ThriveOnz360

Last Updated on October 19, 2026 by ThriveOnz360 Editorial

UK company · Registered office
Your registered office address, explained.

What the rules require, your options, and what to ask before you pay a provider.

Tell us your situation

General information based on Companies House rules. Not professional advice.

The 30-second verdict

Use an address service if

  • You live abroad and need a UK address for the company
  • You do not want your home address on the public register
  • You want official post handled reliably

Use your own address if

  • You have a suitable UK business address of your own that you are happy to make public
  • You never expect important post and can collect it easily
Our experience

Our registered office is provided through Osome as part of our company set-up. The registered address was a separate line on our first invoice (about £80 a year plus VAT, 6 November 2025). Prices change, so check before you buy.

What to do

What to check, in order

  1. The address must be a real UK address where official documents can be delivered. A PO box does not qualify.
  2. It appears on the public Companies House register, so choose one you are comfortable showing.
  3. Ask the provider what mail they scan or forward, how fast, and what they charge for extras.
  4. Ask who deals with government letters, such as HMRC or Companies House, and how you will be told.
  5. Check that the contract lets you move the address if you change provider.
Avoid these

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing on price alone and finding mail forwarding is an extra fee
  • Using an address you cannot actually receive post at
  • Forgetting to update the register if you change provider
Questions

FAQs

Can I use my home address?

Yes, but it becomes public on the register.

Is the registered office the same as my business address?

Not necessarily. It is where official post goes. You can run the business from somewhere else.

What does an address service cost?

It varies by provider and what is included. Our own invoice shows the figure above as an example.

Not sure what your company needs?

Tell us your situation

A person replies within 48 hours. No affiliate links on this page. We use Osome for our own company and have a referral link: see our Osome guide. General information, not legal or tax advice. Editorial standards.