Companies House Identity Verification: What Every UK Director Needs to Do Now
Since 18 November 2025, UK directors and persons with significant control must verify their identity with Companies House — what changed, who it affects, and what…
Europe
Company Formation & Corporate Services in the United Kingdom
A UK company still carries real weight with banks, suppliers, and partners worldwide — a widely recognised corporate framework built on centuries of commercial law, not a same-day registration gimmick. The framework has also just changed: since 18 November 2025, directors and persons with significant control must verify their identity with Companies House. We build that into every UK setup, not treat it as fine print.
Headline Compliance Point
Identity Verification
Mandatory Companies House identity verification became a legal requirement from 18 November 2025 for company directors, LLP members, and persons with significant control (PSCs). New directors must verify their identity before incorporation or appointment; existing directors and PSCs verify on a phased timetable tied to their company’s confirmation statement date.
Build Your Business coordinates your own verification through GOV.UK One Login and makes sure it is completed in the right order — we do not perform the identity check ourselves.
The Detail That Matters
Ownership & Tax Snapshot
The UK permits 100% foreign ownership of a private limited company, with no general nationality or residency restriction on shareholders or directors. Corporation tax is 25% for companies with profits above £250,000, with a lower rate (currently 19%) for profits below £50,000 and marginal relief in between. VAT registration is required once taxable turnover exceeds the current threshold. There is no general restriction on repatriating profits.
How It Runs
The Setup Process
-
Company name check and structure confirmation (a private limited company is the standard vehicle for most foreign founders).
-
Director and PSC identity verification via GOV.UK One Login or an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.
-
Incorporation filing with Companies House (Memorandum & Articles of Association).
-
HMRC registration for Corporation Tax, and VAT registration once required.
-
Registered office address and statutory register setup.
-
Bank account introduction and any required visa/sponsor-licence coordination for relocating staff.
Who You Register With
UK Registrars & Regulators
| Role | |
|---|---|
| Companies House | Registrar of companies: incorporation, identity verification, confirmation statements and annual accounts |
| HMRC | Corporation Tax, VAT and PAYE registration and returns |
| Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) | Authorisation for regulated financial activities only |
After Incorporation
Ongoing Compliance Calendar
Annual
- Confirmation statement (including director/PSC identity-verification codes)
- Annual accounts filed with Companies House
- Corporation Tax return (CT600) filed with HMRC
As applicable
- VAT returns (typically quarterly) for VAT-registered companies
Ad hoc
- PSC register updates within 14 days of any change
At A Glance
United Kingdom At A Glance
Main Industries
Why Choose This Market
- A framework the world recognises: UK company law and English-law contracts are familiar to banks, investors and counterparties worldwide.
- Access to capital: London remains one of the world’s leading financial centres, and investors know how to back a UK company.
- Open to foreign founders: No foreign-ownership restriction and no requirement for a UK-resident director.
United Kingdom FAQs
Questions We Are Actually Asked
Your question is not here? Put it to an advisor who works on United Kingdom every week.
Book a ConsultationDo I need to verify my identity to set up a UK company?
Yes — since 18 November 2025, identity verification is mandatory for all directors and persons with significant control, including new appointments and, on a phased basis, existing ones.
Can I own 100% of a UK company as a non-resident?
Yes. There’s no restriction on foreign ownership of a UK private limited company, and no requirement for a UK-resident director.
How long does it take to set up a UK company?
Companies House usually registers an online incorporation within about a day of filing, once every director and PSC has completed identity verification. Opening a bank account takes longer and depends on the bank’s own checks, so we plan the timeline around both.
Do I need a UK address for my company?
Yes. Every UK company needs a registered office address in the UK and a registered email address for Companies House. The registered office must be an appropriate address where official post can be received — not a PO box. We can provide or arrange one.
When does a UK company need to register for VAT?
Once taxable turnover passes HMRC’s VAT registration threshold over a rolling 12-month period, or earlier if you expect to cross it within the next 30 days. Many B2B businesses register voluntarily before then so they can reclaim VAT on costs. We check the current threshold at setup.
How We Check This Page
Checked against Companies House and GOV.UK guidance confirming the 18 Nov 2025 mandatory identity-verification start date and phased rollout, 31 Aug 2026, corroborated across Companies House’s own blog and multiple law-firm alerts.
Regulatory and tax rules change. This page is general information about United Kingdom, not tax or legal advice — we confirm the current position for your activity before you commit to a structure.
More Jurisdictions
Explore Other Countries We Cover
Malta
A regulated EU holding and trading jurisdiction — not a shortcut.
Explore → PortugalA fast, EU-standard company setup with a falling corporate tax rate, and a Madeira option with conditions.
Explore → CyprusAn EU holding and trading base built on common-law company rules, now with a 15% corporate tax rate.
Explore → GibraltarA compact, English-law jurisdiction for financial services, gaming and holding structures.
Explore →
Talk It Through
Not Sure Which Structure Fits?
Bring us the business you actually plan to run in United Kingdom, and we will tell you honestly whether this is the right jurisdiction for it — and which structure inside it makes sense.