For non-resident directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs), identity verification is now an important part of operating a UK company. Companies House introduced mandatory identity verification requirements as part of reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The requirements apply to directors and PSCs, including individuals who live outside the UK.
The Non-Resident Identity Verification (Director/PSC) service is designed to help an overseas individual complete the required identity-check process without needing to travel to the UK. The service covers one director or PSC and uses an online verification process involving identity documents, proof of address and a live facial check. Once the verification process has been completed successfully, the verified information can be submitted to Companies House and the individual receives their Companies House personal code.
For founders managing a UK company from overseas, completing this requirement is an important step in keeping company appointments and filings aligned with current Companies House requirements.
What Is Non-Resident Identity Verification?
Non-resident identity verification is the process through which an overseas director or PSC proves their identity for Companies House. A director is an individual formally appointed to manage a company, while a PSC is an individual who has significant control or influence over the company.
Identity verification is a legal requirement for directors and PSCs. Companies House states that individuals may need to verify their identity to set up, run, own or control a UK company. The requirement applies to both new and existing directors and PSCs.
Once verification has been successfully completed, Companies House issues a unique personal code. This code is associated with the individual's verified identity and is used to connect that identity with relevant company appointments and filings.
For non-residents, the process can be completed online, making it possible to address the requirement while living abroad. The individual still needs to provide the required identification and supporting information and complete the verification steps successfully.
What's Included in the Identity Verification Service?
The service is intended for one director or PSC. If several individuals connected with the same company need to complete identity verification, a separate verification is required for each person because every individual receives their own personal code.
Secure Online ID Check
The service includes an online identity check for one director or PSC. The individual completes the verification remotely using a suitable device with a camera or webcam.
The online process is designed to establish that the person completing the check is the same person identified by the submitted identity document. A live selfie or facial check may form part of the process.
This makes the service suitable for overseas company owners and officers who cannot conveniently attend a UK location to deal with the requirement.
Government-Issued Photo Identification
A valid government-issued photo ID is required to complete the identity check. The source service identifies documents such as a passport or driving licence as examples of acceptable photo identification, subject to the verification requirements.
Companies House also provides its own online verification route and lists eligible photo identification for its GOV.UK One Login process, including biometric passports from any country and certain UK-issued documents.
The precise document requirements should be followed during the verification process rather than assuming that every form of identification will automatically be accepted.
Recent Proof of Address
The service also requires recent evidence of residential address. Examples given by the service include a bank statement or utility bill issued within the previous three months.
For a non-resident director or PSC, this is particularly relevant because the residential address may be outside the UK. The purpose is to provide supporting information that can be checked alongside the identity document.
Providing clear and current documentation can help avoid unnecessary problems during the verification process.
Online Verification Through a Digital Check
The service uses a digital verification process in which the individual's identification information and facial image are checked. The source service states that its verification technology compares the live selfie with the photograph contained on the submitted identity document.
The individual therefore needs access to a suitable smartphone, laptop or desktop computer with a camera or webcam. The verification is completed remotely rather than requiring a physical appointment in the UK.
Submission of Verified Details to Companies House
After the identity check has been completed successfully, the verified information is submitted to Companies House. The source service states that completed verification information is reviewed and submitted within its stated service process.
This is an important distinction: completing an online ID check is not the same as simply holding a copy of an identity document. The verification needs to be connected with the Companies House identity-verification requirement.
Companies House explains that verification can be completed directly through its own service or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
Companies House Personal Code
A successful verification results in a Companies House personal code. This is a unique identifier issued to the individual after their identity has been successfully verified.
The personal code is important for future company administration. Companies House explains that directors use their personal code to confirm their verified status, while PSCs also need to provide the code as part of the relevant process.
The code should be kept securely because the same personal code is used when the individual needs to confirm their verified identity for relevant appointments or filings.
Identity Verification for Non-Resident Directors
A non-resident director is not exempt from Companies House identity verification simply because they live outside the UK. Directors are included within the individuals required to verify their identity.
Companies House states that directors will need to provide their personal code as part of the company's relevant confirmation statement process. For a new company, directors are required to provide their personal codes as part of the incorporation process once the relevant requirements apply.
This means overseas founders should treat identity verification as part of their normal UK company administration rather than as an optional additional service.
If a director holds appointments in more than one UK company, identity verification itself does not have to be repeated simply because the person is connected with multiple companies. Companies House explains that a verified individual can use the same personal code for different appointments.
Identity Verification for Non-Resident PSCs
A Person with Significant Control must also complete identity verification where the requirement applies. A PSC is generally an individual who has significant control over a company, and Companies House requires PSCs to verify their identity and provide their personal code.
The timing of the requirement depends on the individual's circumstances and appointment. Companies House provides specific guidance for PSCs, including the period in which they must provide their verification details.
For an overseas PSC, the practical process remains centred on completing the required identity check and ensuring the resulting personal code is correctly connected with the individual's company records.
What Documents Do You Need?
Before starting the process, a non-resident director or PSC should have the required identification and supporting information available.
The service source identifies three key requirements: a suitable device with a camera or webcam, valid government-issued photographic identification, and recent proof of residential address.
The identification document should be valid and suitable for the verification process. Proof of address should also be recent and clearly show the individual's residential details.
Preparing these documents before beginning the online check can make the process more straightforward. If a verification attempt fails, further information or another attempt may be required.
What Happens After You Buy?
The process is designed to take place online and follows a series of straightforward stages.
- Place the order. The service covers identity verification for one director or PSC. A separate order is required for each additional individual.
- Provide officer information. After purchase, an online form is supplied for the required information about the person being verified.
- Receive the verification invitation. The compliance team sends an invitation to complete the online identity check.
- Complete the ID check. The individual provides the required identification and address information and completes the live verification process using a suitable device.
- Confirm completion. Once the ID check has been completed, confirmation is provided so the verification can proceed to the Companies House submission stage.
- Receive the personal code. Companies House sends the individual's personal code directly to them by email following successful verification.
The personal code should then be retained securely for use when required for company appointments and filings.
Staying Compliant After Verification
Identity verification is one part of wider company compliance. Completing the check does not remove the need to keep other company information and statutory filings up to date.
Directors and PSCs should pay attention to the deadlines that apply to their particular circumstances. Companies House provides guidance explaining when directors and PSCs need to verify their identity and when personal codes must be supplied.
The requirement is particularly important for overseas company owners because living outside the UK does not remove the underlying Companies House obligations. Keeping the personal code securely and making sure it is available when required can help with future company administration.
Companies House also explains that mandatory identity verification became a legal requirement from 18 November 2025, with a transition period for existing companies and individuals to complete verification according to their applicable deadlines.
Who Is This Service For?
The Non-Resident Identity Verification (Director/PSC) service is intended for individuals outside the UK who need to complete Companies House identity verification as a director or PSC.
It can be relevant to overseas founders establishing a UK company, existing non-resident directors managing a UK company, and overseas individuals who have significant control over a UK company.
It is also suitable where a company has more than one overseas officer who needs verification, although each individual must complete their own verification and receive their own personal code.
The service is particularly useful where the individual wants to handle the process remotely rather than arrange a visit to the UK.
Why Choose Non-Residents UK Company Formation?
Non-Residents UK Company Formation focuses on services relevant to founders and company owners who manage UK companies from outside the country. Identity verification is increasingly important within UK company administration, so having a clear process for dealing with the requirement can help overseas directors and PSCs understand what information they need to provide.
The service is structured around the practical requirements of the verification process, including the online ID check, supporting documents, submission of verified details and personal code.
It also keeps the process focused on the individual who actually needs to be verified. Where several directors or PSCs are involved, each person can be dealt with separately rather than treating the company's identity verification as a single generic requirement.
For official guidance, Companies House provides its current requirements for verifying identity and explains the obligations applying to directors and PSCs. GOV.UK: Verifying your identity for Companies House
What Happens If Verification Is Not Completed?
Identity verification is a legal requirement for individuals covered by the Companies House rules. Failure to complete the required verification can affect the individual's ability to act in the relevant capacity or complete certain company processes.
Companies House states that directors must verify their identity, while PSCs who do not comply with the relevant requirements may also commit an offence.
For this reason, overseas directors and PSCs should not treat identity verification as a routine optional administrative check. The applicable deadline depends on the individual's circumstances, so the Companies House guidance should be checked when determining when action is required.
Finalising Your UK Company Identity Verification
For a non-resident director or PSC, identity verification provides the link between the individual and their verified Companies House identity. The process involves submitting suitable identification, completing the online check and ensuring the verified information is submitted correctly.
Once Companies House has issued the personal code, the individual should keep it secure and use it whenever the code is required for a relevant company appointment or filing.
The Non-Resident Identity Verification (Director/PSC) service provides a structured route through the verification process for one individual. By preparing the required documents in advance and following each verification stage carefully, overseas directors and PSCs can address this part of their UK company administration remotely.
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