created a page which explains everything you need to know about what these things are, why you need them and how to find them here.