How to Complete Companies House Verification From India

Indian directors, PSCs and LLP members of UK companies must complete Companies House identity verification under ECCTA. The entire process is available online and can be completed from anywhere in India without visiting the UK.

Why verification is required for Indian nationals

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act requires all individuals connected to UK companies to prove their identity to Companies House. With a large number of Indian nationals serving as directors and PSCs of UK companies, this requirement affects a significant community. The deadline for existing officeholders is November 2026.

Accepted Indian documents

The GOV.UK One Login route is limited to UK passports and driving licences. Indian applicants should use the ACSP route, which accepts:

• Indian passport — the primary accepted document. Must be current, machine-readable and undamaged.
• OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card — if you hold an OCI card alongside an Indian or other passport, it may serve as supplementary evidence.

Note that an Aadhaar card is not accepted as a primary identity document for Companies House verification. While Aadhaar is widely used in India for identity purposes, Companies House requires a photo identity document with an internationally recognised format.

The remote verification process from India

1. Choose an ACSP that supports Indian applicants and accepts Indian passports
2. Register and provide your personal details, including your Indian residential address
3. Upload a clear photograph or scan of your Indian passport data page
4. Complete the liveness check using your phone or computer camera
5. Receive your 11-character personal code once verification is approved

Common issues for Indian applicants

• Name format differences — Indian passports may list your name with initials or in a different order from the Companies House record. For example, “Rajesh Kumar Singh” on your passport vs “Singh, Rajesh Kumar” at Companies House. Check and update the register first if needed.
• Multiple passports — if you have renewed your passport and the old number was linked to your Companies House record, ensure the new passport details match.
• Address verification — your Indian residential address does not need to match the company’s registered office. Provide your actual home address in India.

Time zone considerations

India is 5.5 hours ahead of the UK (IST, UTC+5:30). Online verification can be completed at any time, and document processing happens during UK business hours. Most verifications are completed within one to two working days.

Verify from India with Companies House ID Verification

Companies House ID Verification is designed for international applicants, including those in India. The service costs a fixed £19 per person and guides you through every step. Check the requirements page to confirm your Indian passport meets the criteria, then start your verification.