The UK has introduced new laws under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, requiring identity verification for individuals involved in company formation. Starting from March 4, 2024, all directors, owners, and significant controllers must verify their identities at Companies House. This aims to enhance corporate transparency and prevent misuse of companies for illegal activities. New companies must complete this verification during incorporation, while existing companies will have a transition period to comply[1][2][3].
Sources
[1] Changes to UK Company Law - What You Need To Know Changes to UK company law - what you need to know
[2] New identity verification rules for directors and owners of UK ... - Cripps New identity verification rules for directors and owners of UK registered companies
[3] What's new with Companies House? Updates and reforms in 2024 What’s new with Companies House? Updates and reforms in 2024 | Apr - 2024 | A&L Goodbody
[4] Corporate Law Update: 18 - 24 May 2024 - Macfarlanes Corporate Law Update: 18 - 24 May 2024 - Macfarlanes
[5] Get ready for changes to UK company law Get ready for changes to UK company law – Companies House
[6] Changes to UK company law Changes to UK company law
[7] Companies House - GOV.UK Companies House
[8] Companies House changes 2024 - Stone King Companies House changes 2024
I remember back in the day, it was possible to register a UK company with some registered agents without completing any extra verifications as they would only ask you for your passport scan, and that's it. Is it still working with some agents, or is it not possible anymore?
My friend even had to notarize his passport to open a UK company.
Sources
[1] Changes to UK Company Law - What You Need To Know Changes to UK company law - what you need to know
[2] New identity verification rules for directors and owners of UK ... - Cripps New identity verification rules for directors and owners of UK registered companies
[3] What's new with Companies House? Updates and reforms in 2024 What’s new with Companies House? Updates and reforms in 2024 | Apr - 2024 | A&L Goodbody
[4] Corporate Law Update: 18 - 24 May 2024 - Macfarlanes Corporate Law Update: 18 - 24 May 2024 - Macfarlanes
[5] Get ready for changes to UK company law Get ready for changes to UK company law – Companies House
[6] Changes to UK company law Changes to UK company law
[7] Companies House - GOV.UK Companies House
[8] Companies House changes 2024 - Stone King Companies House changes 2024
I remember back in the day, it was possible to register a UK company with some registered agents without completing any extra verifications as they would only ask you for your passport scan, and that's it. Is it still working with some agents, or is it not possible anymore?
My friend even had to notarize his passport to open a UK company.