ECCT Act 2026 — What UK LTD Directors Must Know About Companies House Identity Verification
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The UK’s Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act is bringing the biggest changes to Companies House in decades. If you’re a non-resident director of a UK LTD company, these changes directly affect you — and the deadlines are approaching.
What Is the ECCT Act?
Passed in 2023 and being rolled out through 2025-2026, the ECCT Act transforms Companies House from a passive registrar into an active gatekeeper. The goal: combat economic crime and improve the accuracy of the UK company register.
For company directors — especially non-residents — this means mandatory identity verification, stricter filing requirements, and new compliance obligations.
Key Changes Affecting LTD Directors in 2026
1. Mandatory Identity Verification
Every company director, PSC (Person with Significant Control), and anyone filing on behalf of a company must verify their identity with Companies House. This applies to:
- New directors — verification required before appointment
- Existing directors — must verify by a transitional deadline (expected mid-2026)
- Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) — must be registered and verified
2. How Verification Works for Non-Residents
If you don’t live in the UK, you can verify your identity through:
- A UK-based Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
- Digital verification via certified IDSP (Identity Service Provider)
- In-person verification at a designated UK office
3. Registered Office Address Rules
Companies House is tightening address requirements. PO boxes and non-genuine addresses will be rejected. Your registered office must be:
- A physical address where documents can be delivered
- Properly authorised for use as a company’s registered office
- Not solely a forwarding address without proper authorisation
4. New Filing Obligations
The ECCT Act introduces stricter requirements for:
- Confirmation Statements — must include verified director information
- Annual Accounts — enhanced scrutiny for inconsistencies
- Changes to company details — faster reporting deadlines
Companies House Fee Changes (February 2026)
Alongside the ECCT Act rollout, Companies House significantly increased its fees from 1 February 2026:
| Service | Old Fee | New Fee (from Feb 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Incorporation | £34 | £100 |
| Paper Incorporation | £71 | £110 |
| Confirmation Statement (digital) | £34 | £50 |
| Confirmation Statement (paper) | £40 | £60 |
| Voluntary Strike-off | £10 | £13 |
What This Means for Your UK LTD
Higher Costs of Formation
The incorporation fee has nearly tripled from £34 to £100. Combined with service provider fees, the total cost of setting up a UK LTD has increased. However, the UK remains one of the most business-friendly jurisdictions in Europe.
Ongoing Compliance Costs
Annual Confirmation Statements now cost £50 (up from £34). Directors must budget for these recurring costs alongside accounting and tax filing obligations.
Non-Compliance Penalties
Companies House now has enhanced powers to:
- Issue financial penalties (up to £10,000 per offence)
- Reject filings that don’t meet verification requirements
- Strike off companies that fail to comply
- Prosecute directors for serious breaches
How Semper Paratus Legal House Can Help
As a certified UK company formation agent, we help non-resident directors navigate the ECCT Act changes:
- Registered Office & Service Address — compliant physical address in London (42-44 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AH)
- Identity Verification Assistance — guidance through the ACSP verification process
- Full Company Secretarial Services — filing Confirmation Statements, maintaining statutory registers
- Accounting & Tax Filing — monthly bookkeeping from 400 PLN/mies, CT600, Annual Accounts
- Polish-Speaking Support — full service in Polish for Polish entrepreneurs
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need to verify my identity?
New directors must verify before appointment. Existing directors will have a transitional period — expected to end by mid-2026. We recommend starting the process now to avoid last-minute delays.
Can I verify my identity from Poland?
Yes. You can use an ACSP (like Semper Paratus Legal House) or a certified digital identity provider. Physical presence in the UK is not required for verification.
What happens if I don’t verify?
Your company may face penalties, your filings may be rejected, and Companies House may ultimately strike off your company. Directors can also face personal liability.
How much does a UK LTD cost in 2026?
The Companies House incorporation fee is £100 (digital). Service provider fees vary. Contact us for a personalised quote — we offer packages that include registered address, service address, and ongoing compliance support.
Stay Compliant in 2026
The ECCT Act is not a one-time hurdle — it creates ongoing compliance obligations. Working with a professional formation agent and accountant ensures your UK LTD stays compliant, your filings are accepted, and you avoid costly penalties.
📞 Contact us today:
- Phone UK: +44 745 638 6117
- Phone PL: +48 530 447 230
- Email: [email protected]
- Book a free consultation: https://calendly.com/semperparatus/
Last updated: May 2026. This article provides general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
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