Virtual Business Address in the UK — How to get one

TL;DR

Every UK limited company must have a registered office address in the UK (public record at Companies House).

If you don’t want to use your home address, you can use a virtual business address.

Virtual addresses also work as a service address for directors, protecting your personal details.

Many providers and some modern banks offer bundled services with company registration, business account, and virtual address in one package.

What is a virtual business address?

A virtual business address is a professional address provided by a service company. You can use it as:\

• Your registered office (legal address for Companies House and HMRC).
• A service address for directors/shareholders (public record but keeps your home private).
• A mail forwarding address, where letters are scanned or posted to you.

Unlike a PO Box, a virtual address is fully accepted by Companies House and HMRC.

💡Pro tip:
Always check that the provider is authorised by HMRC for anti-money-laundering supervision — this ensures the address is compliant and accepted.

Why you need one & what you can use it for

A virtual business address is useful because it meets the legal requirement of having a registered office in the UK, while also protecting your privacy and enhancing credibility.

• A UK registered office is mandatory for all companies. Without one, Companies House will reject your application.
• Using your home address means it’s visible to anyone on Companies House. A virtual address keeps it private.
• A city-centre or London address looks more professional than a residential one.
• Providers can forward or scan your post for you.
• Ideal for remote workers, freelancers, and non-residents who need a UK presence.
• You can also use it to keep directors’ home addresses off the public record.

⚖️ Legal requirement
You cannot form a UK limited company without a registered office address in the UK. It must be a real, physical location — not just a PO Box.

💡Pro tip:
If you’re a freelancer or micro-business, using one virtual address for both registered office and service address keeps things simple and ensures all official mail goes to one place.

How to get a virtual business address

1. Choose a provider — popular options include:
   • Hoxton Mix (London EC1)
   • Virtually There
   • UK Postbox
   • Capital Office
2. Some digital-first business bank accounts also include a virtual address and company registration in their packages, making it possible to set up your Ltd, business account, and official address in one step. Examples:
   • GoSolo — company formation, UK business account, and registered office address in one service.
   • Tide — free company registration with a UK business account, plus address services available.
3. Pick a plan — most offer monthly or annual subscriptions. Prices typically start from £10–£25/month for address-only providers, while bundled banking packages may cost more but save time overall.
4. Provide ID for verification — required under anti-money-laundering (AML) regulations. Usually photo ID + proof of address.
5. Update Companies House — once purchased, you can set it as your official registered office or service address.

💡Pro tip:
If you’re also opening a bank account, check whether the bank accepts your chosen provider’s virtual address. Bundled solutions (like GoSolo or Tide) save hassle since the account and address are pre-approved together.

Costs and extras

• Basic packages: £10–£20/month for registered office only.
• Mail forwarding/scanning: Additional £5–£15/month.
• Director’s service address: Sometimes included, sometimes extra.
• Premium services: Meeting rooms, phone answering, or co-working access.

💡Pro tip:
Compare annual packages — many providers offer 2–3 months free if you pay yearly.

Summary: Why use a virtual address?

• Protects your privacy (no home address online) if you don’t have physical business address.
• Meets the legal requirement for a UK registered office.
• Enhances professional image (central London or city-centre location).
• Provides mail forwarding and scanning, keeping you flexible.
• Useful for non-residents who need a UK presence.
• Some modern banks (e.g. GoSolo, Tide) let you combine company registration, banking, and virtual address in one step.

FAQs