Companies House Verification Using a Foreign Passport

Yes, you can use a foreign passport for Companies House identity verification. Through an ACSP, foreign passports from most countries are accepted as valid identity documents. This guide explains how the process works.

Why foreign passports are accepted

Companies House recognises that many directors, PSCs and other individuals connected to UK companies are foreign nationals. The ACSP framework was designed to accommodate international applicants by accepting identity documents from around the world, with passports being the most universally accepted.

Which foreign passports are accepted

Most current, valid foreign passports are accepted for ACSP verification. The passport must:

• Be current (not expired)
• Contain a clear photograph
• Include your full legal name and date of birth
• Be machine-readable (most modern passports are)

Some very old passport formats or temporary travel documents may not be accepted. If you are unsure, check with the ACSP before starting.

The verification process with a foreign passport

The process is the same as with any other accepted document:

1. Upload clear images of your passport (photo page and any other required pages)
2. The ACSP checks the document’s authenticity and security features
3. Complete a liveness check to confirm you match the passport photo
4. Your identity is verified and reported to Companies House
5. You receive your personal code

Name transliteration

If your passport is in a non-Latin script, it will include a transliteration of your name in Latin characters. This transliterated version must match your name on the Companies House register. If there are differences, update the register before starting verification.

Tips for a smooth process

• Take clear, well-lit photos of your passport — no glare or shadows
• Include the full page, not just the text area
• Ensure your passport has at least a few months of validity remaining
• Check name spelling against the Companies House register

Cost

Companies House ID Verification charges the same £19 fee regardless of which passport you use. There are no additional charges for foreign passport verification.