Companies House Identity Verification 2026 — What Polish LTD Directors Must Know About ECCTA Changes
The Biggest Companies House Reform in 180 Years
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) is reshaping how Companies House operates — and it directly affects every Polish entrepreneur who owns or plans to register a UK Limited Company. The most significant change: mandatory identity verification for all company directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and anyone filing documents on behalf of a company.
This is not a future announcement. The transition period is running right now in 2026, and Companies House is rolling out verification in phases. If you own a UK LTD as a Polish resident, here is exactly what you need to know and do.
Who Must Verify Their Identity?
Under ECCTA, identity verification will be mandatory for:
- All company directors — both new and existing, including corporate directors’ representatives
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) — anyone holding more than 25% of shares or voting rights
- Anyone filing documents on behalf of a company — accountants, formation agents, company secretaries
- New company incorporations — identity verification will be required before a company can be registered
This applies to all UK companies, regardless of where directors reside. Polish entrepreneurs with UK LTDs are equally affected.
How Identity Verification Works
Companies House will use GOV.UK One Login — the same system used for HMRC, DWP, and other government services. The verification process involves:
- Creating or linking a GOV.UK One Login account
- Providing biometric data — a photo of your face matched against your identity document
- Uploading a valid identity document — passport, national ID card, or UK biometric residence permit
- Answering security questions based on your credit/financial history (for UK residents) or document-based verification (for non-UK residents)
For Polish directors residing in Poland, document-based verification using a Polish passport or dowód osobisty will be the standard route. Companies House has confirmed that non-UK identity documents will be accepted.
Timeline: When You Need to Act
- Phase 1 (already live): New directors and PSCs of newly incorporated companies must verify
- Phase 2 (2026): Existing directors and PSCs receive a notice period — typically 14-28 days — to complete verification
- Phase 3 (2026-2027): Full enforcement — unverified individuals will be unable to file documents, and companies with unverified directors face sanctions
The exact deadline for existing directors has not been finalised by Companies House, but the 12-month transition period means most directors will need to verify during 2026.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to verify your identity is not a minor oversight. ECCTA introduces serious penalties:
- Criminal offence — directors who fail to verify can face prosecution and a criminal record
- Civil penalties — financial sanctions imposed by Companies House
- Filing restrictions — unverified individuals cannot submit documents to Companies House
- Company struck off — persistent non-compliance may lead to compulsory strike-off
- Public register annotation — the company’s record will show non-compliance, damaging credibility with banks, suppliers, and clients
Registered Office and Registered Email Address
ECCTA also introduces new requirements for all UK companies:
- Registered office address must be an “appropriate address” — PO boxes are no longer acceptable. Documents delivered there must be capable of acknowledgment by a person acting on behalf of the company.
- Registered email address — every company must provide and maintain a registered email address for Companies House communications. This email will not be publicly visible.
- Address changes — Companies House can now proactively challenge and change a company’s registered office if it appears illegitimate.
For Polish entrepreneurs using a virtual office or formation agent’s address (such as our 42-44 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AH, London address), this means ensuring your provider meets the new “appropriate address” standard.
What Polish LTD Owners Should Do Now
- Check your current status — verify that your director and PSC details at Companies House are accurate and up to date
- Prepare your identity documents — ensure your passport or national ID card is valid and has at least 6 months remaining
- Create a GOV.UK One Login — you can do this now at gov.uk, even before the verification window opens
- Review your registered office — confirm it meets the “appropriate address” standard
- Set up a registered email — designate an email address that is actively monitored for Companies House correspondence
- Consult your formation agent — if you registered through a formation service, ask about their ECCTA compliance plan
How Semper Paratus Supports Your Compliance
As your UK company formation and accounting partner, we are actively monitoring ECCTA implementation and will guide every client through the identity verification process. Our services include:
- Registered office at 42-44 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AH — a genuine commercial address meeting the “appropriate address” standard
- Director’s correspondence address service
- Proactive ECCTA compliance monitoring and deadline reminders
- Assistance with Companies House filings and updates
- Monthly accounting from 400 PLN/month covering all statutory obligations
Don’t wait for the enforcement deadline. Prepare your LTD now.
📞 +48 530 447 230 (PL) | +44 745 638 6117 (UK)
📧 [email protected]
🔗 https://calendly.com/semperparatus/
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about ECCTA implementation as of April 2026. Companies House timelines are subject to change. Please consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your company.
