Starting a business in the UK has become more streamlined than ever. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a freelancer, or a non-resident looking to establish a UK presence, choosing the right company formation agent can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes. One name that consistently stands out is 1st Formations — one of the UK’s leading company formation providers.
This guide gives you a complete overview of what 1st Formations offers, how it compares to competitors, and whether it’s the right fit for your business goals in 2025.
What is 1st Formations?
1st Formations is a UK-based company formation agent that helps individuals and businesses register new limited companies with Companies House. Established over a decade ago, they have:
- Helped register over 1 million companies
- Gained 20,000+ Trustpilot reviews
- Become an approved eFiling partner with Companies House
- Expanded services to support non-residents
They specialize in online company formation and related services such as:
- Registered office address
- Business bank accounts
- VAT and PAYE registration
- Confirmation statement filing
- Mail forwarding
Who Should Use 1st Formations?
This service is ideal for:
- First-time entrepreneurs
- UK residents starting a small business
- Non-residents looking for a UK company
- Freelancers and consultants
- E-commerce business owners
- People who need an affordable, quick, and reliable company formation process
Key Features of 1st Formations
Let’s break down their features to help you understand what you get when signing up.
1. Fast Company Registration
- Most companies are registered within 3 to 6 working hours
- Digital documents delivered the same day
- Automatic submission to Companies House
2. Wide Range of Packages
- From bare-bones basic to full-service setups
- Packages tailored to residents and non-residents
3. Free Company Name Checker
- Instant search tool to check availability of your desired business name
4. Digital and Printed Documents
- Receive PDF copies via email
- Physical copies delivered to your mailing address (depending on package)
5. Free Lifetime Support
- UK-based customer service team
- Help with post-formation queries and annual compliance
6. Companies House Filing
- All forms submitted directly to Companies House
- No paperwork required from your end
7. Address Services
- Registered office address
- Director’s service address
- Business address and mail forwarding
8. Additional Services
- Confirmation statement filing
- VAT and PAYE registration
- Business bank account referrals
- Accountancy introductions
UK Pricing Table (2025 Update)
Here is a detailed breakdown of the main formation packages and address services as of June 2025:
| Package Name | Price (Excl. VAT) | Best For | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Package | £12.99 | Budget-friendly registration | Digital incorporation documents, free support, Companies House filing |
| Digital & Print Package | £24.99 | Need printed documents | All in Digital + printed certificate and share documents |
| Privacy Package | £39.99 | Protecting your personal address | Digital & Print + registered office & service address for 1 year |
| Comprehensive Package | £69.99 | Full starter pack | Privacy Package + business address & VAT registration assistance |
| Non-Residents Package | £129.99 | Overseas clients | Comprehensive Package + Apostilled documents + international delivery |
| Guarantee Package | £39.99 | Limited by guarantee companies | Designed for charities, clubs, and non-profits |
Address Services (Optional Add-ons)
| Service | Annual Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Office Address | £39.00/year | Use 1st Formations’ London address for your company |
| Director’s Service Address | £26.00/year | Keep your residential address private |
| Business Address Service | £96.00/year | Mail forwarding address for client communications |
| Mail Forwarding (UK) | From £0.50 per item | Charged per item or package weight |
| Apostilled Documents | £59.99 | For international legal verification |
Advantages of Using 1st Formations
Here’s what makes 1st Formations one of the top choices in 2025:
1. User-Friendly Interface
- Easy-to-navigate website
- Streamlined 4-step company registration process
2. Transparent Pricing
- No hidden fees
- Clear VAT breakdown
- One-time payment options available
3. Speed and Efficiency
- Same-day formation in most cases
- Real-time updates on company status
- Digital delivery of documents within hours
4. High TrustPilot Rating
- Over 20,000 verified reviews
- Consistently rated 4.9/5 stars
5. Ideal for Non-Residents
- Custom packages for clients outside the UK
- Apostille and courier delivery included
- Virtual London presence offered
6. Free Business Bank Account Offers
- Barclays, Monzo, Revolut, Tide, and others
- Quick online application post-formation
7. Reliable Compliance Services
- Annual confirmation statements
- VAT registration assistance
- Optional PSC Register maintenance
Step-by-Step: How to Register Your Company with 1st Formations
Starting a company using their platform is straightforward:
Step 1: Search Your Company Name
- Use the name checker tool to confirm availability
Step 2: Choose a Package
- Select the one that fits your business needs
Step 3: Provide Company Details
- Director(s) and shareholder(s)
- Company address
- Share structure
Step 4: Payment and Submission
- Pay securely online
- 1st Formations submits your application to Companies House
Step 5: Company Formed
- Get your Certificate of Incorporation
- Receive your company documents digitally or in print
What’s Included in the Incorporation Documents?
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Share Certificates
- Company Register (Digital or printed)
- Company Number
Non-Resident Company Formation: What You Need to Know
1st Formations is especially popular among non-residents thanks to:
- International package tailored to overseas clients
- London registered office
- Apostilled documents for legal use abroad
- Mail forwarding to international addresses
- Acceptance of various forms of ID verification
Requirements for Non-UK Residents
- Valid passport or national ID
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Additional documents for certain jurisdictions
Why Businesses Choose 1st Formations Over Competitors
Compared to Other Agents:
| Feature | 1st Formations | Competitor A | Competitor B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Digital Docs Delivery | Within hours | 1–2 days | Same day |
| Non-Resident Package | Yes | Limited | No |
| Apostilled Docs | Yes | No | Optional |
| Registered Office London | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free Support | Lifetime | 1 year only | Limited hours |
Customer Testimonials (Summary)
Thousands of users have shared positive reviews. Here’s what most of them highlight:
- Seamless and intuitive process
- Prompt email communication
- Helpful for international clients
- Transparent pricing
- Professional customer service
- Valuable compliance services post-formation
Common Add-On Services Worth Considering
1. Confirmation Statement Filing
- Required annually
- Helps you stay compliant with Companies House
2. VAT Registration
- Required if turnover exceeds £90,000 (2025 threshold)
- 1st Formations offers assistance
3. Business Bank Account Setup
- Recommendations and affiliate access to top banks
4. PSC Register Maintenance
- Tracks people with significant control over the business
- Keeps your records compliant
5. Dormant Company Accounts
Limitations to Consider
While 1st Formations is a strong contender, it’s important to know the limitations:
- No monthly payment plans
- VAT not included in listed prices
- Limited accounting services (partner referrals only)
- Custom packages can add up quickly
- Customer support is email/live chat preferred; phone queues can be long during busy hours
Is 1st Formations Worth It in 2025?
Definitely worth considering if you:
- Want a reputable and fast UK company setup
- Prefer an all-in-one solution including address, mail, and compliance
- Are a non-resident looking for trusted services with apostille documents
- Need lifetime customer support and digital convenience
Final Thoughts
1st Formations has earned its reputation by offering a dependable, professional, and affordable service for UK company registrations. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or an overseas founder aiming to establish a UK footprint, their solutions cover everything from basics to full-scale business setup.
Best Use Cases:
- Freelancers launching a brand
- International e-commerce startups
- Digital agencies expanding into the UK
- Amazon FBA businesses
- Property and real estate entities
- Charities and non-profit ventures
If you want to get your business up and running without the legal headaches and endless paperwork, 1st Formations remains a top-tier option for company formation in 2025.
Let your company start the right way — structured, compliant, and ready to grow.