Virtual offices for Ltd companies?

[Kerwin]

I need to hide my home address for reasons I'd prefer not to explain, and I was looking at several virtual office companies that seem to offer a virtual address for limited companies. I'm curious about the legality of it. I'm not expecting to get much post, but I don't want my home address on Companies House. Has anyone used a service like this, and do you recommend any services in this niche?

 

[DWS]

Quite a few of my clients use virtual offices as the registered address, is this a new Company you are setting up?
If not and you have used your home address previously then to my knowledge you will still be able to see that address at CH but it will then show that the old address has been changed to the new one.

 

[Daybooks]

The legal requirement is given at

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/46/part/6

HMRC interpret this at
https://www.gov.uk/limited-company-formation/company-address

Regardless of your definition of a “virtual office” the requirement remains as given above.

I would consider “Registered office” service providers who also offer company secretarial services too as these are more likely to understand the requirements. These companies must, therefore expect them to, carry out duties under the Anti-Money Laundering regulations.

First Corporate Law Services is very good. Please remember that changing registered address would not remove the previous address from the public record.

 

[fisicx]

Consider also that banks, insurance and other financial organisations don’t like virtual or similar offices. They are quite happy with accountants and solicitors.

And Google like to see the location. 500 business at one address makes them suspicious.

If none of the above applied to you then crack on.

 

[estwig]

I use my accountant, most accountants offer this.

 

[Russ Michaels]

I need to hide my home address for reasons I'd prefer not to explain, and I was looking at several virtual office companies that seem to offer a virtual address for limited companies. I'm curious about the legality of it. I'm not expecting to get much post, but I don't want my home address on Companies House. Has anyone used a service like this, and do you recommend any services in this niche?

Its perfectly fine, plenty of companies do it.
Many of the company formation services offer registered address service, mail forwarding etc.
So bear in mind that a change of address will still show at companies house

You may also have issues using these addresses for your Google business profile.