Company number prefixes are short two-character codes added at the start of a UK company registration number to distinguish different types or origins of companies. These prefixes indicate whether a company is registered in England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, is an overseas company, or is a specific company type like a limited partnership, industrial & provident society, charitable organisation, etc.

The prefixes show where a company is registered. For example, “NI” is used for companies registered in Northern Ireland, “SF” or “SC” are used for Scottish companies, and “FC” denotes an overseas company. Some prefixes are specific to legal entities in Scotland or Northern Ireland, while others apply to England & Wales.

Various company number prefixes correspond to different legal or organisational types. Examples include “LP” for Limited Partnerships in England & Wales; “OC” for Limited Liability Partnerships (England & Wales); “IP” for Investment Companies with Variable Capital; “RC” for Royal Charter Companies in England & Wales; “CS” for Scottish charitable incorporated organisations; and many others. These prefixes help users quickly tell something about both the structure and registration location of a company.