As a sole trader, you are not legally required to register an address with Companies House. As a limited company director, you are. That single difference changes everything about how you handle your business address.

Sole Trader: No Registration Required

Sole traders do not register with Companies House. You register with HMRC for Self Assessment, but your address is not published on a public register.

However, if you sell online (Amazon, eBay, Shopify), consumer law requires you to display a physical address. A business address for sole traders solves this for £70/month.

Limited Company: Registration Mandatory

Every UK limited company must have a registered office address on the public register. If you use your home, it is permanently visible. Read about the 5 risks of using your home address.

When to Get a Business Address

  • Sole trader selling online: Yes — you need a public contact address
  • Sole trader working locally: Optional — but a commercial address helps credibility
  • Limited company: Mandatory — virtual office from £70/month
  • Planning to go limited: Get it now — smoother transition

Get started or call 0113 357 3000.