Thinking about bringing your dissolved company back to life? Whether it was struck off by Companies House because of missed filings or voluntarily dissolved when it wasn’t needed anymore, it’s entirely possible to restore it and get things up and running again. Without dialing 999!

Restoring a company—known as company restoration—can open the door to reclaiming assets, resuming trading, or sorting out outstanding business matters. 

Whatever your reasons, the process allows you to reinstate your company on the Companies House register, though the steps depend on how it was dissolved in the first place.

You might be looking to fully restart your business, or just recover frozen funds. In any case, we’ll cover whatever type of reinvigoration your dissolved company needs, this article has got the right medicine.

Reasons for restoring a dissolved company 

There are several reasons why you might want to restore a dissolved company, these are the most typical:

Accessing assets 

When a company is dissolved, any assets it owned—like bank accounts, properties, or investments—become the property of the Crown (this is called bona vacantia). Restoring the company allows you to reclaim these assets.

Resuming trading 

Perhaps market conditions have improved or new opportunities have arisen. Restoring your company lets you pick up where you left off without the need to start a new business from scratch.

Settling outstanding matters

If there are unresolved legal issues, debts, or claims against the company, restoration enables you to address these properly. This can protect directors and shareholders from potential personal liability.

Administrative errors

Sometimes, companies are dissolved due to filing mistakes or missed communications. Restoring the company corrects these errors and reinstates your business on the official register.

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Methods of company restoration

There are two main ways to restore a dissolved company, depending on how and why it was removed from the register:

1. Administrative restoration

• This method is available if your company was dissolved by Companies House due to non-compliance (e.g., missed filings).
• To qualify, the dissolution must have occurred within the last six years, and the company must have been compliant at the time of dissolution.
• Process: Submit an RT01 form, pay a fee, and bring all filings up to date.

2. Court restoration

• Required if your company was voluntarily struck off or if administrative restoration isn’t an option.
• You’ll need to apply to a court, providing evidence (e.g., reasons for restoration, proof of assets or liabilities).
• This process involves legal costs and can take longer than administrative restoration.

Both methods result in your company being reinstated on the register, allowing you to resume operations or access assets. 

Step-by-step guide to restoring a company

Restoring a dissolved company involves reactivating it on the Companies House register. This typically requires submitting an application, paying fees, and ensuring any overdue filings or compliance issues are resolved. The exact process depends on whether the dissolution was voluntary or administrative.

1. Determine the restoration method

• Administrative restoration: Suitable if Companies House dissolved your company for non-compliance.
• Court restoration: Required if the company was voluntarily struck off or doesn’t meet the criteria for administrative restoration.

2. Gather necessary documents

• For administrative restoration:
  • Completed RT01 form.
  • Up-to-date accounts and confirmation statements.
  • Payment of filing fees and penalties (if applicable).
• For court restoration:
  • Court application and supporting documents (e.g., proof of assets, financial records).
  • Evidence of why the company needs to be restored.

3. Submit your application

• For administrative restoration, send your RT01 form to Companies House with the required fees.
• For court restoration, file your application with the court and attend the hearing if necessary.

4. Wait for approval

• Administrative restoration typically takes a few weeks.
• Court restoration can take longer, depending on court schedules and complexity.

5. Fulfil post-restoration requirements

Once restored, ensure all overdue filings (accounts, confirmation statements) are submitted and stay compliant to avoid future issues. Follow these steps and you’ll have your company reinstated and up and running again. If you’re unsure, seek professional help to streamline the process.

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Costs and timelines for company restoration

The costs and timelines for company restoration depend on the method used:

Administrative restoration

• Costs include the RT01 application fee (£468 as of 2024) and payment for overdue filings or penalties.
• Timelines: Typically 2–4 weeks, depending on how quickly filings are updated.

Court restoration

• Costs include legal fees, court application fees, and any unpaid filings. Course fees as of 2024 are £308. To find up to date costs, we recommend checking out HMRC’s guide “Claiming money or property from a dissolved company”. 
• Timelines: This can take several months, as it requires court scheduling and approval.

Tip: Be sure to get all the required documents to help minimise delays!

Alternatives to company restoration

If restoring a dissolved company isn’t practical, here are some alternatives to consider:

1. Start a new company

If the original business structure or name isn’t essential, setting up a new company might be quicker and more cost-effective.

2. Transfer assets to a new company

If your dissolved company had assets, you may be able to transfer them to a new entity, but this might involve legal steps and additional costs.

3. Address specific issues directly

If the goal is to resolve outstanding liabilities or access certain assets, consider dealing with these matters without restoring the company, where possible.

Each alternative has its own implications, so it’s worth seeking professional advice to choose the best option for your circumstances.

Back 2 life; back 2 business

Bringing your company back to life can be a practical solution that saves time and resources, especially if the company has an established brand or history you wish to preserve.

Whether you’re reclaiming assets, resuming trading, or fixing past administrative errors there are options to revive your former business. Company restoration allows and re-establish it on the Companies House register.

If restoration isn’t the best fit for your situation, alternatives like starting a new company or transferring assets might provide a viable solution.

Bringing your business back doesn’t have to feel like an emergency—just a clear plan and perhaps a little professional advice can get things running again in no time. Whatever your goals, restoring your company is often the first step towards a fresh start and new opportunities!

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