Registered office, ID and compliance
Every director and PSC must verify their identity. What overseas directors need, and the direct versus ACSP-led routes.
Short answer
Overseas directors verify identity either directly with Companies House using GOV.UK One Login and a passport or national ID, or indirectly through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider that confirms identity on their behalf. Both routes require the same underlying documents and checks.
Written and reviewed by Waqas Sagar Member of ICAEW, Fellow of ACCA, Fellow of AAT, a double graduate and entrepreneur at heart, helping startups grow and serving thousands of businesses nationwide with an excellent team. Published by LimitedCompany.Accountants, 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Reviewed 12 September 2026 against 2026/27 UK rates and current Companies House and HMRC guidance.
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QuickBooks PartnerCertified ProAdvisor100+ yearsCombined team experienceFully insuredUp to £2m indemnityOverseas directors verify identity either directly with Companies House using GOV.UK One Login and a passport or national ID, or indirectly through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider that confirms identity on their behalf. Both routes require the same underlying documents and checks.
Direct verification abroad
Using an ACSP instead
The direct route uses an online identity check against a passport or similar document plus a live selfie match, which works from most countries without needing to visit a UK office or post office in person.
Where the automated check fails, for example due to document quality or an unusual name format, Companies House offers a fallback process, but this can take longer, so it is worth allowing extra time before an incorporation deadline.
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider, typically an accountant or formation agent already registered with Companies House, can verify identity on a director's behalf as part of handling the company's formation and filings.
This route suits directors who are already using an ACSP for incorporation, since it avoids a separate self-service step and puts the verification into a professional's existing due diligence process.
Our fixed monthly packages for a UK limited company start at £89 plus VAT and run to £169 and £289 plus VAT as bookkeeping, VAT, payroll and reporting are added. One-off filings are sold at fixed prices, and the Companies House fees we pay for you are charged at cost with no VAT added. Overseas owners are quoted on exactly the same published prices as UK-resident clients.
Rates, thresholds and deadlines here reflect the 2026/27 UK position and current Companies House and HMRC guidance. Check GOV.UK, or ask us, before relying on them for your own company.
Primary references
Local help
We work with company directors across London and Surrey from our office at 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Pick your area, or send the form below and we will call you back.
Frequently asked
Every director and every person with significant control must verify their own identity individually.
Direct verification through Companies House is free; an ACSP may charge as part of its service.
Companies House can refuse filings and ultimately treat the company as non-compliant, risking strike off.
Keep bank statements, sales and platform reports, purchase invoices, payroll records, VAT workings, finance agreements and Companies House correspondence. We confirm the exact list at onboarding and identify gaps before a filing deadline becomes urgent.
The fee depends on transaction volume, record quality, VAT and payroll requirements, historic catch-up and the level of reporting needed. We agree a fixed scope and price before technical work starts, with published packages available on our fees page.
Yes. We request professional clearance, collect the prior records and authorities, check the next Companies House and HMRC deadlines, and give you one clear handover list. The process is normally completed remotely.
Yes. We work through secure cloud records, scheduled reviews and digital approvals, while keeping a named team available by phone, video call and email. Clients can also visit our Morden office by appointment.
We regularly work with Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage and connected sales or expense apps. The right setup depends on transaction volume, integrations and the reports you need, not simply the software brand.
The relevant calendar may include annual accounts, Corporation Tax payment and return dates, confirmation statements, VAT returns, payroll submissions and Self Assessment. We map the dates from your company year end and registrations.
Yes. You can ask a straightforward initial question without charge. Calculations, filings, written advice, planning and HMRC correspondence are scoped and quoted before work begins.
Included approach
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Share your next deadline, accounting problem or growth question. We will reply with a clear next step and quote any technical work before it begins.
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Pick a time that suits you and a qualified accountant will call you about your company, deadlines and fees.
Appointments run monday to friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Your confirmation is emailed straight away.
