Stay up to date with Companies House updates
What's an‘ appropriate address’
How Virtual HQ is compliant
Updating your registered address
You can read all the recent Companies House Updates for yourself, but if you are short on time, we have highlighted the key information relevant to you and what it all means below.
1. ‘PO box addresses are no longer permitted for the purpose of a companies Registered Address.’
The long and short of it is that you can no longer use a PO box as a registered address for your business. Click HERE to read our blog to learn more about this.
2. ‘A company must, at all times, have an ‘appropriate address’ as their registered office. An address is an ‘appropriate address’ if, in the ordinary course of events:
a) Documents addressed to the company, and delivered there by hand or by post, would be expected to come to the attention of a person acting on behalf of the company
b) The delivery of documents there is capable of being recorded by the obtaining of an acknowledgement of delivery’
To put it simply, someone must be present at the address and able to receive mail on behalf of your company.
By ensuring your registered office meets these conditions, your business can stay compliant with legal requirements and handle important correspondence effectively.
This is why a ‘registered address only’ service or an unmanned building does not comply. You guessed it, we have another blog HERE to explain this one too!
3. ‘Requirement for documental proof when updating a registered address from the default address.
Further checks are now in place when updating the registered address for companies who have previously had their address defaulted due to misuse. You will be required to evidence you have permission to use the address you are updating to.’
4. ‘ID verification: Companies House is rolling out a new identity verification process aimed at deterring individuals from using companies for illegal activities, or creating companies with false identities. This process will also apply to agents, such as formation agents and solicitors, acting on behalf of the company.’
We’re thrilled to see this change finally happening—it’s been a long time coming! This step will make the business world safer for everyone, including consumers. At Virtual HQ, we take anti-money laundering (AML) regulations seriously, with our own thorough checks already in place. With us, you can rest easy knowing that only fully verified businesses will be sharing your address.
5. ‘Transparency of company ownership is being enhanced, with Companies House taking further steps to validate ownership structures and ensure this information is published more clearly.’
6. ‘A new Anti-Money Laundering (AML) unit is being established, with dedicated AML cells, signalling increased focus and resources towards combating financial crime.’
At Virtual HQ your safety is our top priority. We ensure that all of our buildings comply with the recent changes to UK company law, providing you with a safe and professional service.
Our offices are part of established, fully operational business centres, with an on-site team available to accept mail and assist you.
In short, we ensure that someone is always present at your chosen location during business hours, in accordance with legal requirements.
Did you know Virtual HQ can update your company’s Registered Address for you? As a Limited Company, you can use your virtual office as your official address with Companies House. This makes receiving important documents from HMRC and Companies House super easy with our mail collection and forwarding services.
For just £19.95, we can change your registered office or director’s service address on your behalf, so you won’t have to deal with the paperwork!
It’s a legal requirement for all UK limited companies to have a registered address. Instead of using your home address, why not keep things private and professional by using your virtual office?
Just a heads up: if you’ve submitted an RP07 form or your address is listed as default with Companies House, you’ll need to contact them directly for any updates.
Let us handle the hassle, so you can focus on running your business!
PLEASE NOTE – If you are using a Virtual HQ address, you must not use our address until our Anti Money Laundering checks have been completed and you have authorisation.
At Virtual HQ, we help ensure your company details are always up to date. If our address is used without authorisation or after cancellation, we’ll submit an RP07 form to fix the issue.
It’s important to keep your company’s registered address current to avoid missing key documents or facing potential fines, defaults, or even legal actions. Keeping your details updated means you won’t miss important notifications or deadlines from HMRC or Companies House.
By setting up with Virtual HQ before incorporation, you can use our address from the start, saving you time and reducing admin hassle later. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing all your official mail will be handled consistently from day one.
Francesca, our Managing Director, leads a highly successful team and brings her expertise to the virtual office industry. As an ACAMS member and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, she is dedicated to ensuring your business remains secure and reputable. Francesca’s deep industry knowledge allows her to handpick the best locations to add prestige to your brand. As a hands-on leader, she’s committed to delivering a seamless client experience while supporting her team and customers at every step. Under her guidance, we’ve become the UK’s leading provider of virtual offices, setting the standard for excellence and reliability.
