Can Foreign Directors Complete Companies House ID Verification?

Yes — foreign directors can complete Companies House ID verification. The identity verification requirement applies to all directors of UK companies, regardless of nationality. If you are a foreign national who serves as a director of a UK company, here is what you need to know.

No nationality restriction

Companies House identity verification does not discriminate by nationality. Whether you are Pakistani, Indian, American, Emirati, Nigerian or any other nationality, the requirement and process are the same. What matters is your role at a UK company, not your passport.

The ACSP route for foreign directors

GOV.UK One Login requires a UK passport or UK driving licence, which most foreign directors do not have. The ACSP route accepts foreign passports and national identity cards, making it the standard route for foreign nationals.

What you need

• A current foreign passport or national identity card
• Your full name as it appears on the document
• Your date of birth and residential address
• Your UK company number(s)

The verification process

The process through an ACSP is straightforward:

1. Register online and provide your details
2. Upload your identity document
3. Complete the liveness check
4. Receive your 11-character personal code

Everything is done online — no UK visit required. Companies House ID Verification provides this service at a fixed £19 fee.

Common considerations for foreign directors

• Name consistency: ensure your name on the Companies House register matches your passport exactly
• Document language: your passport does not need to be in English, but key fields like name and date of birth must be readable
• Multiple directorships: your personal code works across all your UK company roles

Deadlines

Foreign directors have the same deadlines as UK directors. Existing directors must complete verification by November 2026. New directors must verify before their appointment can be registered.