Starting a business can be overwhelming, especially when legal requirements and company registration processes stand in your way. That’s where 1st Formations steps in — making company formation in the UK fast, reliable, and stress-free.
Whether you’re a UK resident or an international entrepreneur, 1st Formations offers an all-in-one solution to help you form and grow your company.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore:
- Why choose 1st Formations
- Key benefits for UK and non-UK residents
- Packages and pricing
- How the formation process works
- Post-formation services
- Real customer feedback
- And much more
Let’s dive in.
Why Choose 1st Formations?
1st Formations is one of the leading company formation agents in the UK, trusted by over 1 million customers. Their platform is known for:
- Instant online formations
- Same-day company registration
- Authorised Companies House eFiling partner
- Comprehensive support for domestic and international clients
Whether you’re forming a limited company or need ongoing admin support, 1st Formations offers simplicity, transparency, and speed.
Core Features That Make 1st Formations Stand Out
1. Fast Online Company Setup
You can register your UK company in just 3 to 6 working hours.
2. Easy-to-Use Platform
No paperwork. Just a smooth, guided process from start to finish.
3. Government-Approved
1st Formations is officially recognised by Companies House.
4. Inclusive Support
Help is available by phone, email, or live chat — 7 days a week.
5. Free Resources
From name check tools to startup guides, you get full access to resources.
Formation Packages Comparison Table
| Package Name | Price (Excl. VAT) | Includes UK Address? | For Non-UK Residents? | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital | £12.99 | ❌ | ✅ | Basic digital docs, name check, online filing |
| Digital & Print | £29.99 | ❌ | ✅ | Digital + printed documents |
| Privacy | £39.99 | ✅ | ✅ | Includes Registered Office & Director Address |
| Non-Residents | £129.99 | ✅ | ✅ | Tailored for overseas clients, includes address, mail forwarding, etc. |
| All-Inclusive | £149.99 | ✅ | ✅ | Every essential + domain, filing service, VAT registration |
Note: Prices are one-time fees (VAT not included). Renewal may apply for address services.
Ideal for UK Residents and Non-Residents
Whether you’re in London, Manchester, or Mumbai, 1st Formations has you covered.
UK Residents Can Benefit From:
- Affordable company registration
- Professional business address services
- Optional mail scanning and forwarding
- Domain name inclusion for branding
Non-UK Residents Enjoy:
- No need to travel to the UK
- UK address provided for legal compliance
- Free international delivery of documents
- Dedicated international support
Key Benefits of Using 1st Formations
Here are the standout benefits users love:
✅ Time-Saving
- Company formed in as little as 3 hours
- Online form takes 5–10 minutes to complete
✅ All Digital Convenience
- Download your certificate, share structure, and other docs instantly
- No need to wait for paper mail unless you opt for print services
✅ Low Startup Cost
- Prices start at just £12.99 – cheaper than hiring a lawyer or accountant
✅ GDPR-Compliant
- Keep your personal address private with Registered Office and Director Address services
✅ Optional Add-ons
- VAT registration
- Confirmation Statement Filing
- Apostille Documents for overseas recognition
- Business bank account integration
How the Company Formation Process Works
Setting up your company through 1st Formations is a breeze. Here’s the simple step-by-step:
Step 1: Choose Your Package
Select a package that fits your needs. If you’re overseas, the Non-Residents Package is perfect.
Step 2: Check Your Company Name
Use their real-time checker to verify if your preferred name is available.
Step 3: Enter Company Details
Fill out an online form with:
- Company type
- Registered office address
- Director/shareholder details
- Share capital structure
Step 4: Submit & Pay
Submit your form and make payment online.
Step 5: Get Registered
1st Formations submits your application to Companies House. You’ll typically get your documents in 3 to 6 hours.
What You Get After Formation
Here’s what’s typically included depending on your chosen package:
- Certificate of Incorporation (PDF + Print, if selected)
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Share Certificates
- Company Register with first entries
- Web domain (for premium plans)
- VAT registration service (if selected)
You’ll receive these documents digitally, ready for download from your dashboard.
Post-Formation Services
1st Formations doesn’t stop once your company is registered. They offer helpful post-formation services to keep you compliant.
Available Services Include:
- Confirmation Statement Filing: Stay compliant with yearly filing
- Registered Office Address: Keep your address private
- Director Service Address: Use 1st Formations’ address instead of your home
- Business Mail Forwarding: Forward post from HMRC and Companies House
- Company Dissolution: Close a company the right way
- Apostille Services: Legalise documents for use abroad
- Business bank account referrals: Get access to UK banks
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Real Customers Share Their Experience:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Sarah J.
“So easy to use! My company was registered on the same day. Highly recommend for anyone just starting out.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Mohammed R. (UAE)
“Perfect for international business owners. Didn’t even need to travel to the UK!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – David B.
“I love the transparency and the professionalism. Their support team answered every question I had.”
These testimonials reflect a high Trustpilot score with thousands of 5-star reviews.
International Support: Going Global with Ease
If you’re outside the UK and want a UK presence, 1st Formations is your gateway.
With the Non-Residents Package, You Get:
- Registered Office Address (mandatory for UK companies)
- Director Service Address
- Business Mail Forwarding
- Digital and printed copies of your documents
- International delivery via courier
- Expert support from UK specialists
Bonus: They also offer Apostille Documents, which legalise your UK company docs for use abroad — great for banks and legal entities worldwide.
Integrations and Partnerships
1st Formations partners with reputable third parties to add even more value.
These include:
- Barclays, Tide, Wise, and ANNA: Business bank account referrals
- FreeAgent and QuickBooks: Accounting software discounts
- GoDaddy and Names.co.uk: For domain registration and hosting
- HMRC VAT and PAYE Setup: Done-for-you service
You can add these during the checkout process or access them from your dashboard post-formation.
Who Should Use 1st Formations?
This platform is ideal for:
- Freelancers and consultants
- Small business owners
- E-commerce entrepreneurs
- Property investors
- International investors
- Digital nomads
- Non-residents seeking UK legitimacy
Whether you need a UK address, local presence, or simply want a quick way to start, they make it seamless.
Common Questions About 1st Formations
Q: Is 1st Formations legit?
Yes, they are Companies House-approved and have helped over a million businesses register in the UK.
Q: Can I register from abroad?
Yes, with their Non-Residents Package, everything is handled online with international shipping included.
Q: Do I need a UK address?
Every UK company must have a Registered Office Address. 1st Formations provides this even if you don’t live in the UK.
Q: Will I get help after the company is formed?
Absolutely. Their support team is available every day, and post-formation services ensure long-term compliance.
Final Thoughts: Why 1st Formations Is Worth It
Starting a business is a big step — don’t make it harder than it needs to be. With 1st Formations, you can register your company quickly, affordably, and with expert support.
In Summary, 1st Formations Offers:
- ✅ Fast online setup
- ✅ Packages starting at £12.99
- ✅ Support for UK and international clients
- ✅ Registered office and mail forwarding
- ✅ Post-formation services and compliance help
Whether you’re just starting or expanding globally, 1st Formations gives you the tools to succeed.
Ready to Launch Your Business?
👉 Visit 1st Formations today and get started in minutes.
👉 Use their company name checker to secure your brand.
👉 Choose a package and go live — no paperwork, no stress.