ECCTA 2026: UK LTD Director Identity Verification — What Polish Entrepreneurs Must Know
The Identity Verification Requirement That Changes Everything
If you’re a Polish director of a UK Limited Company, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) introduces a requirement that will directly affect you: mandatory identity verification for all company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs).
This isn’t optional. Companies House is building a digital identity verification system, and every director — including those based in Poland — must complete it. Here’s what you need to know and how to prepare.
Who Must Verify Their Identity?
The ECCTA requires identity verification for:
- All company directors — new and existing. If you’re a director of a UK LTD, you must verify.
- All PSCs (Persons with Significant Control) — anyone owning >25% of shares or voting rights.
- Anyone filing on behalf of a company — accountants, formation agents, and authorised representatives must also be verified.
- New company formations — directors must be verified before the company can be incorporated.
How Will the Verification Process Work?
Companies House is rolling out the verification in phases throughout 2026:
- Digital verification — using biometric checks (similar to bank KYC), matching your photo ID to a live selfie or video.
- Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) verification — an ACSP can verify your identity on your behalf.
- In-person verification — at designated locations (limited outside the UK).
What Documents Will You Need?
Prepare these in advance:
- Valid passport or national ID card — must be current
- Proof of residential address — utility bill, bank statement (last 3 months)
- Translation — Polish documents may need certified English translation
The Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Civil penalties up to £10,000 — without going to court
- Criminal prosecution — for deliberate non-compliance
- Director disqualification — banned for up to 15 years
- Company strike-off — Companies House can initiate compulsory dissolution
- Public register annotation — visible to banks and business partners
Timeline: When Do You Need to Act?
| Phase | Timeline | Who’s Affected |
|---|---|---|
| ACSP registration | Q1 2026 | Authorised service providers |
| New director verification | Q2-Q3 2026 | All newly appointed directors |
| Existing director verification | 2026-2027 (transitional) | All existing directors (12-month window) |
| Ongoing compliance | From 2027 | Re-verification every 5 years |
PLUS: The 3 Other 2026 Deadlines
- MTD ITSA (April 2026) — quarterly digital reporting to HMRC
- CH WebFiling retired (March 2026) — iXBRL filing through software only
- KSeF (January 2026) — Poland’s mandatory e-invoicing for B2B transactions
How Semper Paratus Can Help
As a specialist in UK LTD companies for Polish entrepreneurs:
- ACSP registration — preparing to verify directors on your behalf
- Document preparation — guidance and certified translations
- Compliance monitoring — tracking all four 2026 deadlines
- Full UK accounting — MTD-compatible bookkeeping, iXBRL accounts, CT600, Confirmation Statement from 400 PLN/month
📞 UK: +44 745 638 6117 | PL: +48 530 447 230
📧 [email protected]
🔗 Book your compliance review
📍 42-44 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AH, London
