If your company has been struck off the register but still has assets to recover, restoring it may be the most effective way to reclaim what’s rightfully yours.
As we explained in our guide to recovering dissolved company funds from the Treasury, once a company is dissolved, any remaining assets pass to the Crown under bona vacantia. However, restoration can effectively reverse that process, allowing the company to regain control of those assets.
For many business owners, the key questions are practical ones: how much will it cost, how long will it take, and what can go wrong?
What does it mean to restore a company?
Restoring a company means applying to have it reinstated on the Companies House register. Once restored, the company is treated as though it had never been dissolved.
This is particularly important if you are trying to recover money or property. In many cases, restoration is the most reliable route to reclaiming assets that have passed to the Treasury, especially where the sums involved are significant.
If you’re unsure whether restoration is necessary in your situation, it’s worth reading our related article on recovering dissolved company assets, which explains when restoration is required and when alternatives, such as discretionary grants, may be available.
How much does it cost to restore a company?
The cost of restoring a company will depend on the route taken and the complexity of the case, but there are some typical figures that can help set expectations.
For a court restoration, there is usually a court fee of around £300, along with a Companies House fee of £100. Legal fees will vary, but most straightforward cases fall somewhere in the region of £1,500 to £3,000 plus VAT. More complex matters—particularly those involving missing records or disputes—can increase costs.
It’s also important to factor in any outstanding obligations. Before a company can be restored, Companies House will normally require all overdue filings to be brought up to date. This can lead to additional accountancy fees, late filing penalties, or tax liabilities.
While these costs can seem significant at first, they are often relatively small compared to the value of the assets being recovered—particularly where substantial sums have been transferred to the Treasury.
How long does the restoration process take?
The timeframe for restoring a company depends largely on whether you are eligible for administrative restoration or need to apply through the court.
Administrative restoration, where available, is typically the quicker route and can often be completed within two to four weeks. Court restoration, which is more common in asset recovery cases, generally takes between six and twelve weeks, although this can vary depending on the circumstances.
Delays are usually caused by incomplete applications, outstanding filings that haven’t been prepared in advance, or queries raised by Companies House or the court. In some cases, third parties such as creditors may also need to be notified, which can extend the process.
In practice, the best way to keep things moving is to ensure everything is properly prepared from the outset.
Common mistakes when restoring a company
One of the main reasons restoration applications are delayed—or even rejected—is avoidable errors early in the process.
A frequent issue is choosing the wrong restoration route. Not all companies qualify for administrative restoration, and starting down the wrong path can cost valuable time. Another common problem is failing to deal with outstanding filings before applying. Companies House will not usually proceed with restoration until these are resolved, so leaving them until the last minute can create unnecessary delays.
Timing is also critical. In most cases, there is a six-year limit to apply for restoration. Leaving it too late can restrict your options and, in some situations, prevent recovery altogether.
There is also a tendency to underestimate what assets may still exist. This can affect how the application is approached and whether restoration is the most appropriate solution. Finally, poorly prepared applications—missing documents, incorrect details, or lack of supporting evidence—remain one of the most common causes of setbacks.
How to speed up the process
Although the restoration process involves several formal steps, it can be handled efficiently with the right preparation.
Gathering company records early, preparing outstanding filings in advance, and identifying the correct restoration route from the outset can make a significant difference. Responding promptly to any queries from Companies House or the court also helps avoid unnecessary delays.
Perhaps most importantly, getting professional advice at an early stage can prevent costly mistakes. A well-prepared application is far more likely to proceed smoothly and without interruption.
Is restoring a company always the best option?
Restoration is often the most effective way to recover assets, particularly where significant funds or property are involved. However, it is not always the only option.
As discussed in our guide to recovering dissolved company money from the Treasury, it may be possible in some cases to apply for a discretionary grant from the Bona Vacantia Division instead. This can be a simpler route, but it is not guaranteed and will depend on the circumstances.
Choosing the right approach from the outset is key to achieving the best outcome.
How we can help
Restoring a dissolved company can seem daunting, particularly when time limits and financial considerations are involved. However, with the right guidance, the process can be straightforward and highly worthwhile.
At Hutchinson Thomas Solicitors, we regularly advise on company restoration and asset recovery. We can assess your situation, recommend the most appropriate course of action, and handle the process from start to finish—ensuring everything is completed accurately and efficiently.
If your dissolved company may still hold assets, or you’re unsure whether restoration is the right step, contact Hutchinson Thomas Solicitors today on 01792 439 000 or fill in our form here. We’re here to help you recover what’s rightfully yours.