How to register a limited company in Scotland

What you need, what it costs and how long it takes.

Check your name is available using the free Companies House name checker, and search existing trade marks.
Verify your identity first. Every director verifies with GOV.UK One Login and gets a personal code, which you need to register. If there is more than one director, you need each director's code.
Decide your directors, shareholders and people with significant control (anyone with over 25% of shares or votes).
Choose your SIC code, which describes what your company does.
Use a Scottish registered office from day one. Choose Scotland as your jurisdiction and put your Clyde Offices address down at registration, so your home address never appears on the public register.
Register online. It costs £100 by card, and your company is usually registered within 24 hours. You will usually be set up for Corporation Tax at the same time.
After registering: open a bank account, and add Corporation Tax to your business tax account once your UTR arrives.

Last checked 28 September 2026