Northern Ireland is a distinct legal jurisdiction with a Companies House office in Belfast. UK company law applies, but Northern Ireland’s position can give certain goods-based businesses access to both the UK internal market and the EU single market under current arrangements. Belfast is the main commercial centre.
United KingdomNation
Northern Ireland
A separate legal jurisdiction with its own Companies House office.
JurisdictionNorthern Ireland
RegistryCompanies House (Belfast)
Company lawCompanies Act 2006 (UK-wide)
Main hubBelfast
In brief
Northern Ireland at a glance
What it takes
What you provide, and what we handle.
What you will need
- At least one director and one shareholder
- A UK registered office address
- Details of people with significant control (PSCs)
- Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes for your activity
How StartEase helps
- Incorporating your Ltd or LLP correctly the first time
- Providing a registered office and handling identity checks
- Corporation Tax, VAT and PAYE registration
- Accounts, confirmation statements and ongoing filing
Step by step
How setup works in United Kingdom.
The path is broadly the same across United Kingdom — Northern Ireland follows this route.
- 01
Structure & name
Decide between a private limited company (Ltd) or LLP and check name availability at Companies House.
- 02
Prepare details
Gather directors, shareholders and people with significant control (PSCs), a UK registered office and your SIC activity codes.
- 03
Identity checks
Complete the identity verification now required for directors and people with significant control.
- 04
Incorporate
File with Companies House — a standard incorporation is usually approved within 24 hours.
- 05
Tax & first filings
Register for Corporation Tax (and VAT/PAYE if needed) and diarise your accounts and confirmation statement.
The government incorporation fee is modest; the larger considerations are your registered office, accounting and any VAT or payroll needs. We quote a clear annual figure so there are no surprises.
A considered first step.
Request a consultationPlanning Northern Ireland? Let’s scope it.
Share your business activity and where you’re starting from.
We’ll help define what comes next.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Service scope and provider responsibilities are agreed before engagement. Government decisions, banking approvals and completion dates are not guaranteed.