2FA (2 Factor Authentication)
Memorandum and articles of association
When you register your company you need:
- a ‘memorandum of association’ – a legal statement signed by all initial shareholders or guarantors agreeing to form the company
- ‘articles of association’ – written rules about running the company agreed by the shareholders or guarantors, directors and the company secretary
Memorandum of association
If you register your company online, you don’t need to write your own memorandum of association. It will be created automatically as part of your registration.
If you register by post, use the memorandum of association template.
You cannot update the memorandum once the company has been registered.
Articles of association
You can either:
- use standard articles (known as ‘model articles’)
- write your own and upload or send them when you register your company
Community interest companies
You cannot use limited company model articles if you’re setting up a community interest company (CIC).
Use the CIC regulator’s model constitutions instead.
If you do not want to use ‘limited’ in your company name you must register by post.
You can also use this service to:
- register for PAYE to tell HMRC you’re employing staff (including yourself if you’re the only director)
- continue an application if you’ve already started registering