How to Add or Remove a Director from Your UK Company — 2026 Guide
As your UK Limited Company grows, you may need to bring in a new partner as a “Director” to help manage the business, or you might need to remove a director who is no longer involved. In the UK, the role of a director is a serious legal position with significant responsibilities. Updating these details with Companies House is a mandatory requirement. In 2026, these updates are fully digital and must be performed quickly to maintain accurate public records.
In this guide from Eteform.com, we explain the legal steps to change your board of directors.
Who Can Be a Director in 2026?
- Minimum Age: Must be at least 16 years old.
- Nationality: Can be of any nationality (Egyptian, Saudi, etc.) and live anywhere in the world.
- Restrictions: Must not be a currently “undischarged bankrupt” or have been “disqualified” from being a director by a UK court.
1. How to Add a New Director (Appointment)
To appoint someone, you must use form AP01. You will need their:
- Full Name and any former names.
- Date of Birth and Nationality.
- Service Address: A public address where they receive official mail (Use Eteform’s Service Address to protect their privacy).
- Residential Address: Their actual home address (Kept private from the public).
2. How to Remove a Director (Resignation)
To remove someone, you must use form TM01.
– Process: The director usually provides a formal “Letter of Resignation.” The remaining board then meets to accept the resignation and notifies Companies House within 14 days.
Updating Your Bank and Payment Systems (Crucial)
Once the change is official at Companies House, you must inform:
- Wise / Revolut: They will need to perform identity checks (KYC) on the new director.
- Stripe: To ensure the account control matches the legal records.
- HMRC: To ensure their tax records are up to date.
Table: Director Change Checklist 2026
| Action | Form Required | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Appoint Director | AP01 | 14 days from appointment |
| Resign Director | TM01 | 14 days from resignation |
| Change Director Details | CH01 | 14 days from change |
| Update Internal Register | Register of Directors | Immediately |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: No. A private Ltd company must have at least one (1) natural person as a director at all times.
Q: Do I need the resigning director’s signature?
A: For the government filing, no. However, you should always have a signed resignation letter in your Internal Records to prevent future legal disputes.
Q: Can Eteform handle these filings for me?
A: Yes! We offer “Company Detail Update” services to ensure your filings are 100% accurate and on time.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Board Professional
Whether you are adding a mentor, a partner, or a family member, managing your directors correctly is part of being a professional founder.
Need to update your company’s directors? Order Director Update Service from Eteform.com.