How many companies can be registered at one address?
If you’re an entrepreneur and thinking about opening more than one business, you might be wondering how many companies can be registered at one address.
If you’re creating an LLC (or a limited company) it’s mandatory for you to register an official business address when registering your company.
So, can you have multiple companies registered at one address? In this guide, we’ll give you all the necessary information about registering multiple businesses at the same address, and tips on the best way to do it. So, let’s get started.
Why do I need to register a business address?
It’s simple, you need to register a business address in order for your company to qualify as a Limited corporation (LLC.) Having a business address is also important for the following:
- Giving your business credibility to clients and customers
- Receiving business-related mail and government mail (rather than receiving it at home)
- Keeping your home address private
- Placing your business in a large city, if you live in a remote area
Can I have multiple companies registered at one address in the UK?
There’s no rule against registering multiple companies at the same address. In fact, many micro-entrepreneurs, freelancers, and self-employed sole traders (such as accountants) often register all their businesses at the same address.
Here are a few other reasons why companies might be registered at the same address:
- Personal service companies. According to the Office for National Statistics, the level of ‘personal service companies’ have increased in the UK in recent years. This means that temporary workers such as nurses, supply teachers and drivers register their services as an LLC, and often register themselves at the same address as their management company.
- Low business survival rate. If an entrepreneur decides to close a failing business and open another, there’s no reason for them to find a new business address to register their new company. However, the former business address will still show up on government records.
- Virtual offices. A virtual office – or a virtual address – is an office building that allows business owners, freelancers and other entrepreneurs to register their businesses at their premises. You can typically register multiple addresses at the same virtual address.
- Registered addresses. Similar to a virtual address, a registered address allows businesses, freelancers or entrepreneurs to effectively rent out an address (without physically using it) to register their business. Registered addresses allow you to register multiple businesses at the same address.
Where you can – and can’t – register multiple business addresses
If you’re wondering where you can find an address for business purposes, there are a number of options available:
Your home address
If you’re just starting out with a new business, you can use your home address to register your company as an LLC. However, this isn’t the most highly recommended option. When you register your business at your home address, you’ll be making your home address public, inviting a range of privacy invasions as well as marketing spam.
You might also find it difficult to build trust with customers or clients if your business premises are at your home. Customers are more likely to feel confident in purchasing your services if they can see that your business is registered in a public office space.
Virtual address
One of the best ways to register multiple businesses at one address is by using a virtual address. Using a virtual address allows you to locate your business in the hub of a busy city – such as a virtual address London – giving your business credibility and prestige. Virtual offices will typically forward mail, redirect phone calls and allow you to register multiple businesses at their address.
An office space
If you already have an office space, you can register your business at your office space without any problem – even if you already have multiple businesses registered there. If you employ lots of staff members and want to have a base where you can meet clients every day, an office space is probably the best option.
Registered address
Similar to a virtual address, you can register multiple businesses at a registered address. Typically, you can rent a registered address at a valid UK postcode for around £50-£100 a year, although the price of your subscription might increase if you choose to register several businesses.
Where you can’t register your businesses
Abroad
If you’re a UK company, you cannot register multiple businesses – or even one business – abroad. Your business premises for your registered address must be a valid UK postcode. In addition to this, your business address must be located in the same UK region as your business. For example, Scottish businesses can’t register their address in England, and vice versa.
A family member’s house
While there’s technically no rule against registering your business at your family member’s house, it’s not such a good idea. Not only will your family member be inundated with spam mail and cold callers, but all of your business mail will also turn up at their
A PO Box
A PO box has long been an easy way for public figures to receive letters and fan mail without revealing their home address. While it might seem the perfect option as an affordable business address to redirect your business mail, you’re not allowed to register your business at a PO box. Per the legal requirements, your business must be registered at a valid UK address.
The bottom line
It is 100% legal to register multiple businesses at the same address. So long as all your businesses are in the same UK region as your business address, you shouldn’t have any problems.
In our view, the most efficient way to register multiple business addresses is via a virtual address or registered address. Using a home address to manage several businesses will result in your home being inundated with junk mail, and your address being public.
FAQs
Is there a limit on how many businesses can be registered at the same address?
There is no current limit on how many businesses can be registered at the same address. However, some virtual offices and registered offices might impose a limit on how many businesses you can register, or simply increase the cost when you register more than one business.
Can 2 LLC have the same address?
Yes, there’s no law against using the same address for two LLC companies. Just make sure they’re both registered at a UK address, within the correct UK region.
Can I run 2 businesses from the same premises?
There’s no legal reason that states you can’t run two businesses from the same premises. However, you might be disruptive to your customers. If running two businesses from the same premises is going to impact your customers’ experience, you might want to think twice about using one location for two different businesses.
I have one business in Scotland and another in England. Can I register them both at the same address?
No. UK business law states that a company’s address must be within the same UK region as the business itself. In this case, you’d need to set up two separate business addresses, one in Scotland and one in England.
