UK SIC Codes: How to Choose the Right Code for Your Company in 2026
UK SIC Codes: How to Choose the Right Code for Your Company in 2026
Every UK company must provide at least one Standard Industrial Classification code, usually called a SIC code, to describe its business activity.
A company can select up to four SIC codes where it genuinely carries out different activities.
For a founder, the important question is not:
Which SIC code looks easiest for company formation or banking?
It is:
Which code most accurately reflects what the company actually does?
That means looking at what the company sells, how it earns revenue and which activities it genuinely carries on.
This matters particularly when you are forming a UK company from overseas. Your SIC code becomes part of the public Companies House record, but it may also be considered alongside your website, business description and other information during commercial or compliance reviews.
A SIC code does not, however, determine your tax treatment, give regulatory permission for an activity or guarantee approval from a bank or payment provider.
If you have not incorporated yet, choosing the appropriate SIC code should form part of preparing your UK company correctly from the beginning. Seven Oak Prestige supports international founders with UK company formation for non-residents including reviewing the proposed business activity before the incorporation is submitted.
Quick Answer
Does every UK company need a SIC code?
Yes. A company must provide at least one SIC code, including where the appropriate classification is dormant or non-trading.
How many SIC codes can a UK company have?
Up to four.
Use additional codes only where they genuinely represent activities carried on by the company.
Are SIC codes different for non-resident founders?
No.
The founder’s nationality or country of residence does not determine the SIC code. The company’s economic activity does.
Can you change a SIC code later?
Yes.
A company’s SIC information can be changed through a Confirmation Statement.
Can you change it before the next Confirmation Statement is due?
Yes. You can file a Confirmation Statement early.
If you file early, you choose a new confirmation date and the next review period starts the day after that date.
Should companies start using SIC 2026 codes now?
Not automatically.
ONS has published the SIC 2026 framework, but it is being introduced gradually and is not yet operational across ONS systems. Companies House currently instructs companies to use codes from its condensed SIC list for Companies House filings.
1. What Is a UK SIC Code?
SIC stands for Standard Industrial Classification.
A SIC code is a five-digit code used to classify a business according to its economic activity.
Examples on the current Companies House condensed list include:
62012 — Business and domestic software development
62020 — Information technology consultancy activities
62090 — Other information technology service activities
63110 — Data processing, hosting and related activities
47910 — Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet
70229 — Management consultancy activities other than financial management
73110 — Advertising agencies
64209 — Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.
Companies House uses a condensed version of the wider classification list and instructs companies to use codes from that list when filing. Using a code outside the condensed list may result in the filing being rejected.
A SIC code does not have to explain every feature of your business.
Its purpose is to classify the underlying economic activity.
2. Do Non-Resident Companies Use Different SIC Codes?
No.
A UK company owned or managed by someone living in India, the UAE, France, the United States, Singapore, Saudi Arabia or another country uses the same Companies House SIC system as a company owned by a UK resident.
The SIC code describes what the company does, not where its founder lives.
Residence can still matter for tax, banking, KYC, sanctions screening and other cross-border considerations. It simply does not create a separate set of SIC codes.
If you are still deciding how to establish the company, start with our UK company formation guidance for international founders .
3. How Many SIC Codes Can a UK Company Use?
A company must provide at least one SIC code and can select up to four.
Using several codes can make sense where the company genuinely carries out several material activities.
For example, a technology business might genuinely provide:
software development
IT consultancy
and
hosting services
Different codes may therefore be appropriate.
But four is a maximum, not a target.
Do not add four codes merely because the company might carry out those activities one day.
The classifications should reflect what the business actually does.
4. How to Choose the Right SIC Code
Start with the business model, not the code list.
Ask four questions.
What does the company actually sell?
For example:
software;
physical products;
subscriptions;
consultancy;
advertising;
licensing;
wholesale goods.
Who pays the company?
Customers may include:
consumers;
other businesses;
marketplace users;
retailers;
distributors;
group companies.
How does the company make money?
For example:
product sales;
subscriptions;
consultancy fees;
commissions;
licence fees;
advertising fees;
wholesale margins.
What does the company actually spend its time doing?
This helps distinguish the company’s underlying activity from the channel through which it reaches customers.
An online business is not automatically an online retailer.
A company with a website selling monthly access to software may be a software business.
A company advertising and selling physical goods through a Shopify store may be a retailer.
A company connecting buyers and sellers may operate a marketplace model.
A company managing advertising campaigns for clients may be an advertising agency.
That distinction is often more useful than starting with a list of hundreds of codes.
5. Common UK SIC Codes by Business Activity
The following are examples, not automatic recommendations.
The correct code depends on the activity the company actually carries on.
Software Development
62012 — Business and domestic software development
This may be appropriate where the company develops software products or systems.
IT Consultancy
62020 — Information technology consultancy activities
This may be appropriate where the main activity is advising clients on information technology.
Other IT Services
62090 — Other information technology service activities
This can be relevant where an IT service does not fit a more specific classification.
Do not choose 62090 merely because a technology business is difficult to describe. Check whether another code more accurately represents the activity first.
SaaS Companies
There is not one universal SIC code that applies to every SaaS business.
A SaaS company may be involved primarily in:
software development;
software publishing;
hosting;
data processing;
IT services;
or a combination of activities.
The right classification therefore depends on what the company actually provides and how the product operates.
E-Commerce and Online Retail
47910 — Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet
This may be relevant to genuine online retail businesses.
But selling through a website does not automatically make 47910 appropriate.
An online software company, consultancy, advertising agency or education provider may have a completely different underlying activity.
For a broader explanation of the company structure behind online selling, read our UK e-commerce company guide for non-residents.
Dropshipping
There is no special Companies House SIC code called “dropshipping”.
For a genuine business selling physical products to consumers online, 47910 may be relevant.
But the correct classification still depends on the actual activity.
A business combining online retail with wholesale, marketplace activities or other services may need a different code or more than one code.
If you are building this type of business, see our UK dropshipping company guide for non-residents.
Management Consultancy
70229 — Management consultancy activities other than financial management
This may fit genuine business and management consultancy.
It should not be used simply because the founder describes themselves as an adviser.
For example, a software company that occasionally gives clients strategic advice is not automatically a management consultancy.
Advertising
73110 — Advertising agencies
This may be relevant where the company genuinely provides advertising-agency services.
Again, look at the actual service and revenue model rather than choosing the code because it appears broadly commercial.
Holding Companies
64209 — Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.
The Companies House condensed list also contains classifications for particular types of holding companies.
64209 should therefore not be treated as a universal code for every company that owns shares.
The correct classification depends on the entity’s actual role and activities.
Property Activities
Property businesses should not select a code simply because it contains the word “property”.
A company may, for example, be involved in buying and selling its own real estate, letting property, property management or other activities.
These are not necessarily the same classification.
Choose according to what the company actually does.
Forex Trading With the Company’s Own Capital
This requires particular care.
A search for a “forex trading SIC code” does not provide enough information to determine the correct classification.
There is a significant difference between a company:
trading its own capital;
providing investment services to clients;
managing third-party money;
operating a trading platform;
giving investment advice;
or providing technology relating to financial markets.
Those activities can have very different classification and regulatory implications.
Do not choose a SIC code in an attempt to make a regulated activity appear unregulated. Where the business model involves financial services or third-party funds, the regulatory position should be established separately.
Payment and Financial-Service Businesses
The same principle applies to payment institutions and other financial businesses.
A SIC classification describes economic activity.
It does not constitute FCA authorisation or any other regulatory permission.
If the business involves regulated financial activity, determine the regulatory position separately rather than treating the SIC code as the answer.
6. What If No SIC Code Fits Perfectly?
This is common.
The SIC system is a classification framework, not a detailed business-description system.
A modern business such as an AI platform, SaaS product, digital marketplace or hybrid software-and-consulting company may not find one code that reproduces its entire business model.
Choose the code, or combination of codes, that most reasonably describes the company’s actual economic activities.
Do not select a deliberately vague classification merely because it appears safer.
And do not add unrelated codes merely because you may enter those sectors later.
If the business changes, the SIC information can be reviewed and updated.
7. SIC Code vs Business Description, Website and Banking
This distinction is especially important for international founders.
A SIC code is a standardised classification.
A bank, EMI, payment provider, accountant or compliance provider may need a much more detailed explanation of the company.
They may ask:
what does the company sell?
who are its customers?
where are those customers located?
how does the company earn money?
what turnover is expected?
what transaction values are expected?
which countries will send or receive payments?
does the company hold stock?
does it handle third-party funds?
For example:
Companies House SIC code
62012 — Business and domestic software development
Business description
“The company develops and licenses cloud-based workflow software to small and medium-sized businesses through monthly subscription plans.”
Those descriptions are not identical.
They are, however, logically consistent.
Problems can arise when the information tells fundamentally different stories.
For example:
Companies House: management consultancy
Website: cryptocurrency trading platform
or:
Companies House: online retail
Provider application: software licensing business
That does not automatically mean an application will be rejected, but it can create legitimate questions that need to be explained.
A SIC code does not guarantee banking approval.
If you are already dealing with a declined application, read our guide on what to do after a UK business bank-account rejection.
8. Choosing Your SIC Code Before Forming a UK Company
If you have not incorporated yet, this is the best time to get the business activity clear.
The incorporation should reflect the company you genuinely intend to operate.
Before submitting the company, establish:
1. What the UK company will sell
2. How it will generate revenue
3. Which activity is primary
4. Whether additional genuine activities require another SIC code
5. Whether the activity has separate regulatory considerations
6. Whether the company description, website and proposed commercial model tell a coherent story
This is particularly useful for non-resident founders because company formation is only the beginning.
The company may subsequently need UK address arrangements, Companies House identity verification, accounting, banking preparation, VAT or EORI depending on its circumstances.
Seven Oak Prestige supports international founders through the formation process and can review the proposed business activity and SIC classification as part of preparing the company incorporation.
Need to Form the Company as Well as Choose the SIC Code?
You do not need to work out the entire UK setup alone.
Seven Oak Prestige can help you establish the UK Limited Company, review the proposed activity and SIC code, arrange appropriate UK address services where required, and support the Companies House formation process.
Explore UK company formation for non-residents
9. How and When to Change a SIC Code
If the company’s activity changes, review its SIC classification.
Companies House states that SIC information can be changed through the Confirmation Statement.
The practical process is:
1. Check the company’s current SIC information.
2. Identify the appropriate classification from the current Companies House condensed list.
3. Prepare the Confirmation Statement.
4. Update the SIC information.
5. Submit the filing.
You do not have to wait until the normal Confirmation Statement date.
A Confirmation Statement can be filed early.
If you file early, you choose a new confirmation date and the next review period starts the day after that date.
The review period and payment period are separate.
The current digital Confirmation Statement fee is £50. The annual fee is payable with the first Confirmation Statement filed within the relevant 12-month payment period; further Confirmation Statements within that same payment period do not trigger the annual fee again.
For the wider annual filing picture, see our UK company compliance calendar for non-resident directors.
10. Dormant SIC Code 99999 vs Non-Trading Code 74990
Companies House currently lists:
99999 — Dormant Company
and
74990 — Non-trading company.
They should not be treated as interchangeable labels or selected simply because a company has little activity. The SIC classification should reflect the company’s actual status and activity, while accounting and Corporation Tax definitions of dormancy are separate questions.
Companies House specifically highlighted this issue in its May 2026 SIC guidance, asking companies that are trading to check that they are not still showing dormant or non-trading classifications.
Changing a SIC code does not, by itself:
determine whether a company is dormant for accounting purposes;
determine its Corporation Tax position;
create or remove VAT obligations;
or determine whether the company is legally trading.
Those are separate issues.
For the wider distinction, read our dormant UK company guide for non-resident owners.
11. What Happens If Your SIC Code Is Wrong?
An inaccurate or outdated SIC code should be corrected.
Companies House’s May 2026 guidance specifically reminded directors to check whether their company’s classification accurately describes its current activity and to update it through a Confirmation Statement where necessary.
An inaccurate classification can also create practical questions where third parties are comparing the public register with the company’s actual operations.
That can matter during:
banking or payment-provider onboarding;
lender reviews;
funding applications;
compliance reviews;
commercial due diligence.
The appropriate response is not to find a code that “looks better”.
It is to make the public classification reasonably reflect the company’s actual activity.
12. What Does UK SIC 2026 Mean?
The Office for National Statistics has published the new UK SIC 2026 framework.
It updates SIC 2007 to better reflect the modern economy, including more detailed classifications for areas such as software and artificial intelligence.
But publication does not mean every company should immediately replace its Companies House SIC codes.
ONS states that SIC 2026 is not yet operational across its systems and will be introduced gradually. Its earliest planned use in the UK National Accounts is the 2031 Blue Book.
Meanwhile, Companies House currently tells companies to use the codes available on its own condensed SIC list when filing.
Practical Rule
For a Companies House filing today, use a code available on the current Companies House condensed SIC list.
Do not simply find a new SIC 2026 classification elsewhere and assume it can already be entered into the Companies House filing system.
13. Seven Oak SIC-Code Checklist
Before incorporating a company or changing its SIC information, check:
Business Activity
What does the company actually sell?
How does it earn revenue?
Which activity is commercially significant?
Does it genuinely carry out several activities?
Companies House Classification
Does the proposed SIC code accurately represent that activity?
Is the code on the current Companies House condensed list?
Does the company genuinely need more than one code?
Are you adding codes for future activities that do not yet exist?
Business Consistency
Does the website describe the same underlying business?
Do invoices and contracts make sense against that activity?
Does the business description used for provider onboarding tell the same overall story?
Do the expected transactions reasonably match the stated model?
Existing Companies
Has the company’s activity changed?
Is an active company still displaying 99999 or 74990?
Does the classification need to be updated through a Confirmation Statement?
SIC 2026
Are you using the current Companies House list for today’s filing?
Have you avoided assuming that every new SIC 2026 classification is already available for Companies House filings?
Not Sure Which SIC Code Fits Your UK Company?
If you are still at the formation stage, choosing the SIC code should not be treated as an isolated administrative task.
The code should fit the real company you are creating.
Seven Oak Prestige supports international and non-resident founders with UK company formation, including reviewing the proposed business activity, company structure and appropriate SIC classification before submission.
Where required, support can also extend to UK statutory addresses, Companies House identity-verification assistance, banking readiness and ongoing accounting and compliance requirements after incorporation.
Tell us what your business will actually do, where you live and how the company will earn revenue. We can then determine the appropriate formation route and help you establish the UK Ltd properly.
Start your UK company formation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a UK SIC code?
A SIC code is a five-digit classification used to describe a company’s economic activity.
Does every UK company need a SIC code?
Yes. At least one SIC code must be provided.
How many SIC codes can a UK company have?
A company can select up to four SIC codes where appropriate.
Should I use all four SIC codes?
No.
Use only the codes that genuinely reflect the company’s activities. Four is the maximum, not a recommended number.
Are SIC codes different for foreign or non-resident founders?
No. SIC classification is based on company activity rather than the residence or nationality of the owner.
What SIC code should an e-commerce company use?
47910 may be relevant for genuine online retail, but it is not automatically appropriate for every business operating online.
What SIC code should a dropshipping company use?
There is no dedicated “dropshipping” SIC code. For some genuine online retail businesses, 47910 may be relevant, but the correct code depends on the actual activity and business model.
What SIC code should a SaaS company use?
There is no single universal SaaS code. The appropriate classification depends on whether the underlying activity is software development, hosting, data processing, IT services or another activity.
What does SIC code 62090 mean?
62090 is Other information technology service activities on the current Companies House condensed list. It should be selected only where it reasonably represents the company’s actual IT activity.
What does SIC code 47910 mean?
47910 is Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet on the current Companies House condensed list.
What does SIC code 99999 mean?
It is the current Companies House classification for a dormant company.
What does SIC code 74990 mean?
It is the current Companies House classification for a non-trading company.
Can I change my SIC code?
Yes. SIC information can be changed through a Confirmation Statement.
Can I add another SIC code later?
Yes, provided the company remains within the maximum number allowed and the additional code accurately reflects its activity.
Can I file a Confirmation Statement early to change the SIC code?
Yes. If you file early, you choose a new confirmation date and the next review period starts the day after that date.
Is SIC 2026 already compulsory at Companies House?
Do not assume so. ONS has published SIC 2026, but its implementation is phased. Companies House currently instructs companies to use its condensed SIC list for filings.
Does choosing the right SIC code guarantee a UK business bank account?
No.
Banks and payment providers make their own eligibility and risk decisions. A correct SIC code helps keep the company’s public information coherent, but it does not guarantee approval.
About the Author
Isaac Jackson
Founder & Managing Director — Seven Oak Prestige Ltd
Isaac Jackson works with international entrepreneurs on UK company formation and business-establishment matters, including company structure, UK statutory addresses, Companies House requirements, KYC preparation and operational-readiness coordination.
Seven Oak Prestige Ltd
Company Registration No. 16903092
Registered Office: 124 City Road, London EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026
Important Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about SIC codes and Companies House filings.
It does not constitute legal, accounting, tax, financial or regulatory advice.
Selecting a SIC code does not determine whether an activity is regulated, whether a company is tax resident, whether it is dormant for accounting or tax purposes, or whether a bank or payment provider will approve an application.
Businesses operating in regulated, financial or otherwise complex sectors may require specialist advice.