What Does “Dissolved” Mean?
A dissolved company has been officially removed from the Companies House register. It is no longer a legal entity and cannot:
- Trade or operate
- Own property or bank accounts
- Enter into contracts or be sued
All remaining assets at the time of dissolution become “bona vacantia”—the property of the Crown.
If the company was struck off in error or you need access to assets, restoration may be necessary.
Methods of Company Restoration
There are two main ways to restore a UK company:
- Administrative Restoration
- Court Restoration
Each method has different requirements and is used in different circumstances.
1. Administrative Restoration
Available if:
- The company was struck off by Companies House (not voluntarily)
- The application is made within 6 years of dissolution
- The company was in compliance at the time of dissolution (or can bring filings up to date)
- You were a director or shareholder at the time of dissolution
You must:
- Submit form RT01
- Provide a court fee and restoration fee
- File all outstanding accounts and Confirmation Statements
- Pay any penalties or late filing fees
Dragonfly Associates assists with form preparation, late filings, and correspondence with Companies House and HMRC as part of our restoration support service.
2. Court Restoration
Required if:
- The company was dissolved voluntarily
- You are not a former director or shareholder
- More than 6 years have passed
- You need to recover an asset or resolve a claim
This involves:
- Filing a claim with the court
- Providing evidence and legal reasoning
- Serving notice on the Treasury Solicitor (if assets are involved)
- Attending a court hearing
We can help coordinate with legal professionals for complex restorations and provide background support throughout the process.
Reasons to Restore a Company
- To recover assets or funds still held in the company name
- To re-commence trading under a previous brand
- To correct an error or wrongful strike-off
- To respond to legal or financial obligations arising after dissolution
Our team helps assess whether restoration is viable and worthwhile based on your goals.
Consequences of Restoration
Once restored:
- The company is deemed to have continued in existence as if it were never dissolved
- All obligations resume, including annual accounts, tax filings, and statutory registers
- Any legal claims against or by the company may be revived
We help bring your company’s records up to date and re-establish compliance post-restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does restoration take?
Administrative restoration usually takes 2–3 months. Court restoration may take longer due to legal proceedings.
Can I restore a company just to access its bank account?
Yes, if the account was still open at dissolution. The funds become Crown property unless the company is restored.
Do I need to repay unpaid penalties?
Yes. All outstanding accounts, fees, and penalties must be resolved as part of the restoration process.
Bring Your Company Back the Right Way
Restoring a dissolved company is a legal and administrative process—but it’s often worth the effort if valuable assets, contracts, or branding are involved.
Dragonfly Associates provides tailored support for administrative restoration, including form preparation, Companies House filings, and catch-up compliance—offered under agreed service packages.
If your company was dissolved and you need help bringing it back, contact our team today.
