SIC code lookup: find a UK SIC code and how many companies use it
Search SIC codes
The search runs in your browser. Counts are live companies (any status other than dissolved) whose first listed SIC code is the code shown, from the Companies House register of 1 October 2026.
The 15 most common SIC codes
| SIC code | Activity | Live companies |
|---|---|---|
| 68209 | Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate | 284,610 |
| 68100 | Buying and selling of own real estate | 259,676 |
| 70229 | Management consultancy activities other than financial management | 223,192 |
| 82990 | Other business support service activities n.e.c. | 180,504 |
| 47910 | Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet | 165,117 |
| 62020 | Information technology consultancy activities | 129,365 |
| 98000 | Residents property management | 126,192 |
| 64209 | Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. | 119,904 |
| 41100 | Development of building projects | 119,361 |
| 96090 | Other service activities n.e.c. | 118,489 |
| 62012 | Business and domestic software development | 99,226 |
| 86900 | Other human health activities | 81,937 |
| 56103 | Take-away food shops and mobile food stands | 72,535 |
| 41202 | Construction of domestic buildings | 71,617 |
| 96020 | Hairdressing and other beauty treatment | 70,677 |
The placeholder code 99999 (dormant company) is excluded from the search. Industry-level statistics for each section, including net assets, cash and the share of companies with overdue accounts, are on the UK industry statistics pages.
How SIC codes work at Companies House
Every UK company declares its nature of business using up to four SIC codes when it incorporates and confirms or changes them in each confirmation statement. Companies House uses the UK SIC 2007 list, which has five-digit codes grouped into 21 sections (A to U) and two-digit divisions.
- The first digit pair is the division: 62 is computer programming and consultancy, 43 is specialised construction.
- Codes are self-declared and not checked by Companies House, so a company can trade in a different activity from its code.
- 74990 (non-trading company) and 99999 (dormant company) mark companies that do not trade.
- 98000 (residents property management) covers the many companies owned by flat owners to manage their building.
Read more in the glossary: what a SIC code is.
FAQ
How do I find a company's SIC code?
Search the company on Companies House or on our company search: the register shows its nature of business with up to four SIC codes. The first code listed is usually the main activity.
What is the most common SIC code in the UK?
On the Companies House register of 1 October 2026, 68209 (Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate) is the most common first SIC code, with 284,610 live companies.
Can a company change its SIC code?
Yes. A company updates its SIC codes when it files its confirmation statement, at least once every 12 months. There is no separate form and no fee beyond the confirmation statement fee.
How many SIC codes can a company have?
Up to four on the Companies House register. The order matters to most data users, who treat the first code as the main activity.
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