How to Register a Business in London, UK (2026)

The Quick Version

Starting a business in London involves registration with several bodies — Companies House for your legal entity, HMRC for tax, and your local council for any premises-specific licences. The process is generally straightforward, but requirements vary by business type and location within the city.

Contact the 33 London borough councils + City of London Corp at 020 7332 1002 (City of London) for local requirements. More information: gov.uk/find-your-local-council.

PermitBoard generates a complete, ordered roadmap for your specific business type in London — with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form. Get My Roadmap →

What Makes London Different

London has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:

33 boroughs — each has own licensing team
Congestion charge zone affects delivery businesses
Late-night levy in some boroughs
Most competitive alcohol licensing in UK
Food registration free but mandatory 28 days before opening
Companies House registration covers all of UK — £12 online

The Registration Stack

Companies House: Register as sole trader, partnership, or limited company.

HMRC: Register for Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, VAT (if applicable), and PAYE.

Local Council (London): Premises Licence / Food Registration and any premises-specific licences from the 33 London borough councils + City of London Corp. Phone: 020 7332 1002 (City of London).

How Long Does It Take?

Most businesses in London can be fully licensed and operational within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the business type. Simple home-based businesses can often complete the process in 2 to 4 weeks, while restaurants, bars, and businesses requiring inspections typically take 8 to 12 weeks.

The dependency chain matters — some permits can't be applied for until others are in place. Getting the order wrong means delays and wasted time.

Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap

Every business type has different requirements, and London has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against London's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.