What is a Certificate of Incorporation? Mean & How to Get

What is a certificate of incorporation?

The document is used to incorporate the company in the United Kingdom. The certificate of incorporation is an official document issued by Companies House, the UK Government body tasked with registering companies. The certificate thereby evidences that your business is legally set up under the Companies Act 2006. 

Key features include:

• The official name of your company.
• The company registration number;
• The date your company was incorporated;
• The type of company structure (Private Limited Company, etc.);

After this certificate has been received, your company is regarded as an independent legal entity. As such, it can trade, own assets, enter into contracts, and be sued independently of its owners and directors. Hence, this certificate serves as the legal birth certificate of your business.

What does the term incorporation mean?

The phrase “incorporation” refers to the procedure by which a company is officially registered as a limited business. This requires filing necessary documents like the memorandum or articles of association, naming directors, and stating the company’s official address. Once the company is approved, Companies House issues the certification, confirming the company’s legal status.

Example of a Certificate of Incorporation

An example of a certificate of incorporation within the UK includes all the essential identifications required to legally confirm a business’s formation. The certificate can be issued from Companies House upon the successful registration of a company and used for verification of your business’s authenticity throughout legal, financial, and administrative steps. If you’re opening a company bank account or entering into formal contracts, this document is a formal proof that the company is legally registered per UK legislation.

A common UK certification of incorporation will include:

• Name of the Company – The legally registered name for your business.
• Corporate Registration Number (CRN) – A distinctive identifier number that Companies House gives.
• Incorporation Date – The day that officially signifies when the company was formed.
• Type of Company – Such as Private Limited by Shares or Limited by Guarantee.
• Issuing Authority – for example, Companies House Cardiff, Edinburgh, or Belfast.
• Official Coat of Arms – The badge of legitimacy, which confirms the authenticity of the document.

This type of certificate is typically necessary for banking onboarding to secure funding or handle legal agreements.

How to Get a Certificate of Incorporation?

To get a Certificate of Incorporation in the UK, you’ll need to register your company with Companies House, which is the official registrar of companies. Here’s a clear breakdown of the process:

Steps:

1. Choose your company type: Most people go for a private limited company (Ltd).
2. Pick a company name: It must be unique and follow naming rules.
3. Provide a UK address: This will be your company’s registered office.
4. Appoint at least one director: You also need at least one shareholder (can be the same person).
5. Prepare documents: You’ll need a Memorandum and Articles of Association. You can use standard templates.
6. Register online: Go to the Companies House website. It costs £12 and usually takes 24 hours.
7. Get your certificate: Once approved, you’ll receive a digital Certificate of Incorporation by email. It includes your company name, number, and date of incorporation.

You can use this certificate to open a business bank account, apply for loans, or prove your company exists.

How to Apply for a Certificate of Incorporation in the UK

The acquiring process of your certificate is quite simple, but follow it accurately. Here is how to go about it:

1. Determine the Perfect Structure for the Business

Private Limited Company (Ltd) is the usual structure in the UK; by this, you have limited liability, which means you will not lose your assets when your business gets into trouble. Alternative structures include Public Limited Company (PLC) and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP); however, they are mostly for larger businesses or some professional services. Therefore, it would be wise to ascertain which structure suits your goals and responsibilities.

2. Choose Your Company Name Uniquely

The company name must be original and in no case be a name already used elsewhere. Besides, it should not mislead or contain offensive words. Certain words like ‘bank’, ‘insure’, or ‘royal’ require special permission before being used. Use the Companies House name checking tool to verify name availability. Be creative, but also clear, since that name will be used to name your certificate, business documents, and public listings.

Documents required for registration

You have to submit two important documents while registering your company:

• Memorandum of Association
• Articles of Association

The first memorandum indicates the intention of the first shareholders (or members) to form a company. The articles outline how the company will be run regarding rules for directors and decision-making.

These documents are submitted online when filing via the online system and delivered by post for manual filing. Most people avoid legal and time-wasting by using the model articles provided by the Companies House. These documents will thereafter become publicly available and accessible to anyone online through Companies House.

When Will I Need to Use My Certificate of Incorporation

You’ll use your certificate of incorporation when dealing with banks, HMRC, investors, and even landlords. It proves your official company status and supports your business credibility.