Set up Limited Company

How many shares should my new Company issue?

When starting a limited company in the UK, you can issue any number of shares from just one upwards, with no maximum limit set by Companies House. Most new companies begin with 100 ordinary shares of £1 each, providing flexibility for future investment and ownership changes. The key is choosing a structure that supports your business goals and potential growth plans.

Last updated
July 23, 2025
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How many shares should my new Company issue?

How many shares to issues with a new Limited Company:

A minimum of one share must be issued upon incorporating. Additionally, if you plan on having more than one shareholder, then you must issue at least one share per shareholder.

Often, individuals who wish to be sole owners issue a single share in order to own 100% of their company. However, if they later wish to split the ownership, or change the structure of the business, having only 1 share could lead to complications down the line.

A common practice is to issue share capital which is easily divisible in the future (for example it may be best to issue 50 or 100 shares upon incorporation). By doing so this will allow you to change the ownership of shares more easily down the road. Many businesses tend to issue 100 shares of £1 each, with each share representing 1% of the business.

Company shares consultation
Accountant for Limited Company
Speak to a Limited Company accountant

Book a free consultation to discuss the number of shares to issue for your company.

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Registering a Limited Company Guide
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Registering a Limited Company Guide

We walk through every step of the Limited Company registration process to help you understand whether you should start the limited company registration process.

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