> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.hoxtonmix.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Using a Virtual Office Address in the UK — What You Can and Can’t Do

> ⚡ **Quick Answer:** You can use your virtual office address as a registered office, director’s service address, and on marketing materials. You **cannot** use it as your Principal Place of Business for VAT or HMRC purposes.

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# Where You Can Use It

| Use Case | Allowed? |
| ---- |
| **Registered office** (Companies House) | ✅ Yes |
| **Director’s service address** | ✅ Yes |
| **Trading address** (website, invoices, business cards, general business correspondence) | ✅ Yes |
| **Trading address** (HMRC / Principal Place of Business for VAT) | ❌ No |

> ⚠️ **Important:** For VAT and some government forms, “trading address” means your actual place of business (home office, shop, warehouse). You cannot use a virtual office for this.

## Registered Office vs Trading Address

A **registered office address** is your company’s official legal address used for Companies House and formal statutory mail.

A **trading address** is the address you use to present your business publicly — for example on your website, invoices, letterheads, and other customer-facing materials.

With Hoxton Mix, you can use the address for both your **registered office** and your **trading address for marketing and correspondence**. However, this does **not** confirm that your company physically trades from our location, so it cannot be used where a bank, payment provider, HMRC, or another organisation requires proof of your actual place of business.

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# Acceptance by Third Parties

Many organisations accept virtual office addresses for registered office and correspondence. However, acceptance is always at the discretion of the organisation. Some banks, payment providers, and verification platforms may:

* Ask for additional documents
* Not accept virtual offices at all

**Check their requirements before signing up.**

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# Letter of Certification

We can provide a **Headed Letter of Certification** confirming your company name, address, and authorised use. Generate it from the [Customer Portal](https://account.hoxtonmix.com/):

**Settings → Business → Business Documents → Generate Certification Letter**

We do **not** provide:
* Lease or tenancy agreements
* Utility bills in your company name
* Unique suite or sub-addresses
* Confirmation of physical presence at our location

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# Summary by Business Type

| Use Case | Limited Company | Sole Trader |
| ---- |
| Registered office (Companies House) | ✅ Yes | N/A |
| Director’s service address | ✅ Yes | N/A |
| Trading address (marketing/correspondence) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Trading address (HMRC / PPOB for VAT) | ❌ No | ❌ No |

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# Common Questions

**Can I use this for a bank account application?**
Many banks accept virtual office addresses, but policies vary. Check with your bank first.

**Can I get a lease agreement?**
No. We provide a headed certification letter, not a lease.

**Will HMRC accept this as my business address?**
As a registered office, yes. As a Principal Place of Business for VAT, no.

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[**View plans →**](https://www.hoxtonmix.com/virtual-office-london-old-street/)