Why UK Company Formation Fees Are Jumping to £100 in 2026(And What It Means for You)

If you have been keeping an eye on your 2026 business goals, you might have missed a crucial update from the UK government.

The Headline: Companies House (the UK registrar of companies) has announced a significant fee increase starting 1 February 2026.

At Launchese, we believe in radical transparency. We don’t want you to be surprised by government costs, so we’re breaking down exactly what is changing, why it is happening, and most importantly, how you can save money by taking action before the deadline.

What Exactly Is Changing?

Effective from 1 February 2026, the official government fees for various company services are increasing. The most significant change for new founders is the cost of incorporation.

Here is the breakdown of the key changes:

• Incorporation (Online): Rising to £100.
• Annual Confirmation Statement (Online): Rising to £50.
• Voluntary Strike Off: Rising to £13.

Note: These are mandatory government fees that apply to everyone, regardless of which formation agent you use. If you wait until February, the cost of entry simply goes up.

Why Is the Government Doing This?

Nobody likes a price hike, but there is actually a good reason behind this one. The government isn’t just raising prices for profit; they are funding a massive crackdown on economic crime to “clean up” the UK business register.

Under the new Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act, Companies House is evolving from a passive register into an active regulator. They are using these new funds to:

1. Remove false information: They will have new powers to query and delete misleading data from the register.
2. Verify identities: They are introducing compulsory identity verification to ensure directors are exactly who they claim to be.
3. Fund enforcement: The fees will support the Insolvency Service to prosecute fraud and disqualify bad directors.

Is This Good News for Honest Founders?

Actually, yes.

While the price increase is annoying in the short term, the long-term impact is positive. These changes are designed to build a “more trustworthy environment” for legitimate businesses like yours.

When the registry is cleaner and free of “bad actors,” owning a UK company carries even more global prestige and credibility than before. It signals to your customers—whether they are in London, Lagos, or New York—that you are a verified, compliant, and serious business.

…But Why Pay More If You Don’t Have To?

We support a cleaner business environment. But as entrepreneurs ourselves, we also support keeping your cash in your pocket.

There is no “grandfathering” clause that forces existing companies to pay the difference later. If you launch your company before 1 February 2026, you secure your limited company status under the current, lower fee structure.

You get all the benefits of the UK’s reputation without paying the new “entry premium.”

Founder Tip: The money you save on government fees could pay for your first month of a virtual assistant or your first set of business cards.

The Launchese Advantage: Navigating the New Rules

With these fee changes comes stricter compliance. As we mentioned, Companies House is introducing compulsory identity verification. This means setting up a company is becoming slightly more complex than just filling out a form.

This is where Launchese shines.

We don’t just file your paperwork; we act as your compliance partner.

• Seamless KYC: We guide you through the GOV.UK One Login and ID check process so you don’t get stuck.
• Error-Free Filing: We review your application to ensure it meets the new stricter standards before it goes to Companies House, preventing rejections.
• Banking Ready: Once formed, we introduce you to our partners (like Wise, Stripe, and WorldFirst) to get your finances set up fast.

Beat the £100 Fee Increase

The clock is ticking. From 1 February 2026, the government’s mandatory incorporation fee jumps to £100.

There is no strategic advantage to waiting. By forming your company today, you aren’t just saving money on government fees; you are gaining a head start on your 2026 goals.

Why launch with Launchese right now? You get more than just a certificate. You get a complete operating system for your business:

• Compliance Certainty: We handle the stricter GOV.UK One Login and identity verification processes for you, ensuring you don’t get rejected.
• Banking Access: We fast-track your setup with partners like Wise, Stripe, and WorldFirst so you can accept payments immediately.
• Global Trust: Join 10,000+ founders from 100+ countries who trust us to handle their UK operations.

Lock in the 2025 rate before the deadline. It takes just 10 minutes to submit your application. We will review your documents, handle the submission, and secure your limited company at the current lower price.

Read the official government announcement here