What’s the Difference Between a Correspondence Address and a Residential Address?

Starting a new business in the UK is an exciting milestone. You’ve refined your idea, built a business plan, and you’re ready to establish your presence. However, before you officially launch, there are important practical details to consider—one of the most important being where your business mail will be sent.

This guide explains what a correspondence address and a residential address are, how they differ, and why choosing the right addresses matters when forming a UK company.

Key Takeaways

• A correspondence address (also known as a service address) is where company officers receive official business mail, but it does not have to be where they live.

• A residential address is the place where an individual lives for at least 183 days per year and must be provided to Companies House for identification.

• A correspondence address can be located anywhere in the world, while a residential address must reflect the officer’s actual place of residence.

• Using a dedicated correspondence address improves professionalism, protects privacy, and offers flexibility.

• Using a home address as a correspondence address is allowed but may raise privacy concerns and appear less professional.

• Every UK limited company must also provide a registered office address, which must be a physical UK address and can be the same as a correspondence address.

What Is a Registered Office Address?

When forming a limited company in the UK, you are legally required to provide a registered office address to Companies House. This must be a physical address located in the UK and compliant with Companies House regulations.

A registered office can be either residential or commercial and is the official address where your company receives statutory mail from HMRC and Companies House. Choosing the right registered office address is important, as it becomes part of the public record.

In addition to the registered office, all company officers must also provide:

• A correspondence (service) address

• A residential address

A residential address is defined as any address where an individual lives for at least 183 days in a year.

What Is a Correspondence Address?

A correspondence address, also referred to as a service address, is the location where company officers receive official post, documents, and packages. This address does not need to be where the officer lives.

All company officers—including directors, shareholders, secretaries, and Persons of Significant Control (PSCs)—must provide both a correspondence address and a residential address to Companies House.

It’s important to note that a director’s or secretary’s correspondence address is displayed publicly on the Companies House register alongside their name.

A correspondence address:

• Can be any address worldwide

• Can be residential, commercial, or virtual

• Does not require proof of residence

While it shares similarities with a registered office address—both are public and can be residential—the key difference is that a correspondence address does not need to be based in the UK.

Because correspondence addresses are public, many businesses choose to use a commercial address or virtual office service to protect privacy.

Benefits of a Dedicated Correspondence Address

• Professionalism – Enhances your company’s image and helps separate business and personal mail

• Privacy – Keeps your home address off the public register

• Convenience – All business correspondence is delivered to one location

• Flexibility – Ideal for remote teams or directors who travel frequently

What Is a Residential Address?

A residential address is the place where a person lives. An address qualifies as residential if the individual resides there for approximately 183 days per year.

Company officers must provide a residential address to Companies House for identification and regulatory purposes. This helps authorities verify who is forming and managing companies, supporting efforts to reduce economic crime.

Proof of a residential address may be required and can usually be provided through:

• Utility bills

• Bank statements

• Council tax statements

Unlike correspondence addresses, residential addresses are not displayed publicly on the Companies House register.