How Do I Form a Dormant Company?

Last updated: Sep 16, 2026 1 minute read Limited Company, How To
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Daniel Tuckey
Written by: Daniel Tuckey

Register your company through the standard formation process, there's no separate route for a dormant one. The difference comes after incorporation: you tell HMRC you're not trading, and you keep it that way.

Key Takeaways

  • A dormant company is formed exactly the same way as any other, there's no separate dormant application.
  • Once formed, you write to HMRC to let them know you don't intend to trade yet.
  • You still file a Confirmation Statement and Dormant Company Accounts every year, even while dormant.
  • If your company starts trading, tell HMRC straight away.

What's the Actual Process?

  1. Form the company as you normally would.
  2. Once incorporated, write to HMRC to let them know your company won't be trading yet.
  3. File a Confirmation Statement every year, the same as any active company.
  4. File Dormant Company Accounts every year, the simplified version for non-trading companies.
  5. Don't trade, if you want your company to stay dormant.

If your company does start trading, let HMRC know as soon as possible.

For the fuller picture, including current filing fees and what's changed with dormant company compliance recently, our main guide to making your company dormant covers it all.

FAQs

Is forming a dormant company a different process from a normal one?

No, the registration process is identical. The only difference is what you do afterwards.

Do I need to file anything while my company is dormant?

Yes, a Confirmation Statement and Dormant Company Accounts every year, the same as any company.

What happens if my dormant company starts trading?

Let HMRC know immediately, since your obligations change once you're actively trading.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. For the fuller picture, see our main guide to making your company dormant.