TOP-LEGAL | Start a Business – Company Formation & Legal Setup UK

Start a Business Easily with Us

Start Your New Business Entity with Professional Assistance

Receive prompt, personalised support to start your business the UK, Canada, USA, Hungary, or Ireland.

Free* with TopLegal

Registered office and accountancy services. We can cater to every need of your business.

Simple and Comprehensive Protection

We will handle your new entity and filings. Save significantly on starting your business and more.

File with Confidence

Join our rapidly growing community that has already trusted TopLegal.

Save significally when starting your business and more

Free

Launch Your Business

Offer* valid with current TopLegal membership. The first legal entity per customer qualifies for the free offer, additional registration is half - price.

*Excluding government and third-party fees

Start your company Membership details

Choose a business structure

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each entity type to find the one that's best for your business.

Business registration FAQs

You can choose from:
• Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD)
• Designated Activity Company (DAC)
• Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
• Public Limited Company (PLC)
• Sole Trader
• General or Limited Partnership
Each has different legal structures, liability protections, and compliance obligations.

Registering a business means legally setting up your business with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) or Revenue. It formalises your operations, gives you legal standing, and ensures compliance with Irish business laws.

You’ll typically need:
• A business name
• Personal identification (passport or PPS number)
• Registered office address in Ireland
• Shareholder and director details (for companies)
• Company constitution (for LTDs, DACs, etc.)

• Sole trader: Same-day registration online via Revenue.ie.
• Company (LTD, DAC, etc.): 3–5 working days via the CRO (if documentation is in order).

A sole trader operates personally and is liable for all debts, while an LTD company is a separate legal entity with limited liability and more credibility with investors and banks.

• Limited liability protection
• 12.5% corporate tax rate
• Better access to funding and grants
• Enhanced brand credibility

• File annual returns with the CRO
• Prepare and file financial statements
• Maintain proper bookkeeping and tax filings
• Renew business name (for sole traders) if applicable

TopLegal is a legal-tech platform that helps entrepreneurs and SMEs:
• Register businesses
• Generate legal documents
• Access on-demand legal advice
• Reduce legal expenses through affordable memberships

Businesses can save up to 60–70% on typical legal fees compared to traditional law firms by using TopLegal’s automated services and discounted lawyer access.

• Business registration support (LLCs, sole trader, DACs, etc.)
• Access to over 100+ legal templates (NDAs, service contracts, founder agreements, etc.)
• AI-powered document review and risk scoring
• Discounted legal consultations via trusted partner lawyers
• Compliance alerts and deadline reminders

TopLegal members enjoy 20%–50% discount on legal consultations and document drafting through our network of vetted legal professionals.

Yes. You can use TopLegal for:
• Drafting or updating contracts
• Employment law support
• GDPR compliance documents
• Expanding internationally

Absolutely. It’s designed for:
• Startups needing fast and affordable legal documents
• SMEs that want ongoing legal protection without a full-time legal team
• Freelancers managing clients and service contracts

Yes. All templates, documents, and services are aligned with Irish and EU regulations, and continuously reviewed by local legal experts.

Simply:
1. Create an account on [TopLegal.ai] or your custom portal.
2. Choose a membership plan.
3. Begin using templates, registering your business, or booking lawyer support.

Registering a business means legally establishing a company with the relevant government authorities—typically HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and Companies House. It allows the business to trade legally and meet its tax and regulatory obligations.

To register a limited company, you’ll need:
• A unique company name
• A UK registered office address
• At least one director (over 16 years old)
• Shareholder details (can be the same person as the director)
• Memorandum and Articles of Association
• SIC code (Standard Industrial Classification of business activity and need to register with HMRC for Corporation Tax within 3 months of trading)

• Online via Companies House: Usually 24 hours
• Postal application: Takes around 8 to 10 working days
• Same-day registration: Available for an additional fee if submitted before 3pm

• Sole Trader: Free registration with HMRC
• Private Limited Company (Ltd): £50 (online), £75 (postal)
• LLPs and CICs: Slightly higher due to complexity and documentation

Yes. There are no restrictions on non-UK residents forming or owning UK companies. However, a UK registered address is required.

• Annual Accounts (to Companies House)
• Confirmation Statement (every 12 months)
• Corporation Tax Return (to HMRC)
• PAYE & VAT (if applicable)

• Sole Traders: Not mandatory but recommended
• Limited Companies & LLPs: Legally required to have a separate business account

Criteria Sole Trader Limited Company
Liability Unlimited personal liability Limited to share capital
Taxation Income Tax Corporation Tax
Admin Minimal More regulatory obligations
Credibility Basic High (useful for funding)

It’s the official address of your company listed with Companies House where all legal correspondence is sent. It must be a UK address, and can be your accountant’s or a virtual office.

• Accountant: Highly recommended for tax, payroll, and filing support
• Lawyer: Useful for contracts, share agreements, trademarks, and company setup (especially if complex)

TopLegal is a legal support membership service designed for startups, SMEs, and professionals. It provides access to expert legal advice, document templates, discounted lawyer fees, and ongoing support.

• Access to on-demand legal advice
• 30–50% discounts on lawyer fees
• Templates for contracts, NDAs, shareholder agreements, etc.
• Legal review of business documents
• Support with company formation and compliance
• Priority legal assistance within 24 hours

Members can save up to £3,000–£10,000 per year in legal fees, depending on the level of usage. For example:
Legal Service Standard Fee TopLegal Member Fee Savings
Company Formation £200 £100 £100
Shareholder Agreement £600 £300 £300
Contract Review £300 £150 £150

TopLegal provides members with 30% to 50% off standard legal service rates, and in some cases, free consultations with affiliated lawyers.

Yes. TopLegal offers guided business registration with:
• Name check and advice
• Preparation of incorporation documents
• Filing with Companies House