Last updated Aug 17, 2026 and written by Daniel Tuckey

Are There Restrictions on Changing My Registered Office Address?

featured-image

Yes. You can only move your registered office within the same jurisdiction your company was originally registered in: England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. You can't relocate across these borders without re-registering the company entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Your company's jurisdiction is set by the location of its first registered office, and it can't be changed by simply updating the address.
  • Companies registered in England and Wales can move freely between the two, but not into Scotland or Northern Ireland.
  • Companies registered in Scotland can only move within Scotland.
  • Companies registered in Northern Ireland can only move within Northern Ireland.
  • Moving within your existing jurisdiction is straightforward and doesn't require re-registration.

Why Can't I Move My Registered Office to a Different UK Nation?

Because your company's jurisdiction is tied to where it was first registered, not just its current address. England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland each operate under a distinct legal register, so moving across that boundary isn't a simple address update, it would mean re-registering the company under a different jurisdiction entirely.

What Are the Actual Restrictions?

  • England and Wales. You can move freely between English and Welsh addresses, since both fall under the same jurisdiction.
  • Scotland. You can only move to another Scotland-based address.
  • Northern Ireland. You can only move to another Northern Ireland-based address.

For the full process of updating your registered office within your existing jurisdiction, including the AD01 form and common mistakes to avoid, our guide to changing your company address covers everything step by step.

FAQs

Can I move my registered office from England to Scotland?

No. Your registered office can only move within the same jurisdiction your company was originally registered in.

What determines my company's jurisdiction?

The location of your company's first registered office at the point of incorporation.

Can I move freely between England and Wales?

Yes, both fall under the same jurisdiction, so moving between them doesn't breach this restriction.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Companies House requirements can change, so it's worth checking current guidance on GOV.UK or Companies House before relying on the details above.