UK Companies House Identity Verification for Pakistani Nationals: A Guide for Directors and PSCs

Pakistani nationals who act as directors or people with significant control, known as PSCs, of UK companies must complete Companies House identity verification by the deadline that applies to each role. Once you verify successfully, Companies House gives you a personal code. You must then use that code to connect your verified identity to every relevant director or PSC role shown on the Companies House register.

At a glance: Pakistani nationals can complete Companies House identity verification remotely through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, or ACSP. For a person-led remote video check, you will normally need either two Group A photographic identity documents or one Group A photographic identity document and one Group B supporting document. A Pakistani passport can qualify as Group A evidence. A Pakistani National Identity Card may also qualify where it matches the photographic card listed on PRADO.

Do Pakistani Directors and PSCs Need to Verify Their Identity?

Yes. Companies House identity verification became a legal requirement from 18 November 2025, with different compliance dates for existing directors, newly appointed directors and PSCs.

The requirement applies to Pakistani nationals who are:

• directors of UK limited companies;
• registered as PSCs of UK companies;
• becoming directors or PSCs of newly formed companies;
• members, general partners or managing officers in certain registrable entities; or
• applying to act as a Companies House authorised agent.

An existing director normally provides the Companies House personal code through the company’s confirmation statement. A new director must provide the code during incorporation or as part of the director appointment process. PSCs must provide their codes separately during the applicable 14-day compliance period.

How Can Pakistani Nationals Verify Their Identity?

There are two main routes.

Verify Directly Through GOV.UK One Login

Some Pakistani nationals may be able to verify directly and free of charge through GOV.UK One Login if they have a compatible biometric passport and can complete the required digital checks.

This route may not work for everyone. Problems can arise where a passport is not compatible with the application, the identity check cannot read the document, the applicant cannot complete the digital process, or the personal details do not match the Companies House register.

Verify Through an ACSP

An ACSP is an organisation or individual registered with Companies House as an authorised agent. Accountants, solicitors and other appropriately supervised professionals may register as ACSPs.

An ACSP can complete the identity check remotely. This route can be particularly useful for Pakistani directors and PSCs who:

• live in Pakistan or another country outside the UK;
• cannot complete GOV.UK One Login verification;
• have several possible identity documents and need a document review;
• hold a PRADO-listed Pakistani identity card or driving licence;
• have differences between their passport, CNIC and Companies House records; or
• need the verification completed quickly.

Companies House permits an ACSP to complete its checks remotely or in person, provided that the ACSP follows the full Companies House identity verification standard.

How Many Documents Are Required for Remote Verification?

The answer depends on how the ACSP performs the check.

Where an ACSP uses suitable identity document validation technology and can validate the document’s cryptographic or physical security features, Companies House Option 1 may permit one eligible identity document.

Where a trained person checks the documents remotely by video call or examines them in person, Option 2 applies. You must then provide either:

1. two photographic identity documents from Group A; or
2. one photographic identity document from Group A and one supporting document from Group B.

Anyone who lives outside the UK must provide at least one government-issued document.

Can a Pakistani CNIC Be Used for Companies House Identity Verification?

A Pakistani National Identity Card can potentially be used, but only where the card matches the relevant PRADO-listed photographic identity document.

The Companies House Registrar’s Rules expressly include “National Identity Card, Pakistan” as an example of photographic identification listed on PRADO. PRADO currently records one Pakistani National Identity Card under document reference PAK-BO-02001, first issued on 1 July 2012.

This is an important advantage for some Pakistani nationals. However, it does not mean that every document containing a NADRA identity number will qualify.

You should not assume that the following documents are automatically acceptable without checking them first:

• every version of the CNIC;
• an older CNIC design;
• a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis, or NICOP;
• a Smart NICOP or SNICOP;
• a Pakistan Origin Card;
• a paper identity card;
• a card without a photograph; or
• a cancelled, replaced, damaged or expired card.

The exact card design, issue details, security features and PRADO listing must be reviewed. Where there is any uncertainty, a Pakistani passport combined with a suitable Group B document may provide a clearer verification route.

Group A Photographic ID for Pakistani Nationals

Depending on the exact document and the verification method, Pakistani nationals may be able to use the following Group A evidence.

1. Pakistani Passport

A Pakistani passport is normally the clearest Group A identity document.

For a person-led Option 2 check, Companies House rules allow a passport to be used as Group A evidence. The document must not have been cancelled or replaced. Although the rules allow certain passports that expired within the previous 18 months, an ACSP may still request a current passport where this is necessary to complete a satisfactory check.

2. PRADO-Listed Pakistani National Identity Card

The PRADO-listed Pakistani National Identity Card may qualify as Group A evidence when the document matches the listed photographic model and the ACSP can validate it satisfactorily.

Clients should provide clear images of both sides of the card before the video appointment so that the exact model can be checked.

3. Certain PRADO-Listed Pakistani Driving Licences

PRADO currently lists specific photographic driving licence models from:

• Islamabad Capital Territory;
• Lahore; and
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

These are regional and model-specific listings. A Pakistani driving licence should therefore not be treated as acceptable simply because it is government-issued and contains a photograph. The issuing region, card design and PRADO version must match.

For example, a licence issued in another region, such as Sindh, should not be presented as automatically qualifying under the PRADO route unless the exact document is listed or falls within another permitted Group A category.

4. UK Immigration or Residence Documents

A Pakistani national may also hold another eligible Group A document, such as:

• a UK biometric residence permit;
• a UK biometric residence card;
• a photographic immigration document;
• a photographic visa;
• a government-issued photographic work permit; or
• another eligible UK or PRADO-listed photographic identity document.

The document must fall within the Companies House rules and remain suitable for validation.

Group B Supporting Documents

Where you provide only one Group A photographic document, your second document may come from Group B.

Examples include:

• birth or adoption certificate;
• marriage or civil partnership certificate;
• bank or building society statement;
• mortgage statement showing your current address;
• utility bill showing your current address;
• insurance policy showing your current address;
• non-photographic immigration document;
• non-photographic visa; or
• non-photographic work permit.

A Pakistani bank statement, utility bill or civil-status document may be considered where appropriate, but acceptance is not automatic. The ACSP must be satisfied that the document is genuine, belongs to the applicant and provides reliable supporting evidence. Additional documents may be requested where the address, identity history or name cannot be confirmed clearly.

Recommended Document Combinations

Common document combinations for Pakistani nationals may include:

Pakistani Passport and PRADO-Listed National Identity Card

This provides two Group A photographic documents. It may offer a strong route where the identity card matches the PRADO-listed model.

Pakistani Passport and PRADO-Listed Driving Licence

This may also provide two Group A documents, but the driving licence must match one of the specific Pakistani regional models listed on PRADO.

Pakistani Passport and Bank Statement

This provides one Group A document and one Group B document. The statement should display the applicant’s full name and support the address and activity information provided.

Pakistani Passport and Utility Bill

This may work where the bill clearly shows the applicant’s current residential address and can be validated.

Pakistani Passport and Birth or Marriage Certificate

This can help where the applicant needs to confirm a former name, married name, family name or other difference between documents.

The best combination depends on the applicant’s residence, available documents, address history and whether the information matches the Companies House register.

Check Your Name and Date of Birth Before Verification

Before beginning Companies House identity verification, check that the details recorded at Companies House match your identity documents.

Pay particular attention to:

• the spelling of your full name;
• Muhammad, Mohammed and other transliteration differences;
• the order of your given name and family name;
• initials used instead of full names;
• the appearance of a father’s or husband’s name;
• former or married names; and
• your full date of birth.

A mismatch can prevent the personal code from linking successfully to your director or PSC record. Companies House recommends correcting inaccurate information before attempting to connect the verified identity to the relevant company role.

Same-Day Remote Verification by Video Call

Our legal consultant is registered with Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.

Working with our partner solicitor, we can arrange remote identity verification by video call for Pakistani directors and PSCs. Same-day verification may be available where:

• the documents have been reviewed and approved in advance;
• the applicant provides all required personal information;
• the original documents are available during the video call;
• the applicant’s details match the Companies House record;
• the documents can be validated; and
• the identity checks raise no unresolved concerns.

Same-day service remains subject to document suitability, appointment availability and successful completion of all required checks.

How the Remote Verification Process Works

Step 1: Send Your Documents for Review

You provide clear images of the proposed identity and supporting documents. For cards, you should provide both the front and reverse. For passports, you should provide the complete biodata page.

You will also need to provide your:

• full name and any former names;
• date of birth;
• current home address;
• address history for the previous 12 months; and
• individual email address.

Step 2: We Confirm the Correct Document Combination

We assess whether the documents fall within Group A or Group B and whether any Pakistani identity card or driving licence matches the relevant PRADO listing.

Where the proposed documents are insufficient, we identify a more suitable combination before the video call.

Step 3: Attend the Video Verification

During the call, you must show your original documents and your face clearly. The verifier compares you with the photograph, checks that you are a real person and examines the documents for evidence of alteration, replacement or tampering.

Step 4: Complete the Companies House Submission

After the checks have been completed satisfactorily, the ACSP submits the required verification information to Companies House through the authorised service.

Step 5: Receive Your Companies House Personal Code

Companies House sends the personal code to the individual email address provided during the ACSP submission. The code is unique to you and should be kept securely.

How Pakistani Directors Use the Personal Code

A new director normally provides the personal code during incorporation or when Companies House records the new appointment.

An existing director provides the personal code through the company’s next confirmation statement. Every director must verify separately and have an individual personal code.

How Pakistani PSCs Use the Personal Code

A PSC must connect the verified identity to the PSC role separately, even where the same person has already provided the code as a director.

The applicable period depends on the circumstances:

• A person who is both a director and PSC of the same company normally has a 14-day PSC period beginning on the day after the company’s confirmation statement date.
• A PSC who is not a director normally provides the code during the first 14 days of their birth month.
• A new PSC may provide the code when first added to the register or within the applicable 14-day period.

The same personal code can be used for different companies and roles, but it must be connected separately to each relevant role.

How Our Legal Consultant Can Help

Our legal consultant and partner solicitor can help Pakistani nationals by:

• reviewing passports, CNICs, identity cards and driving licences;
• checking whether a Pakistani identity document matches a PRADO listing;
• confirming the correct Group A and Group B combination;
• identifying name, date-of-birth or address mismatches;
• arranging remote verification by video call;
• completing the required ACSP checks;
• submitting the verification through the appropriate Companies House route; and
• helping the applicant progress towards receiving the Companies House personal code.

This can provide a practical route for overseas Pakistani directors and PSCs who need professional document review and remote handling.

Ginkgo Advisory’s Role

The identity verification service is provided through our legal consultant and partner solicitor.

Ginkgo Advisory supports the process through document coordination, client communications, appointment arrangements and practical case handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Pakistani passport?

Yes. A Pakistani passport can serve as a Group A photographic identity document, subject to the applicable Companies House rules and successful document checks.

Can I use my Pakistani CNIC?

Potentially. The Companies House Registrar’s Rules expressly mention a Pakistani National Identity Card as an example of PRADO-listed photographic ID. However, the exact card must match the relevant PRADO model. Not every CNIC or NADRA-issued card automatically qualifies.

Is a NICOP automatically accepted?

No. You should send a copy for review before relying on a NICOP or SNICOP. PRADO lists a specific Pakistani National Identity Card model, rather than every category of NADRA card.

Can I use a Pakistani driving licence?

Possibly. PRADO lists specific driving licence models from Islamabad, Lahore and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The exact region and card version must be checked.

Can I complete verification while living in Pakistan?

Yes. Companies House permits ACSP identity checks to take place remotely, provided that the ACSP completes all required checks and can validate the documents and the applicant’s identity.

Do I always need two documents?

Two documents are normally required for a person-led remote or in-person Option 2 check. A technology-led Option 1 check may require only one eligible document where the ACSP can validate all required security features.

Can a director and PSC use the same personal code?

Yes. The code belongs to the individual. However, you must connect it separately to every director and PSC role that you hold.

How quickly can verification be completed?

Same-day remote verification may be available where the documents are suitable, the information is complete and all checks can be concluded without unresolved issues.

Need Companies House Identity Verification for a Pakistani Director or PSC?

Pakistani nationals should check their document combination before beginning Companies House identity verification. In particular, do not assume that every CNIC, NICOP or Pakistani driving licence qualifies as PRADO-listed photographic identification.

Our legal consultant and partner solicitor can review your documents, confirm the appropriate verification route and arrange remote verification by video call. Same-day handling may be available for suitable cases with a complete and approved document set.