Non-UK Resident Director Identity Verification - Companies House
Non-UK resident directors of UK companies must comply with Companies House identity verification requirements. Living outside the UK does not exempt a director from the new identity verification rules introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
The process applies to directors regardless of where they live, making identity verification an important requirement for international business owners, overseas property investors and non-resident company directors.
Do Non-UK Resident Directors Need to Verify?
Yes. A director who lives outside the UK must verify their identity if they are a director of a UK company.
Companies House accepts a biometric passport from any country as one of the documents that can be used for online identity verification.
After successful verification, the director receives a Companies House personal code.
How Can a Non-UK Director Verify Identity?
There are two main routes:
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Verify directly through GOV.UK One Login
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Use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, or ACSP
The direct verification process is free. An ACSP, such as an eligible accountant or solicitor, can carry out the identity check on the director's behalf.
The ACSP route can be particularly useful for directors who live overseas or experience difficulties completing the direct verification process.
What Documents Can an Overseas Director Use?
A biometric passport from any country can be used for the online Companies House identity verification process.
The director may also need to provide information about themselves during the verification process. The information should relate to the individual rather than the company.
The exact verification route offered can depend on the individual's circumstances and the information available to Companies House.
What Is the Companies House Personal Code?
Once verification is successfully completed, the director receives an 11-character personal code.
This code belongs to the director personally rather than the company.
An overseas director of several UK companies generally uses the same personal code to connect their verified identity to each relevant directorship.
The code should be kept secure and only shared with trusted people who need it for legitimate Companies House filings.
When Does a Non-UK Director Need to Verify?
For an existing director of a UK company, the personal code generally needs to be provided as part of the company's next confirmation statement.
For a new director, the personal code is required as part of the appointment filing or company incorporation process.
The introduction of mandatory verification on 18 November 2025 was the beginning of a transition period, not a single deadline applying to every director.
What If the Overseas Director Cannot Verify?
If the direct verification process fails, the director should check that their personal information and identity documents are correct before trying again.
If they continue to experience problems, an Authorised Corporate Service Provider can provide an alternative verification route.
This can be particularly helpful for non-UK resident directors who are managing a UK company from abroad.
What Happens If a Non-UK Director Does Not Verify?
Non-UK residence does not remove the consequences of failing to comply.
If a director continues to act after the relevant deadline without completing the required verification, they may be committing an offence. The company can also face problems completing its confirmation statement because all relevant directors need to have completed verification.
Financial penalties and other enforcement measures may also apply.
Fraser Bond Non-Resident Director Verification Support
Fraser Bond provides practical UK company administration and corporate compliance support for non-UK resident directors, overseas investors, property companies and international businesses.
Support can include Companies House identity verification administration, personal code assistance, confirmation statement support, director compliance, PSC requirements and wider UK corporate administration.
For international directors who are unfamiliar with UK Companies House procedures, professional support can help ensure the verification process is completed correctly and on time.
Complete Your Companies House Verification
If you are a non-UK resident director of a UK company, you should arrange your identity verification before the relevant Companies House filing deadline.
Verify your identity, obtain your personal code and make sure it is provided to Companies House when required. Completing the process early can help avoid unnecessary problems with company filings and director compliance.
