Companies House ID Verification for Foreigners

If you are a foreign national with a role at a UK company, you must complete Companies House ID verification. This applies whether you live in the UK or abroad. The process is accessible to people of all nationalities, and you do not need UK citizenship or UK documents.

Who this affects

The verification requirement applies to foreign nationals who are:

• Directors of UK companies
• Persons with significant control (PSCs) of UK companies
• Members of UK LLPs
• Authorised filers at Companies House

Your verification route

Most foreign nationals will use the ACSP route, which accepts foreign passports and national identity cards. GOV.UK One Login is available only if you hold a UK passport or UK driving licence — some foreign nationals living in the UK may have a UK driving licence.

Accepted documents

Through an ACSP, accepted documents typically include:

• Passports from most countries
• National identity cards from countries that issue them
• Some foreign driving licences (varies by provider)

The document must be current, contain a photo and include your full legal name and date of birth. Check the requirements page for specific guidance.

Language considerations

Your identity document does not need to be in English. Most passports include information in both the local language and a Latin-script transliteration. The ACSP uses the transliterated version. Ensure this matches your Companies House register entry.

The process

1. Register with an ACSP online
2. Provide your personal details and company information
3. Upload your identity document
4. Complete the liveness check
5. Receive your personal code

The entire process is online. Companies House ID Verification charges £19 per person with full support for foreign applicants.

Same deadlines apply

Foreign nationals have the same deadlines as UK citizens: November 2026 for existing role holders, and immediate verification for new appointments after 18 November 2025.