# Select Your Business Type

During onboarding you choose the entity type that matches your registered business. This guide explains each option so you can choose confidently. Your selection sets the fields Unipaas asks for next, and it maps directly to the `type` you send when you [create a vendor](/docs/create-vendor/): `individual`, `company`, or `non-profit`.

Caution

Pick carefully. Your selection must match your registered legal entity, and it cannot be changed once you continue. If you are unsure which applies, [contact support](/docs/support/) before continuing.

## Individual / sole trader

You and your business are one and the same. This is for freelancers, self-employed individuals, and small business owners who are personally responsible for business debts and liabilities. In the API, this is `type: individual`.

**Who it's for**

* Freelancers and contractors invoicing under their own name
* Self-employed professionals such as designers, consultants, and tradespeople
* Small business owners who have not incorporated
* Side businesses operated by a single person

**Typical examples**

* A freelance photographer trading as "Jane Smith Photography"
* An independent plumber registered for Self Assessment with HMRC
* An Etsy seller running a craft shop from home

**What you'll need to provide**

* Personal identification (passport or driving licence)
* Proof of address
* UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) if registered with HMRC
* A personal or business bank account in your name

Note

If your business is registered at Companies House as a limited company, choose Private company instead.

## Private company

A separate legal entity registered at Companies House. This is for limited companies (Ltd), limited liability partnerships (LLP), and other incorporated businesses with their own legal identity. In the API, this is `type: company`.

**Who it's for**

* Private limited companies (Ltd)
* Limited liability partnerships (LLP)
* Companies limited by guarantee that are not charities
* Any business with a company registration number at Companies House

**Typical examples**

* A SaaS startup incorporated as "Acme Technologies Ltd"
* A two-person consultancy operating as an LLP
* A family-owned retailer registered as a limited company

**What you'll need to provide**

* Company registration number
* Registered office address
* Details of directors and persons with significant control (PSCs)
* A business bank account in the company's name

Note

Sole traders, partnerships not registered at Companies House, and registered charities should choose a different option.

## Non-profit

A mission-driven organisation that is not run for profit. This is for state-funded schools identified by a URN, unincorporated associations and clubs, or registered charities not incorporated at Companies House. In the API, this is `type: non-profit`.

**Who it's for**

* State-funded schools, academies, and multi-academy trusts (identified by URN)
* Registered charities not incorporated at Companies House
* Unincorporated associations, community groups, and clubs
* Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs)

**Typical examples**

* A local primary school taking parent payments
* A youth football club collecting subs
* A registered charity raising donations

**What you'll need to provide**

* URN (for schools) or charity registration number
* Governing document (constitution, trust deed, or articles)
* Details of trustees or governing body members
* An organisation bank account

Note

Charitable companies registered at Companies House should select Private company instead.

## Still not sure which applies?

If your business does not clearly match one of the options above, do not guess. [Contact support](/docs/support/) and we can help you pick the right entity type before you continue with onboarding.

This page is informational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always confirm your entity type matches your official registration.