Last updated: 31 August 2026
Companies House asks for several different addresses when a company is formed. They do different jobs, and understanding the distinction helps you decide what should appear on the public register.
Registered office address
The registered office is the company’s official statutory address. Companies House, HMRC and other public bodies can send formal company correspondence there.
It must be an appropriate address in the same UK jurisdiction as the company. For a Northern Ireland company, that means the registered office must remain in Northern Ireland. It also appears on the public Companies House register.
If you do not want to use a home or trading address, our Belfast registered office service provides an eligible address for Northern Ireland companies.
Director service address
A director’s service address is the public correspondence address for that individual director. It can be the same as the company’s registered office, the director’s home address or another suitable address.
The service address appears publicly, so a director who wants to keep their home address private may choose a different service address.
Usual residential address
A director must also provide their usual residential address to Companies House. Unlike the service address, the residential address is generally protected from public display, subject to statutory disclosure rules.
Trading or business address
The trading address is where the business actually operates or receives ordinary commercial correspondence. It does not have to be the same as the registered office, and it is not a substitute for the statutory registered-office requirement.
Can company addresses be changed?
Yes. The registered office and directors’ service addresses can be changed, but Companies House must be notified using the appropriate filing. A Northern Ireland company cannot move its statutory registered office into England, Wales or Scotland.
Forming a company?
Our Northern Ireland company formation service guides you through the addresses required during incorporation. You can also choose a formation package with a Belfast registered office if you want the address arranged from the outset.
This article is for general information only and reflects the position at the date it was last updated. It does not constitute legal, tax, accounting or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Fees, rules and deadlines may change. You should seek advice from a suitably qualified professional before acting on anything covered here.