Russian 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.

After you verify your identity, Companies House gives you an 11-character personal code. The code belongs to you, not to one company. You can use the same code for every UK company where you act as a director or PSC. However, you must connect it separately to each role.

Quick Answer for Russian Directors and PSCs

For most Russian nationals, an international Russian passport, known as a заграничный паспорт or загранпаспорт, provides the clearest Group A identity document.

For a person-led remote ACSP 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 Russian international passport can provide Group A evidence. A physical Russian driving licence may also qualify where it matches a photographic licence model listed on PRADO.

However, applicants should not rely on the Russian internal passport, known as the паспорт гражданина Российской Федерации, as one of the required documents. PRADO’s current Russian Federation list includes international passports and driving licences but does not include the Russian internal passport as an identity-card document.

For many Russian directors and PSCs, the most practical combinations are:

• Russian international passport and PRADO-listed Russian driving licence;
• Russian international passport and bank statement;
• Russian international passport and utility bill;
• Russian international passport and mortgage statement;
• Russian international passport and insurance policy;
• Russian international passport and birth certificate; or
• Russian international passport and marriage certificate.

Important Point About the Russian Internal Passport

Russia issues two different documents that English speakers may call passports:

1. the internal Russian passport, used mainly as domestic identity evidence within Russia; and
2. the international Russian passport, used for travel outside Russia.

The internal passport shows the holder’s name in Cyrillic. It may also contain information about registered residence and marital status. The international passport shows the surname and forename in both Cyrillic and Latin script and normally provides the principal identity document for use outside Russia.

Can the Russian Internal Passport Be Used?

Applicants should not currently rely on the internal Russian passport as one of the required Companies House documents.

Companies House permits a passport or another photographic identity document listed on PRADO under the person-led route. PRADO’s Russian Federation list includes international passport models and driving licences, but it does not show an internal-passport or national identity-card category.

The practical position is:

Use an international Russian passport rather than an internal Russian passport for Companies House identity verification.

An ACSP may review an internal passport as additional evidence. It may help confirm:

• the Cyrillic version of the name;
• the patronymic;
• registered residence;
• marital status;
• a former surname; or
• other background information.

However, it should not replace the international passport, qualifying driving licence or Group B supporting document used for the formal verification combination.

Russian Biometric and Non-Biometric International Passports

They may hold either:

• a ten-year biometric international passport; or
• a five-year international passport, often described as the older or non-biometric format.

Russian consular guidance distinguishes between five-year passports and ten-year biometric passports.

Ten-Year Biometric Russian Passport

PRADO lists the ten-year Russian ordinary passport under reference RUS-AO-03003.

The document:

• was first issued on 1 February 2010;
• has a maximum validity of ten years;
• uses a passport booklet with an integrated personal-details card;
• contains a photograph and several physical security features; and
• serves as an international travel document for Russian nationals.

A current ten-year biometric passport may work through the GOV.UK One Login app, provided that:

• the electronic chip works;
• the passport remains valid;
• the applicant has a compatible smartphone;
• the app can read the chip; and
• the applicant completes the facial check successfully.

Five-Year Russian International Passport

PRADO lists five-year Russian passport models including:

• RUS-AO-03001; and
• RUS-AO-03002.

Both models were first issued in 2006 and have a maximum five-year validity.

A five-year Russian passport will not normally work through the GOV.UK One Login app if it does not contain a biometric chip. The app only accepts a non-UK passport with a biometric chip.

However, the document may still provide Group A evidence through an ACSP:

• Option 1 may accept a biometric or machine-readable passport where suitable technology can validate it; or
• Option 2 may accept a passport as one of the required Group A documents.

This means that a Russian national who cannot use GOV.UK One Login may still have a clear remote ACSP route.

Who Must Complete Companies House Identity Verification?

The requirement applies to Russian nationals who are:

• directors of UK limited companies;
• becoming directors of UK companies;
• registered as PSCs;
• becoming PSCs of existing companies;
• directors of overseas companies registered in the UK;
• forming UK companies in which they will act as directors or PSCs; or
• applying to register as Companies House authorised agents.

Identity verification became a legal requirement on 18 November 2025. Companies House introduced the requirement through a transition period rather than one universal deadline for every existing director and PSC.

Existing directors normally provide their personal codes through their companies’ next confirmation statements.

A new company must provide a personal code for each proposed director during incorporation. Someone appointed as a new director must also provide the code as part of the appointment filing.

PSCs follow separate 14-day compliance periods. The relevant period depends on whether the PSC also acts as a director and when Companies House first recorded the PSC.

How Can Russian Nationals Verify Their Identity?

Russian nationals can use one of two main routes.

1. Verify Through GOV.UK One Login

Companies House offers a free direct service through GOV.UK One Login.

Depending on your documents and circumstances, GOV.UK One Login may ask you to:

• use the GOV.UK One Login app;
• answer security questions online; or
• attend a participating UK Post Office.

Using a Russian Biometric Passport

A Russian national can normally try the app route with a current ten-year biometric passport.

The app accepts a non-UK passport with a biometric chip. You must:

1. photograph the passport’s personal-details page;
2. scan the electronic chip;
3. scan your face; and
4. complete the remaining identity questions.

You must have the original passport. The app does not accept a photocopy, digital copy or expired passport.

Can You Use a Five-Year Russian Passport in the App?

Usually not.

A five-year Russian passport generally does not contain the biometric chip required by the GOV.UK One Login app.

It may still qualify through an ACSP where:

• suitable technology can validate it as a machine-readable passport; or
• a trained person checks it under the Option 2 route.

Can You Use a Russian Internal Passport in the App?

No published GOV.UK One Login route lists the Russian internal passport as an accepted app document.

The mobile app accepts:

• a UK passport;
• a non-UK passport with a biometric chip;
• a UK photocard driving licence;
• certain UK biometric immigration documents; or
• a UK Frontier Worker permit.

Can You Use a Russian Driving Licence in the App?

Not as the app’s driving-licence document.

The mobile app accepts a UK photocard driving licence. It does not list Russian driving licences.

A qualifying Russian driving licence may still work through a person-led ACSP check because PRADO lists Russian photographic driving licence models.

Security Questions

Some Russian nationals who live in the UK may receive the option to answer security questions online.

This route may depend on UK records linked to the applicant, such as banking, credit, tax or National Insurance information. The service decides which route it can offer after the applicant provides the initial details.

Post Office Verification

GOV.UK One Login may direct some applicants to a participating UK Post Office.

You must first start the Companies House verification service online. The service will issue a customer letter containing a QR code if it offers you the Post Office route.

You must then attend with:

• the customer letter; and
• your original photographic identity document.

The Post Office will not accept a photocopy or digital image. Staff will scan the original document and take your photograph. GOV.UK One Login usually sends the result within one day.

This route may suit a Russian national who lives in the UK. It will usually provide less convenience to someone who lives in Russia or another country outside the UK.

2. Verify Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider, or ACSP, can verify a person’s identity for Companies House.

ACSPs commonly include regulated solicitors, accountants and company service providers. Companies House allows an ACSP to complete identity checks remotely or in person.

The ACSP must follow the full Companies House identity verification standard. It must check that:

• the documents appear genuine;
• the documents belong to the applicant;
• the name and date of birth are consistent;
• the applicant matches the photograph;
• the applicant is a real person during a remote check; and
• the evidence provides enough support for the claimed identity.

The ACSP route may suit a Russian director or PSC who:

• lives in Russia or another country outside the UK;
• cannot use GOV.UK One Login;
• holds a five-year non-biometric passport;
• cannot scan the biometric passport chip;
• wants to use a PRADO-listed Russian driving licence;
• only has an internal Russian passport as their second photographic document;
• needs help selecting a Group B document;
• has a patronymic that does not appear in Latin script;
• has different Cyrillic-to-Latin transliterations;
• has changed their surname after marriage or divorce;
• has inconsistent name or date-of-birth details; or
• wants remote verification by video call.

How Many Documents Do You Need?

The number of documents depends on how the ACSP completes the identity check.

Option 1: Technology-Led Verification

One eligible photographic identity document may be enough where the ACSP uses suitable identity document validation technology.

The technology must validate all relevant electronic and physical security features.

Companies House permits documents including:

• a biometric or machine-readable passport;
• a UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or EU photocard driving licence;
• a biometric identity card from the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein;
• certain UK biometric immigration documents;
• a UK Frontier Worker permit; or
• an eVisa.

A biometric or machine-readable passport may be up to six months expired where the technology can still validate its security features.

For a Russian national, the most relevant Option 1 document will normally be:

• a ten-year Russian biometric passport; or
• a five-year machine-readable Russian passport, where the technology can validate it.

A Russian driving licence does not qualify through the Option 1 driving-licence category because that category only covers UK and EU licences.

The Russian internal passport also does not fall within the Option 1 biometric identity-card category, which only covers the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Option 2: Person-Led Remote or In-Person Verification

A trained person may inspect the documents remotely by video call or examine them in person.

Under this route, the applicant must provide either:

• two Group A photographic identity documents; or
• one Group A photographic identity document and one Group B supporting document.

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

For Russian applicants, the most practical combinations will often involve:

• Russian international passport and Russian driving licence;
• Russian international passport and bank statement;
• Russian international passport and utility bill;
• Russian international passport and mortgage statement;
• Russian international passport and insurance policy;
• Russian international passport and birth certificate; or
• Russian international passport and marriage certificate.

Group A Photographic ID for Russian Nationals

1. Russian International Passport

A Russian international passport normally provides the clearest Group A identity document.

PRADO lists several Russian ordinary passport models. The most relevant current models include:

• RUS-AO-03003, the ten-year passport first issued in 2010;
• RUS-AO-03002, a five-year passport first issued in 2006; and
• RUS-AO-03001, another five-year passport version first issued in 2006.

For a person-led Option 2 check, Companies House may accept a passport that expired within the previous 18 months.

However, you cannot use a passport that:

• has been cancelled;
• has been replaced by a newer passport;
• contains cancellation marks;
• has a cut or clipped corner;
• has serious damage around the personal-details page; or
• cannot be validated satisfactorily.

A current international passport will normally make the process easier.

Which Russian Passport Should You Use?

Use the passport that:

• remains valid;
• shows your current legal name;
• matches your current date of birth;
• has not been replaced;
• contains a clear photograph;
• remains in good physical condition; and
• matches the information held by Companies House.

Where you have both a ten-year biometric passport and a five-year passport, the biometric passport will usually provide the stronger route.

2. Russian Driving Licence

A valid physical Russian driving licence may provide Group A photographic evidence under a person-led Option 2 check.

PRADO lists the current Russian driving licence under reference RUS-FO-03001.

The document:

• uses card format;
• contains a colour photograph;
• has a maximum validity of ten years;
• was first issued as a model in 2009; and
• contains visible physical security features.

Companies House permits another type of photographic identity document listed on PRADO within Group A. A Russian licence that matches the listed model may therefore qualify.

The ACSP must still check:

• the exact card design;
• the licence number;
• the issue and expiry dates;
• the photograph;
• the physical condition;
• whether a newer card replaced it;
• whether it matches a PRADO-listed model; and
• whether its details agree with the passport and applicant.

Send clear images of both sides before the video appointment. You must also show the original physical licence during the call.

Older Russian Driving Licence Models

PRADO also lists older Russian driving licence models, including:

• RUS-FO-02003; and
• RUS-FO-02002.

An older card may qualify only where:

• the individual licence remains legally valid;
• it matches the relevant PRADO model;
• the issuing authority has not replaced it;
• the photograph remains a reliable likeness; and
• the verifier can inspect its security features.

Do not assume that every old Russian driving licence remains acceptable simply because PRADO records the historic document model.

Digital Russian Driving Licence

Do not rely on:

• a digital licence screen;
• a Gosuslugi application;
• a QR code;
• a screenshot;
• an electronic extract; or
• a photograph of the licence

as a substitute for the original physical driving licence.

For a person-led check, the verifier may ask the applicant to move or tilt the physical card so that its visible security features can be examined.

3. Eligible UK-Issued Photographic Documents

A Russian national who lives in the UK may also hold another Group A document.

Examples include:

• a UK photocard driving licence;
• a UK biometric residence card;
• a qualifying UK biometric residence permit;
• a UK Frontier Worker permit;
• a photographic government-issued work permit;
• a photographic immigration document;
• a photographic visa; or
• an eVisa under the relevant route.

The ACSP must review the exact document and apply the current Companies House expiry rules.

A Russian passport combined with a valid UK photocard driving licence can provide two strong Group A documents.

Russian Documents and Numbers You Should Not Rely On Alone

Russian Internal Passport

Do not rely on the Russian internal passport as one of the formal required documents.

It may provide useful additional evidence, but PRADO does not list it as a Russian identity-card document. The international passport offers a clearer Group A route.

SNILS

A Russian SNILS number, or СНИЛС, relates to the Russian social-insurance and individual-account system.

The number is not a photographic identity document. It does not replace a passport, PRADO-listed driving licence or Group B document.

Do not submit only:

• the SNILS number;
• a SNILS card;
• a social-insurance statement;
• a Gosuslugi screen; or
• a screenshot containing the number.

INN

A Russian tax identification number, known as an ИНН, does not provide photographic identity evidence.

A tax certificate, tax-account screen or document that merely shows the INN should not replace one of the required Companies House documents.

Gosuslugi Account

A Gosuslugi login, government-account profile, verified-account screen or digital record does not replace the documents required under the Companies House identity verification standard.

An ACSP may use an official electronic service to support a document check. However, the applicant must still provide the accepted identity and supporting documents.

Russian Registration or Propiska

A Russian residence-registration stamp or прописка may help confirm an address.

The internal passport commonly contains registration information. However, a Russian registration document does not appear in the published Group B list.

It may support the address review, but it should not automatically replace a bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement, insurance policy or another listed Group B document.

Russian National Identity Numbers

Do not confuse any Russian administrative number with the Companies House personal code.

The following do not replace the personal code:

• internal passport number;
• international passport number;
• driving-licence number;
• SNILS;
• INN;
• UK National Insurance number;
• company authentication code; or
• a Gosuslugi account reference.

Group B Supporting Documents

Where you only have one suitable Group A photographic document, you can provide one Group B document.

Companies House Group B documents include:

• birth or adoption certificate;
• marriage or civil partnership certificate;
• non-photographic immigration document;
• non-photographic visa;
• non-photographic work permit;
• bank or building society statement;
• mortgage statement showing the current address;
• utility bill showing the current address;
• insurance policy showing the current address;
• UK council tax statement; or
• a qualifying UK local-authority or social-housing rental agreement.

A Russian bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement, insurance policy, birth certificate or marriage certificate may work where the ACSP can confirm that it:

• belongs to the applicant;
• comes from a genuine issuer;
• clearly shows the relevant personal details;
• contains no signs of alteration;
• supports the claimed identity or current address; and
• provides credible evidence of genuine activity.

Russian Bank Statements

A Russian bank statement may provide Group B evidence.

The statement should:

• show the applicant’s full name;
• identify the bank clearly;
• show a recent statement date;
• contain genuine account activity;
• remain complete and legible;
• contain no signs of editing; and
• show consistent information.

A complete PDF issued or downloaded directly from online banking will normally provide stronger evidence than a cropped mobile-banking screenshot.

A bank statement does not need to serve as the only address document. The ACSP may ask for separate proof of the current address or address history where the statement does not contain enough information.

Russian Utility Bills

A Russian utility bill may provide Group B evidence where it clearly shows the applicant’s current residential address.

Examples may include:

• electricity bills;
• gas or heating bills;
• water bills;
• fixed-line telephone bills; or
• another genuine household utility account.

The verifier must be able to identify the provider and connect the account to the applicant.

A mobile telephone bill may require individual review, especially where it does not clearly show a residential address.

Mortgage Statements and Insurance Policies

A Russian mortgage statement may provide Group B evidence where it shows the applicant’s current residential address.

An insurance policy may also qualify where it identifies the applicant and clearly shows the current address.

The document should come from an identifiable lender or insurer and remain capable of validation.

Russian Birth Certificates

A Russian birth certificate, known as a Свидетельство о рождении, may provide Group B evidence.

The Civil Registration Office, commonly known as ZAGS, records Russian births and issues the official certificate. Russia allows late registration, and the authority may reissue a certificate where it identifies an error.

Provide the complete official ZAGS certificate rather than:

• a hospital medical birth document;
• an obmennaya karta;
• a rodovoy certificate;
• a baptismal record;
• an informal translation;
• a cropped photograph;
• an application receipt; or
• a Gosuslugi screenshot.

The hospital documents may support the history of a birth, but they do not automatically replace the formal ZAGS birth certificate.

Russian Marriage Certificates

A Russian marriage certificate, known as a Свидетельство о заключении брака, may provide Group B evidence.

Russian marriage certificates record the surname that each spouse will use after the marriage. Where a spouse changes their surname, Russian guidance requires both the internal and international passports to be updated.

The marriage certificate may help connect:

• a birth surname;
• a spouse’s surname;
• a double surname;
• a former married surname; or
• another name used in UK records.

Provide the complete official certificate rather than only:

• a wedding photograph;
• a ceremonial document;
• a partial copy;
• a translation without the original; or
• a screenshot from an electronic account.

Divorce and Change-of-Name Documents

A Russian divorce certificate may show the surname that the person will use after divorce.

A formal change-of-name certificate, known as a Свидетельство о перемене имени, can also help connect former and current names. Russian nationals aged 14 or over generally need a formal change-of-name certificate to change their registered name.

These documents may provide important additional name-linking evidence. However, a divorce certificate or change-of-name certificate does not automatically replace one of the specified Group B documents.

English Translations

Russian international passports and modern driving licences contain Latin-script information that a trained verifier may understand.

Other Russian documents may contain important information only in Cyrillic.

The ACSP may therefore request an English translation of:

• a birth certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• divorce certificate;
• change-of-name certificate;
• bank statement;
• utility bill;
• mortgage statement;
• insurance policy; or
• another supporting document.

The translation supports the original document. It does not replace it.

Recommended Document Combinations

Russian Biometric Passport and Russian Driving Licence

This combination may provide two Group A photographic documents for a person-led Option 2 check.

The international passport confirms identity and Russian nationality. The driving licence provides a second photographic document where it matches a PRADO-listed model.

Both documents should show consistent:

• names;
• dates of birth;
• photographs; and
• other personal details.

Five-Year Russian Passport and Russian Driving Licence

This combination may also provide two Group A documents.

The five-year passport does not need a biometric chip for a person-led Option 2 check. It must remain usable under the Companies House expiry rules and must not have been cancelled or replaced.

The driving licence must match a PRADO-listed model and remain valid.

Russian Passport and Bank Statement

This combination provides one Group A document and one Group B document.

It will often provide the clearest route where the applicant:

• does not drive;
• only has an internal passport as a second photographic document;
• has an old or expired driving licence; or
• wants to provide evidence of genuine financial activity.

Russian Passport and Utility Bill

A utility bill may provide the required Group B document where it clearly shows the applicant’s current home address.

The provider and account details must remain capable of validation.

Russian Passport and Mortgage Statement

This combination may work where the mortgage statement clearly shows the applicant’s current residential address.

Russian Passport and Insurance Policy

An insurance policy may provide Group B evidence where it identifies the applicant and shows the current address.

Russian Passport and Birth Certificate

An official ZAGS birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

This combination may help where:

• the patronymic does not appear in Latin script;
• Companies House omits a middle name;
• separate documents use different transliterations;
• the applicant changed their name;
• the passport and company record differ; or
• the date of birth needs stronger support.

Russian Passport and Marriage Certificate

A Russian marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence and connect different surname formats.

This combination may help where:

• the applicant adopted a spouse’s surname;
• the passport and Companies House register use different surnames;
• a UK bank account uses the married surname;
• the applicant later returned to a former surname; or
• older documents remain in the previous name.

Russian Passport and UK Photocard Driving Licence

A Russian national living in the UK may use a valid UK photocard driving licence as the second Group A document.

This can provide two strong photographic identity documents.

Russian Passport and UK Immigration Document

An eligible UK photographic immigration document may provide another Group A document.

The ACSP must review the exact document type, its current validity and any Companies House expiry exception.

Russian Names, Patronymics and Transliteration

They require careful review.

Russian Three-Part Name Structure

Russian names commonly consist of:

1. a first name;
2. a patronymic derived from the father’s name; and
3. a surname.

For example:

• АННА СЕРГЕЕВНА ИВАНОВА;
• first name: Анна;
• patronymic: Сергеевна;
• surname: Иванова.

UK systems may treat the patronymic as a middle name or omit it completely.

Patronymics in Russian International Passports

A Russian international passport normally shows:

• the forename in Cyrillic and Latin script;
• the surname in Cyrillic and Latin script; and
• the patronymic in Cyrillic only.

This can create a difference between the passport’s visible Russian name and the Latin name used at Companies House.

For example, the passport may show:

• АННА СЕРГЕЕВНА ИВАНОВА; and
• ANNA IVANOVA.

Companies House may record:

• Anna Ivanova;
• Anna Sergeevna Ivanova; or
• Anna S Ivanova.

The absence of the patronymic from the Latin-script passport fields does not automatically mean that the records belong to different people. However, the ACSP must compare the complete document set.

Cyrillic-to-Latin Transliteration

Different systems may transliterate the same Russian name differently.

Examples may include:

• АЛЕКСАНДР as ALEKSANDR, ALEXANDR or ALEXANDER;
• СЕРГЕЙ as SERGEI or SERGEY;
• ЕВГЕНИЙ as EVGENII, EVGENIY or YEVGENY;
• ЮЛИЯ as IULIIA, YULIA or JULIA;
• ДМИТРИЙ as DMITRII, DMITRIY or DMITRY;
• ТАТЬЯНА as TATIANA or TATYANA.

HM Passport Office recognises that Russian name differences can result from transliteration and that the patronymic cannot normally appear in Latin script in the international passport.

The current international passport’s Latin spelling will normally provide the clearest starting point for Companies House verification.

Male and Female Surname Forms

Russian surnames may use different male and female endings.

Examples include:

• IVANOV and IVANOVA;
• PETROV and PETROVA;
• SMIRNOV and SMIRNOVA;
• VOLKOV and VOLKOVA.

These forms may belong to members of the same family. However, the individual applicant’s own surname should remain consistent unless marriage, divorce or another formal change explains the difference.

Married Names

A Russian marriage certificate records the surname each spouse will use after marriage.

Where a person changes their surname, they must update the internal and international Russian passports.

Differences may arise where:

• the international passport shows the birth surname;
• a bank statement shows the married surname;
• Companies House records an earlier surname;
• the internal passport has already been updated;
• the international passport has not yet been replaced; or
• UK records use a different transliteration.

Provide the marriage certificate and all relevant identity documents where the names differ.

Divorce and Return to a Former Surname

A Russian divorce certificate records the surname the person will use after divorce.

Where the surname changes, the person must update both types of Russian passport.

The applicant may need to provide:

• the divorce certificate;
• updated international passport;
• updated internal passport as additional evidence;
• marriage certificate;
• change-of-name certificate; or
• other documents connecting the former and current names.

Formal Changes of Name

A Russian national aged 14 or over generally applies for a formal change-of-name certificate.

After the authorities issue the certificate, the person must obtain new internal and international passports in the updated name.

Useful evidence may include:

• the change-of-name certificate;
• updated passport;
• updated internal passport;
• updated driving licence;
• birth certificate;
• marriage certificate; or
• divorce certificate.

Check Your Date of Birth Before Verification

The date of birth linked to your personal code must match the date held by Companies House.

Problems can arise where:

• someone enters the personal code incorrectly;
• Companies House holds the wrong date of birth;
• the ACSP submits incorrect personal information;
• the internal and international passports contain inconsistent details; or
• an incorporation filing contained an error.

Companies House may prevent the personal code from connecting to a director or PSC role where the details do not match. Correct an inaccurate date of birth before trying to provide the verification details.

Is a Russian Passport Number the Companies House Personal Code?

No.

A passport number identifies a particular Russian passport.

The Companies House personal code is a separate 11-character code that Companies House creates after successful identity verification.

Do not enter any of the following when Companies House asks for your personal code:

• internal passport number;
• international passport number;
• Russian driving-licence number;
• SNILS;
• INN;
• UK National Insurance number;
• company authentication code; or
• Gosuslugi account reference.

Same-Day Remote Verification by Video Call

Our Legal Consultant is registered with Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.

Through our partner solicitor, we can arrange remote Companies House identity verification by video call for Russian directors and PSCs.

Same-day identity checks and ACSP submission may be available where:

• we review and approve the documents in advance;
• the applicant supplies all required personal information;
• the document combination meets the Companies House standard;
• the applicant has the original documents during the call;
• the verifier can validate the documents;
• the applicant appears clearly on camera;
• the Companies House information matches; and
• no unresolved identity or document concerns arise.

Same-day service covers the identity check and ACSP submission.

Companies House controls the later processing and delivery of the personal code. After an ACSP completes a successful submission, Companies House states that the personal-code email should normally arrive within a few hours. This timing is not guaranteed.

How the Remote Verification Process Works

Step 1: Send Your Documents

Send clear images of the documents you want to use.

For an international passport, provide the complete personal-details page.

For a driving licence or UK photographic card, send both the front and reverse.

Regarding a bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement, insurance policy or civil-status certificate, send the complete document rather than a cropped screenshot.

You must also provide:

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

Companies House requires ACSPs to collect this information and obtain suitable evidence to support the claimed identity.

Step 2: Confirm the Document Combination

We check whether each document falls within Group A or Group B.

The review may cover:

• whether the passport is a ten-year biometric or five-year passport;
• the relevant PRADO passport model;
• whether the biometric chip works;
• whether the driving licence matches a PRADO-listed model;
• whether the applicant proposes to use an internal passport;
• the printed expiry dates;
• the physical condition of each document;
• Cyrillic and Latin spellings;
• the patronymic;
• former and married surnames;
• the current home address; and
• the previous 12 months of address history.

Where the proposed documents do not meet the standard, we identify a stronger combination before arranging the video call.

Step 3: Attend the Video Call

During the call, you must:

• appear clearly on camera;
• show the original documents;
• move or tilt them when requested;
• display their physical security features from different angles;
• confirm your personal information;
• complete a live facial comparison; and
• answer any necessary identity questions.

The verifier must confirm that you are a real person, that the documents appear genuine and that the identity belongs to you.

Step 4: Complete the ACSP Submission

After completing the required checks, the ACSP submits the verification information to Companies House.

The ACSP does not normally send the document copies to Companies House. However, it must keep:

• copies of the documents;
• supporting evidence;
• records of the checks;
• details of failed verification attempts; and
• other required verification information.

The ACSP must retain the verification records for seven years.

Step 5: Receive Your Personal Code

Companies House sends the 11-character personal code to the individual email address supplied during the ACSP submission.

Make sure that the email address is correct and that you can access it.

Keep the code secure. You may share it with a trusted solicitor, accountant or company administrator who needs to file on your behalf.

How Russian Directors Use the Personal Code

An existing director normally provides the personal code through the company’s next confirmation statement.

A new director provides the code as part of the appointment filing.

When forming a new company, the incorporation application must include a personal code for each proposed director.

You only need to verify your identity once. However, you must connect the same code to every separate director appointment that you hold.

A company cannot file its confirmation statement unless all its directors have completed the identity-verification requirements.

How Russian PSCs Use the Personal Code

A PSC must connect the personal code separately to the PSC role.

This applies even where the same person has already provided the code as a director.

The deadline depends on the circumstances:

• A person who acts as both director and PSC of the same company normally provides the PSC code during the 14 days beginning on the day after the company’s confirmation statement date.
• A PSC who does not act as a director of the same company normally provides the code during the first 14 days of their birth month.
• A new PSC may provide the code when Companies House first records the PSC or within 14 days of being added.

The same personal code can cover several companies and roles. You must still connect it separately to every relevant director and PSC position.

How Our Legal Consultant Can Help

Our Legal Consultant and partner solicitor can help Russian nationals by:

• reviewing ten-year biometric Russian passports;
• checking five-year Russian international passports;
• identifying whether a passport should work through GOV.UK One Login;
• reviewing Russian driving licences;
• matching driving-licence cards against PRADO;
• explaining why an internal Russian passport should not replace the international passport;
• confirming the correct Group A and Group B combination;
• reviewing Russian bank statements and address documents;
• checking ZAGS birth and marriage certificates;
• reviewing divorce and change-of-name records;
• comparing Cyrillic and Latin name spellings;
• checking Russian patronymics;
• reviewing transliteration differences;
• connecting birth, married and former surnames;
• identifying date-of-birth and address differences;
• arranging a remote video call;
• completing the required ACSP checks;
• submitting the verification to Companies House; and
• helping the applicant progress towards receiving the personal code.

Ginkgo Advisory’s Role

Our Legal Consultant and partner solicitor provide the identity verification service.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Russian international passport?

Yes.

A Russian international passport provides Group A photographic identity evidence.

A current ten-year biometric passport may also work through the GOV.UK One Login app. A five-year passport may still work through an ACSP even where the mobile app cannot read it.

Can I use an expired Russian passport?

Potentially, depending on the verification route.

The GOV.UK One Login app does not accept an expired passport.

Under ACSP Option 1, suitable technology may accept a biometric or machine-readable passport that expired within the previous six months.

A person-led Option 2 check may accept a passport that expired within the previous 18 months.

The passport must not have been cancelled or replaced.

Can I use my ten-year biometric Russian passport?

Yes.

The ten-year Russian passport normally provides the strongest route. PRADO lists the ten-year model under reference RUS-AO-03003.

Can I use my five-year Russian passport?

Potentially.

A five-year Russian international passport can provide Group A evidence through an ACSP.

A five-year Russian international passport may qualify under Option 1 where it is machine-readable and the technology can validate it. It can also qualify as a passport under person-led Option 2.

It will not normally work through the GOV.UK One Login app if it does not contain a biometric chip.

Can I use my Russian internal passport?

Do not rely on it as one of the required documents.

The internal passport serves mainly as domestic identity evidence within Russia. PRADO’s current Russian Federation list does not include it as an identity-card document. Use the international passport instead.

Can I use the internal passport as additional evidence?

Potentially.

It may help confirm your Cyrillic name, patronymic, registered address, marital status or former surname.

However, it should not replace the formal Group A or Group B document combination.

Can I use my Russian driving licence?

Potentially.

PRADO lists the Russian driving licence model RUS-FO-03001. A physical card that matches the model, remains valid and passes the document checks may provide Group A evidence under Option 2.

Can I use an older Russian driving licence?

Possibly.

PRADO lists several older Russian licence models. The ACSP must check the exact card, its current validity, condition and whether a newer document replaced it.

Can I use a digital Russian driving licence?

Do not rely on the digital version alone.

Prepare the original physical card so the verifier can inspect its photograph and visible security features.

Can I use my Russian driving licence in GOV.UK One Login?

Not as the app’s driving-licence document.

The app accepts a UK photocard driving licence. A Russian driving licence may still work through a person-led ACSP check.

Can I use my SNILS?

No.

A SNILS number or card does not provide the required photographic identity or Group B evidence.

Can I use my INN?

No.

An INN is a Russian tax number. It does not replace an international passport, qualifying driving licence or Group B document.

Can I use my Gosuslugi account?

Not as one of the required documents.

An official online record may support additional checks, but it does not replace the evidence listed in the Companies House identity verification standard.

Can I use a Russian bank statement?

Potentially.

A bank statement falls within Group B. The document must be genuine, complete, clear and capable of validation.

Can I use a Russian utility bill?

Potentially.

A utility bill falls within Group B where it clearly shows the applicant’s current residential address.

Can I use a Russian mortgage statement?

Potentially.

A mortgage statement may provide Group B evidence where it shows the applicant’s current home address.

Can I use a Russian insurance policy?

Potentially.

An insurance policy falls within Group B where it clearly shows the applicant’s current address.

Can I use a Russian birth certificate?

Potentially.

A formal ZAGS birth certificate falls within Group B. Do not rely only on a hospital birth record or informal document.

Can I use a Russian marriage certificate?

Potentially.

A marriage certificate falls within Group B. It may also connect a birth surname with a married surname.

Can I use a Russian divorce certificate?

A divorce certificate may provide useful evidence of a surname change.

However, Companies House does not list divorce certificates separately in Group B. Use it as additional evidence together with an accepted document combination.

Can I use a Russian change-of-name certificate?

It may help connect your former and current names.

However, it does not automatically replace one of the specified Group B documents. Provide it together with the updated passport and accepted supporting evidence.

Do Russian documents need an English translation?

Some documents may need a translation.

International passports and driving licences contain Latin-script information. Russian bank statements, utility bills and civil-status documents may contain important information only in Cyrillic.

Provide both the original and an English translation where requested.

Why does my Russian passport omit my patronymic in Latin letters?

Russian international passports normally show the patronymic only in Cyrillic.

The forename and surname appear in both Cyrillic and Latin script. This document format can explain why Companies House or UK records omit the patronymic.

What if Companies House omits my patronymic?

Send the complete passport and supporting documents for review.

The absence of the patronymic does not automatically prevent verification, but the verifier must confirm that all records relate to the same person.

What if my Russian name has different English spellings?

Send every relevant document.

Differences can result from Cyrillic-to-Latin transliteration. The verifier should compare the current passport spelling, machine-readable information, supporting documents and Companies House record.

What if Companies House says Alexander but my passport says Aleksandr?

The difference may result from transliteration or the use of an English version of the name.

The ACSP must review the full document set. Additional evidence may be required where the difference is more than a simple transliteration variation.

What if I changed my surname after marriage?

Provide:

• the current international passport;
• marriage certificate;
• any earlier passport or internal passport as additional evidence;
• updated driving licence; and
• documents showing the name used at Companies House.

Russian marriage certificates record the surname each spouse will use after the wedding.

What if I returned to my former surname after divorce?

Provide the divorce certificate and updated international passport.

The verifier may also request the marriage certificate and earlier identity documents to connect the complete name history.

Can I verify my identity while living in Russia?

Yes.

An ACSP can complete the check remotely where the documents meet the Companies House standard and the video process allows the verifier to confirm the applicant’s identity.

Do I always need two documents?

You need two documents for a person-led remote or in-person Option 2 check.

One eligible document may be enough under Option 1 where suitable technology validates all required security features.

Must I post my original Russian passport?

Usually not for an approved remote video process.

You send clear images for preliminary review and show the original documents during the video call.

Can I use one personal code as both a director and PSC?

Yes.

The personal code belongs to you. However, you must connect it separately to your director role and your PSC role.

Can You Complete the Verification on the Same Day?

Same-day identity checks and ACSP submission may be available where we approve the document set in advance and complete all checks without an unresolved issue.

Companies House controls when it issues and delivers the personal code.

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

Russian nationals will usually have one of these practical document routes:

• a ten-year Russian biometric passport plus a PRADO-listed Russian driving licence;
• a five-year Russian international passport plus a qualifying driving licence;
• a Russian international passport plus an accepted Group B supporting document; or
• a Russian passport plus an eligible UK photographic document.

Some cases need extra care, especially where the applicant has:

• only an internal Russian passport;
• a five-year non-biometric international passport;
• a damaged or unreadable passport chip;
• an old or expired Russian driving licence;
• only a digital driving licence;
• a patronymic omitted from UK records;
• different Cyrillic-to-Latin transliterations;
• a married or former surname;
• an outdated passport following a name change;
• only a SNILS, INN or Gosuslugi screen as additional evidence;
• an incorrect date of birth; or
• information that does not match the Companies House register.

Our Legal Consultant and partner solicitor can review your documents, confirm the most suitable route and arrange remote Companies House identity verification by video call.

Same-day identity checks and ACSP submission may be available where the applicant provides a complete and suitable document set.