In the world of UK corporate compliance, there are different forms for different types of appointments—and when you're appointing a corporate body as a company secretary, Form AP04 is the one you need.
Whether you're setting up a new company or updating your company records, understanding how to correctly fill and file Form AP04 is crucial to staying compliant with Companies House regulations.
What Is Form AP04?
Form AP04 is the official Companies House form used to appoint a corporate secretary—that is, when a business entity (rather than an individual) is appointed to serve as the company secretary for another company.
This form is distinct from Form AP03, which is used when the secretary is an individual.
Appointing a company secretary is mandatory for public limited companies (PLCs), but optional for private limited companies (Ltd).
When Should You Use Form AP04?
Use Form AP04 if:
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You're appointing a corporate entity as a new secretary for your company
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You want to update the Companies House register with that new appointment
It’s important to submit this form as soon as the appointment is made to keep your records up to date and avoid compliance issues.
Step- by- Step Guide
Company Number
Your company’s unique 8-digit registration number is issued by Companies House.
Corporate Secretary Name
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Enter the full legal name of the company being appointed as secretary.
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This should match exactly how the company is registered, including punctuation and suffixes like “Ltd”, “PLC”, etc.
Registered or Principal Office Address
This is the official address of the corporate entity being appointed.
Include:
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Building name or number
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Street name
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Town/City
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County/Region
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Postcode
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Country
Registration Number (if UK-registered)
If the corporate secretary is a UK-registered company, enter its Companies House registration number here.
Legal Form
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Describe the legal structure of the corporate secretary.
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Common examples:
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Private company limited by shares
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Public limited company
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Limited liability partnership (LLP)
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Governing Law
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Mention the legal framework under which the corporate secretary is registered.
Country of Registration
If the company is not registered in the UK, enter the country where it is incorporated.
Date of Appointment
Enter the official appointment date. This is the date from which the corporate secretary is legally recognised by Companies House.
Filing Form AP04 correctly helps keep your company compliant and your public records accurate. If you’re appointing a corporate secretary, understanding each field in the form is essential to avoid delays or rejections from Companies House.
