Registered office address

Everything you need to know about the registered office address

The navigation in the maze of laws and requirements can be a real challenge for many new company owners. Choosing the right form of business address is no exception to it. In our guide get yourself familiar with the different kinds of addresses, especially with the registered office address.

Registered office addresses – What are they exactly?

A registered office address is usually a legal prerequisite for all incorporated businesses, partnerships and other business–related entities anywhere in the world. Its primary function is to provide government agencies with an official address for the distribution of statutory mail and legal notices. It is also an address where these agencies can conduct regulatory inspections and where a company can receive notices from banks, shareholders and the general public.

Also, a registered office address is usually where the company’s headquarters or seat is located, therefore it is an absolute necessity to have one if you want to start a new business.

Your registered office address can be both a residential and a non-residential address but keep in mind that a company’s registered office address is a public record in most countries. For all that, if you choose the latter option, it allows you to keep your home information confidential.

So in summary, why does a company need a registered office address?

As was mentioned before, it is required by law in most countries therefore you can not start a business or entrepreneurship without having one. It is important to emphasize even if you want to start a limited liability partnership, a registered office address is a must-have. Also as described before, in order to ensure a company’s integrity and transparency, the specifics of your registered office address must be put on the public record.

However, you can change your office address at any time. The laws of changing your address differ from country to country but in general, you can relocate your office address anywhere you want as long as it stays within the legal jurisdiction of your operating country.

What are the advantages of having a registered, non-residential office address?

You can use your home as your registered office address, but it is not mandatory and it is not recommended in any way. A separate address for your registered office is much more secure and professional, and also helps to keep your home address confidential.

There are several undeniable advantages of having a non-residential registered office address. First of all, the use of a residential address may result in unwelcome visits and unsolicited mail being delivered to your house. With having a non-residential registered office address, you can easily avoid this complication.

Also, if your registered office address is at a prominent, illustrious location it can broaden your customer base and it can attract future investors. Your company will also be more likely to be viewed as a proven, reputable business venture with a well placed registered address.

A non-residential office address creates a well-maintained barrier between your work life and home. If you are a small business owner, one of the best practices you can implement regarding your office address is to register it in a large, well-known city. The main benefit of this step is that your business can attract new customers, therefore you can expand your reach, your area of operation with a carefully chosen location.

If you do not own a residential address, you can do the following:

The first question that comes to mind if you don’t own a residential address is can you use a PO box number for this purpose? Well, the short answer is you can’t. A PO box number alone is not sufficient to have a registered office address. However, if you provide the full address of the PO box which you want to use for this purpose, it is permitted.

If you rent a place where you reside, you will need your landlord’s approval before you can establish your registered office. This usually does not present any issues unless your company’s operations cause disturbance to the neighbours or they deemed dangerous. In addition, commercial ads would not be permitted to be shown on your landlord’s premises. If your business does not transgress these rules, you can reasonably believe that your permit for a registered office address will be accepted.

If you want to change your registered office address:

It is entirely possible to change your company’s registered office address. When you move your company to another settlement, keep in mind that you are obliged to inform the necessary authorities about the relocation and you must fill out the required forms and documents to get a new permit.

If you want to move your company to another country, the procedure greatly depends on the states’ laws. In a general rule of thumb, you can not go wrong if you seek out the help of a local company formation agent or business.

The differences between different address types: registered office address, business address, and service address

Usually, in most countries there are several types of company-related addresses that you can choose from when starting a new business. Each inscription type has a certain function and there are different laws and regulations that abide by them.

We have already introduced in great length the purpose of a registered office address, but some emphasize may still be required. The office address is the legal address of a company where it can receive different kinds of official documents and letters from the state or the bank.

Business addresses are generally the company’s trading address: in other words where the company operates daily. These kinds of addresses are not legal requirements to form a venue, and also they don’t have to appear on any public record. They can be, just as the registered office address, residential and non-residential addresses.

Service addresses contain the addresses of company officials where the different interested parties can reach them. These officials commonly are the directors, shareholders and board members. These addresses are included from public records, although they are a necessity to form a company.

Conclusion

It can be difficult to interpret the different kinds of addresses and laws especially when they are varying from country to country. But it is necessary to consider the benefits of getting a registered office address. A number of firms and company founding associations would be more than willing to help you with the task.