Last updated Jul 29, 2026 and written by Daniel Tuckey

What's the Difference Between a Correspondence Address and a Residential Address?

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A correspondence address is where a company officer receives official mail, and it can be anywhere in the world. A residential address is where they actually live, and it stays off the public register unless it's also used as their correspondence address.

Key Takeaways

  • A correspondence address (also called a service address) is public and can be located anywhere.
  • A residential address is private by default and must be the officer's genuine home.
  • Company officers must provide both when registering a UK company.
  • Using your home as your correspondence address makes it public, which is why many people use a separate address instead.

Correspondence Address vs Residential Address, in Short

A correspondence address, sometimes called a service address, is the official contact point for a director, shareholder, or PSC. It's listed on the Companies House public register, and it doesn't need to be anywhere near where that person actually lives.

A residential address is different: it's where the person genuinely lives, and it stays private on the register by default, unless it's also being used as their correspondence address. Companies House still requires it for identification purposes, but the public won't see it unless you choose to make it public yourself.

Many people use their home address as their correspondence address out of convenience, but this makes that address public, since correspondence and registered office addresses are both shown on the register. Using a dedicated correspondence address instead keeps your actual residential address private.

For the fuller picture, including how these two addresses compare to your company's registered office, our complete guide to registered office, service, and residential addresses covers all three together.

FAQs

Is a correspondence address the same as a residential address?

No. A correspondence address is where you receive official mail and can be anywhere. A residential address is where you actually live and stays private by default.

Can I use my home address as my correspondence address?

Yes, but doing so makes your home address public on the Companies House register, since correspondence addresses are publicly listed.

Do I need to provide both addresses when registering a company?

Yes. Company officers must provide both a correspondence address and a residential address, even though only the correspondence address is made public.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For full details, see our complete guide to registered office, service, and residential addresses.