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Companies House Fee Increase 2026: What’s Changing and How It Affects You
From 1 February 2026, Companies House will increase a number of its fees, including the digital incorporation fee, which will rise from £50 to £100.
If you’re planning to start a business or file key company documents early next year, it’s important to understand what’s changing, why these updates are happening, and how you can prepare.
Key Takeaways
- From 1 February 2026, Companies House will increase several of its fees.
- The company incorporation fee will rise from £50 to £100.
- The confirmation statement fee will rise from £34 to £50.
- Forming your company or submitting your confirmation statement before February means you’ll still benefit from the current lower rate.
- Companies MadeSimple can help you form quickly, easily, and with expert support.
Why Are Companies House Fees Increasing?
Companies House has confirmed that the changes are part of a wider effort to build a more trustworthy environment for consumers under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act.
These reforms aim to make the UK’s company register more secure and reliable by:
- Giving Companies House stronger powers to query and remove false or misleading information
- Introducing compulsory identity verification from 18 November 2025 to confirm that directors and people with significant control are who they say they are
- Funding new tools, technology, and staff to help prevent fraud and improve enforcement
According to Companies House, income from its fees also supports the Insolvency Service’s company investigation and enforcement activity, helping to take action against fraudulent businesses, disqualify directors, and prosecute financial wrongdoing.
Ultimately, the changes are designed to create a more transparent marketplace and a fairer environment for legitimate businesses.
What Are the Companies House Fee Changes from 1 February 2026?
The fee changes apply to several Companies House services, including company incorporations, confirmation statements, and voluntary strike-offs.
Company incorporation and registration fees
Limited liability partnerships
Overseas companies
Limited partnerships
Scottish qualifying partnerships
UK Economic Interest Groupings and UK Societas
Overseas entities
Community interest companies
Search fees
Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) registration fees
For most new businesses, the most notable change is the digital incorporation fee, which will double from £50 to £100. The confirmation statement fee will also increase from £34 to £50, while the voluntary strike-off fee will decrease from £33 to £13.
How the 2026 Companies House Fee Increases Affect Businesses
These changes affect anyone who registers, maintains, or closes a limited company in the UK.
For new entrepreneurs, the increase means that starting a company will cost more from February 2026.
If you’re planning to form your company in early 2026, completing your incorporation before this date means you’ll still benefit from the current lower rate.
For existing business owners, it’s also worth keeping the new confirmation statement fee in mind. This annual filing is a legal requirement, and submitting before February will help you avoid the higher cost.
Where Companies MadeSimple products and services include a Companies House filing fee, our prices will increase to reflect this cost change from 1 February 2026.
Why You Should Act Before the Companies House Fee Increase
Forming or filing early could save you money and help you avoid the last-minute rush in January.
By setting up your company before February, you’ll pay today’s lower incorporation fee and start your business journey sooner.
At Companies MadeSimple, we make company formation simple, fast, and fully supported. You can set up your company online in minutes with expert guidance every step of the way.
Act now to lock in the current rate
Companies House’s fee increase is coming soon, but there’s still time to act.
