How do I transfer/ change a company shareholders?

Adding company shareholders

To appoint new shareholders, you need to issue new shares to the individual, or transfer or sell existing shares owned by a current shareholder to the individual.

Transfer existing shares:

• Complete a stock transfer form
• File the stock transfer form with HMRC, depending on whether money is paid for the stock transfer
• Issue a share certificate to new shareholders
• Inform Companies House of the details of new company shareholders
  

Issue new shares:

• All existing members need to waive pre-emption rights on the allotment of shares
• Complete form SH01
• Inform Companies House of the details of new company shareholders before, or when the next confirmation statement is due.
  

Removing company shareholders

If an existing shareholder wants to leave the company, their shares must be transferred or sold to someone else. The company directors are responsible for overseeing the transfer, as well as updating the statutory register of members and Companies House with details of the new shareholders.

Further information is available on Companies House’s guide on how to change shareholders.