What Is a Registered Office?
A registered office is your company’s official legal address, used by Companies House and HMRC for formal correspondence.
Key points:
- It must be a real UK postal address (not a PO Box)
- It must be in the same country where the company is incorporated (England & Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland)
- It is publicly visible on the Companies House register
- It is where statutory mail (e.g. notices, legal documents) is delivered
Dragonfly Associates offers registered office services for clients who prefer not to use their personal or trading address.
What Is a Business Address?
A business address is where your company conducts its day-to-day operations. It may be:
- A physical office or retail location
- A shared workspace or virtual office
- The address you use on marketing materials, invoices, or email signatures
It is not a legal requirement to have a separate business address. However, having one helps present a professional image and keep your registered office private.
We provide business address services to clients needing a dedicated UK presence.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Registered Office | Business Address |
|---|---|---|
| Legally required? | Yes | No |
| Public on Companies House? | Yes | No (unless used elsewhere) |
| Mail received? | Official government mail | Client or general mail |
| Can be a residential home? | Yes (but not recommended) | Yes (but may affect privacy) |
| Used for trading activity? | No | Yes |
Why Keep Them Separate?
Separating your registered office and business address can help you:
- Protect your personal address from being listed online
- Create a more professional or London-based image
- Receive different types of mail at different locations
- Delegate statutory mail handling to a trusted provider
Dragonfly Associates can act as both your registered office and business address provider, subject to agreement.
Changing Your Registered Office or Business Address
To update your registered office:
- File form AD01 with Companies House
- Ensure the new address meets legal requirements
- Notify HMRC and relevant stakeholders
To update your business address:
- Simply begin using the new address on invoices, website, and communications
- Inform clients, suppliers, and partners
- No Companies House filing is needed
We handle registered office updates and offer mail scanning or forwarding services for both address types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use one address for both purposes?
Yes, provided it meets the legal criteria for a registered office. However, many companies choose to separate them for privacy and operational reasons.
Do I need to use a UK address provider?
If you’re based outside the UK or want a professional address, using a provider like Dragonfly Associates ensures your mail is handled promptly and securely.
Can I change my addresses later?
Yes. Registered office changes must be filed with Companies House. Business addresses can be changed without any formal filings.
Use the Right Address for the Right Purpose
Your registered office and business address serve different functions—legal vs operational. Understanding the distinction helps protect your privacy, improve professionalism, and ensure compliance.
Dragonfly Associates provides registered office and business address services with optional mail forwarding, scanning, and compliance support—offered under clearly defined packages.
To set up or change your company address today, contact our team.
