Companies House Verification for International Business Owners

If you own or control a UK company from abroad, you are an international business owner who must complete Companies House identity verification. This guide is written specifically for overseas entrepreneurs and investors with UK company interests.

Why international business owners must verify

ECCTA requires identity verification for everyone connected to UK companies in qualifying roles. As an international business owner, you may be registered as a director, a PSC, or both. Each role carries its own verification obligation.

Common scenarios for international business owners

• Sole director and PSC: you need to provide your personal code for both your directorship and your PSC role
• Investor (PSC only): if you hold more than 25% of shares but are not a director, you verify as a PSC
• Multiple UK companies: you verify once and use the same personal code across all companies, but must link it separately for each role
• Joint ventures: each individual meeting the PSC threshold must verify independently

The practical process

1. Identify all your UK company roles (director, PSC, LLP member, authorised filer)
2. Check each company’s register to ensure your details are correct
3. Complete identity verification through an ACSP using your foreign passport
4. Receive your personal code
5. Provide the code for each role at each company

Working with your UK accountant

Many international business owners have a UK-based accountant or company secretary. Your accountant can:

• Check your details on the Companies House register
• Advise on your verification deadlines
• Provide your personal code on your behalf (if you share it securely)
• Carry out verification if they are a registered ACSP

Deadlines for international owners

The deadlines are the same as for UK-based individuals. Existing directors and PSCs must complete verification by November 2026. New appointments must verify before registration.

Companies House ID Verification provides guided verification for international business owners at a fixed £19 per person. Visit our how it works page for the complete process.