Company Struck Off Companies House Reinstatement

If a company has been struck off and dissolved by Companies House, it may be possible to restore it to the register. The correct route depends on why the company was struck off, who is applying and how long ago the dissolution occurred.

For former directors, shareholders and international business owners, restoring the company can be important where it still has assets, contracts, property or other business interests.

Can a Struck Off Company Be Reinstated?

Yes. A dissolved company can generally be restored through either administrative restoration or restoration by court order.

Administrative restoration is available only where specific conditions are satisfied. Otherwise, a court application may be necessary. In many cases, restoration can be sought within six years of dissolution.

Administrative Restoration

Administrative restoration may be available if:

• You were a director or shareholder when the company was dissolved

• Companies House struck the company off rather than the directors voluntarily applying for strike-off

• The company was trading or operating when it was dissolved

• The application is made within six years

The current application fee for administrative restoration is £341.

Before applying, outstanding company documents such as accounts and confirmation statements generally need to be brought up to date. Outstanding filing fees, penalties and other amounts may also need to be dealt with.

Court Order Restoration

If administrative restoration is not available, the company may be restored through a court order.

This can apply where the directors voluntarily applied for the company to be struck off or where the applicant does not meet the requirements for administrative restoration.

A former director, shareholder, creditor or another person with a qualifying interest may be able to apply.

For companies registered in England and Wales, restoration proceedings generally involve a court application and supporting evidence explaining the company's history, the reason for restoration and the applicant's interest in the company.

What Happens After Restoration?

When a company is successfully restored, it is generally treated as having continued in existence as if it had not been struck off and dissolved.

This can be particularly important where the company previously owned property, held money in a bank account, had contractual rights or had other assets.

Outstanding obligations can still need to be addressed following restoration, including certain accounts, confirmation statements, filing fees and applicable penalties.

Restoring a Company With UK Property

A struck off company that previously owned UK property requires particular attention.

When a company is dissolved, assets can become subject to bona vacantia rules. Restoration may therefore be necessary before certain company assets or property interests can be properly dealt with.

Professional legal and corporate advice can be particularly important where the company owns valuable property or has complicated ownership arrangements.

Companies House Reinstatement for Overseas Owners

International shareholders and directors can also face restoration issues where a UK company has been struck off.

The fact that the owners live outside the UK does not automatically prevent restoration. However, the application requirements, outstanding filings and company records must be addressed properly.

Fraser Bond can assist international investors and business owners with UK company administration and coordinate with solicitors, accountants and other professional advisers where specialist advice is required.

What You Should Do First

If your company has been struck off, start by checking:

• The date of dissolution

• The reason Companies House removed the company

• Whether the strike-off was voluntary or initiated by Companies House

• Whether you were a director or shareholder

• Whether the company has outstanding accounts or filings

• Whether the company owned property or other assets

• Whether restoration is still within the applicable time limit

The correct restoration route should be established before submitting an application.

Get Help Restoring a Struck Off Company

Fraser Bond provides practical UK corporate administration support for businesses, international investors and property owners dealing with Companies House issues.

Where legal proceedings or specialist tax advice are required, Fraser Bond can help coordinate with the appropriate professional advisers.

Why Choose Fraser Bond?

Fraser Bond combines UK company administration with property and international business expertise. This makes its support suitable for owners who need help understanding their company's position after strike-off and organising the steps required for restoration.