Companies House ID Verification 2026 — What Polish LTD Directors Need to Know
Identity Verification Is Coming — Are You Ready?
The UK’s Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) is bringing the biggest change to Companies House in decades: mandatory identity verification for all company directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and anyone filing documents on behalf of a company.
If you’re a Polish entrepreneur running a UK Limited Company (LTD), you need to understand what’s coming and how to prepare.
What’s Changing?
Under the new rules, Companies House will require every director and PSC to verify their identity. This applies to all new directors from the implementation date onward, all existing directors (with a transition period), PSCs (separate verification required, even if already verified as director), and anyone filing documents on behalf of a company including accountants and formation agents.
When Does This Take Effect?
The exact implementation date has not been confirmed, but the timeline points to no earlier than November 2026. Companies House is building the digital infrastructure now, and the rollout will be phased. Once live, there will be a transition period for existing directors to comply. The key takeaway: if you’re planning to register a UK LTD, doing it sooner rather than later means you’ll avoid the immediate verification requirement and benefit from the transition period.
Fee Increases Already in Effect
Since 1 February 2026, Companies House fees have already increased: digital incorporation went from £34 to £50 (up 47%), paper incorporation from £62 to £110 (up 77%), and a new same-day service tier at £156.
What This Means for Polish LTD Owners
For Polish entrepreneurs, the ID verification requirement adds complexity. You’ll need to prove your identity to Companies House, your PSC status requires separate verification, your formation agent must also be verified, and non-compliance could result in criminal penalties including fines and potential disqualification.
The Strategic Advantage: Act Before the Deadline
Companies registered before the ID verification requirement takes effect will benefit from the transition period. Register your LTD now under the current simpler rules, complete verification during the transition period without the pressure of immediate deadlines, and stay compliant to avoid disruption to your business operations.
We’re Here to Help
At Semper Paratus, we’ve been helping Polish entrepreneurs register and manage UK Limited Companies for years. We’re closely monitoring the ECCTA implementation timeline and will guide our clients through every step of the new compliance requirements. Contact us at [email protected] or call +48 530 447 230 to schedule your free consultation.
