Company formation FAQ - exemption from the use of limited at the end of a company name

If a company is exempt from this requirement, it will also be exempt from the requirement to publish its name, and will not have to send a list of its member to the registrar.

In order to be exempt from the use of limited in its name, a company must:

• be a private company limited by guarantee
• have as it object the promotion of commerce, art, science, education, or religion, or be charitable or professional
• state in its memorandum and articles of association that any profits, or other income, will be spent in promoting the objects of the company
• not pay dividends to its members
• transfer all assets to another body which has similar objects if the company is wound-up

You can apply for exemption from the requirement to use the word limited in you company's name at the same time as you apply to form a company via an additional form, or at any subsequent time by passing a resolution to this effect and applying to Companies House.