Certified Companies House Documents by a UK Solicitor

UK companies often need certified corporate documents when they conduct business overseas.

For example, a foreign bank may request a certified Certificate of Incorporation. An overseas registry may also ask for certified Articles of Association, director details or proof of the registered office.

Other requests can arise during:

• Overseas company registration
• Foreign subsidiary formation
• International bank account opening
• Business licence applications
• Corporate KYC checks
• Investment due diligence
• Overseas property purchases
• Government tenders
• Tax registration
• Payment-provider onboarding

A solicitor-certified Companies House document confirms that the copy matches the company record or original document checked by the solicitor.

Ginkgo Advisory provides a same-day express remote solicitor certification and certified copy service for suitable UK company documents. We can supply a certified PDF, prepare wet-ink copies or arrange an apostille where required.

However, an official Companies House certified document and a solicitor-certified copy are not the same product. Therefore, you should send us the receiving organisation’s instructions before choosing a service.

Can a UK solicitor certify Companies House documents?

Yes. A UK solicitor can certify suitable company documents when the overseas bank, authority or business partner accepts solicitor certification.

GOV.UK lists solicitors among the professionals who may certify true copies. The solicitor must check the relevant document before adding the certification wording, signature, date and professional details.

For a public Companies House record, the solicitor can check the document directly against the official online register. The certification can then identify the company, filing and date of the register check.

However, some recipients ask for an official document issued and signed by Companies House. In that situation, a solicitor-certified download may not meet the requirement.

Company-document certification at a glance

Requirement	Suitable route
The recipient accepts a UK solicitor-certified copy	Same-day solicitor certification may work
The recipient wants a certified Companies House filing	Order an official certified copy from Companies House
The recipient wants certified facts about the company	Order a Companies House certificate with certified facts
The recipient asks for proof of good standing	Request a certificate with a summary statement
The recipient wants a signed certified PDF	Electronic solicitor certification may work
The recipient asks for an apostille	Check whether it needs paper or electronic legalisation
The recipient expressly asks for notarisation	Use a UK notary
The document does not appear on Companies House	The solicitor must inspect another reliable original or source

The overseas recipient always controls final acceptance.

What are certified Companies House documents?

Companies House holds the official public register of UK companies.

The register includes company details and filed documents. Depending on the company, these records may cover:

• The Certificate of Incorporation
• Articles of Association
• Confirmation statements
• Annual accounts
• Director appointments
• Director resignations
• Registered office changes
• Company name changes
• Statements of capital
• Certain shareholder information
• People with significant control information
• Charges and mortgage filings
• Resolutions filed with Companies House
• Incorporation documents

You can view and download many of these records online.

However, a free Companies House PDF is not the same as an official certified copy. Companies House provides a separate service for certified documents and certificates.

When might you need certified UK company documents?

Companies often receive document requests during international business activity.

Opening an overseas corporate bank account

A foreign bank may ask for documents that prove the company’s legal existence, ownership and management.

The document list may include:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Articles of Association
• Current director details
• Registered office details
• Confirmation statement
• Ownership structure
• Proof of good standing
• Director and beneficial-owner identification

Companies House notes that a Certificate of Incorporation may support bank-account and loan applications. It may also help when a company conducts business overseas.

Nevertheless, the bank may apply its own certification rules. Therefore, ask whether it accepts a solicitor-certified PDF or needs an official Companies House certificate.

Registering a UK company overseas

A foreign business registry may ask for proof that the UK company exists.

It may also request details about:

• The incorporation date
• Company number
• Registered office
• Directors
• Company secretary
• Company status
• Company objects
• Previous company names

An official Companies House certificate can include several of these facts.

Forming a foreign subsidiary

A UK parent company may need certified corporate documents before it can form a subsidiary abroad.

The local adviser may ask for:

• Certified Certificate of Incorporation
• Certified Articles of Association
• Certificate with a summary statement
• Board resolution
• Power of attorney
• Register of directors
• Ownership chart
• Beneficial-owner documents

Some records appear on Companies House. However, board minutes, powers of attorney and internal registers may remain private.

Therefore, each document may need a different certification route.

Applying for an overseas business licence

A licensing authority may need proof of the UK company’s status.

For example, it may ask for documents that show:

• The company’s legal name
• Registration number
• Incorporation date
• Current directors
• Registered office
• Business activities
• Good standing

A Companies House certificate with certified facts may meet some of these requests.

Completing corporate KYC checks

Banks, accountants, payment providers and company agents often carry out corporate KYC.

As a result, they may ask for documents about both the company and the people behind it.

The company documents may establish its legal structure. Meanwhile, certified passports and proof of address can identify the directors, shareholders and beneficial owners.

Submitting an international tender

A government body or large company may ask bidders to prove their corporate status.

The tender checklist may require:

• Incorporation evidence
• Director details
• Filed accounts
• Good-standing evidence
• Tax documents
• Authorised-signatory details
• Certified translations
• An apostille

You should follow the tender wording exactly. A general company search may not satisfy a request for an official certified certificate.

Which Companies House documents can a solicitor certify?

A solicitor may certify many documents obtained from the Companies House register.

However, the solicitor should use wording that accurately explains what they checked.

Certificate of Incorporation

The Certificate of Incorporation confirms the company’s formation.

It normally shows:

• The company name
• Company number
• Date of incorporation
• Registrar’s seal

Companies House allows users to download an ordinary digital copy from the company’s filing history. It also offers official certified certificates through a separate ordering service.

Where the recipient accepts solicitor certification, we may certify a suitable copy after checking it against the official Companies House record.

However, some foreign registries insist on a certificate issued and signed by Companies House. We can identify that requirement before certification.

Articles of Association

The Articles of Association contain rules for running the company.

An overseas bank, investor or registry may ask for a certified copy to review:

• Director powers
• Shareholder rights
• Decision-making rules
• Share transfers
• Voting arrangements
• Company administration

Companies House usually holds the Articles filed during incorporation. It may also hold later amended Articles.

Therefore, we first check which version the recipient needs.

Confirmation statement

A confirmation statement confirms that the company has reviewed key information held by Companies House.

The filed document may include information about:

• Registered office details
• Company activities
• Share capital
• Shareholders
• People with significant control
• Trading status

However, a confirmation statement only reflects the information filed for that reporting period.

A bank may also need more recent director or ownership evidence. Therefore, the latest confirmation statement may not complete the full KYC check.

Annual accounts

Overseas banks, investors and tender authorities may request certified company accounts.

Companies House may hold:

• Micro-entity accounts
• Small-company accounts
• Unaudited accounts
• Audited accounts
• Group accounts
• Dormant-company accounts

A solicitor can certify a suitable copy of the filed accounts.

However, the certification does not confirm that the figures remain current or accurate. It only confirms that the copy matches the document checked.

Director appointment and resignation forms

The Companies House filing history may show director appointments and resignations.

These forms can help explain changes in company management. However, they may not provide a complete current director list on their own.

Therefore, a recipient may prefer a Companies House certificate that includes current director information.

Certificate of change of name

A company may need to explain why its present name differs from an older contract, bank account or qualification.

In that situation, the recipient may request:

• The original Certificate of Incorporation
• Certificate of change of name
• Current Companies House certificate
• Certified filing history

The solicitor can certify suitable copies after checking the company record.

Charges and mortgage documents

Companies House records may show registered company charges.

A lender, buyer or investor may ask for certified copies during:

• Corporate lending
• Business sales
• Refinancing
• Share purchases
• Property transactions
• Security reviews

However, the Companies House filing may not contain the complete finance agreement.

Therefore, the recipient may also need the original private documents.

Filed resolutions

Companies must file certain resolutions with Companies House.

For example, the register may contain resolutions about:

• Changing the Articles
• Changing the company name
• Altering share capital
• Approving specific corporate actions

A solicitor can certify a copy of a filed resolution after checking the register.

Nevertheless, many board and shareholder decisions remain private. The company must provide the original record when Companies House does not hold it.

What is an official Companies House certified certificate?

Companies House can issue a company certificate with certified facts.

The certificate includes:

• Company name
• Company number
• Date of incorporation

You can also ask Companies House to add certain facts, including:

• Directors’ names and selected details
• Company secretary details
• Registered office address
• Company objects
• Previous company names
• A summary statement

However, Companies House does not add PSC information, shareholder details, shareholdings or the statement of capital to this certificate.

What is a Companies House summary statement?

Many overseas organisations still ask for a Certificate of Good Standing.

Companies House now calls the relevant wording a summary statement.

The summary statement confirms that the company has remained in continuous, unbroken existence since incorporation. It also confirms that Companies House is not currently taking action to strike the company off the register.

Companies House will only issue the statement when the company meets its conditions.

For example, the company must remain up to date with its filings. A private company must also have at least one director who is a natural person.

Therefore, a company with overdue accounts or confirmation statements may not qualify.

Certificate of Good Standing or summary statement?

These phrases often refer to the same practical need.

However, the current Companies House term is summary statement.

An overseas bank may still use phrases such as:

• Certificate of Good Standing
• Good-standing certificate
• Certificate of status
• Certificate of incumbency
• Current company certificate
• Certificate of existence

These terms do not always mean exactly the same thing.

Therefore, send the full request rather than relying on the document name alone.

Solicitor-certified copy and Companies House certified copy compared

Document type	Who provides it?	What it confirms
Free Companies House download	Companies House online register	Shows the filed document available online
Solicitor-certified copy	UK solicitor	Confirms that the copy matches the document checked
Companies House certified copy	Companies House	Provides an officially certified copy of a filed document
Companies House certificate with facts	Companies House	Confirms selected facts held on the register
Certificate with summary statement	Companies House	Confirms qualifying status and no current strike-off action
Apostilled document	FCDO Legalisation Office	Authenticates the relevant UK signature, seal or stamp

The receiving body should tell you which level it needs.

Is a free Companies House PDF an officially certified document?

No.

Companies House lets the public download many records without charge. However, the ordinary PDF does not become an official certified copy merely because it came from the public register.

Companies House offers certified copies and certified certificates as separate paid products.

Nevertheless, an overseas recipient may accept a solicitor-certified copy of the downloaded record.

Therefore, ask whether it requires:

• A normal registry download
• A solicitor-certified copy
• A Companies House certified copy
• A Companies House certificate with certified facts
• A notarised copy
• An apostilled document

How long does an official Companies House order take?

As of 3 August 2026, Companies House offers standard and express dispatch.

The standard service costs £22. Companies House aims to send the order within 10 working days.

Its express service costs £65. You must order before 11am for dispatch on the same working day.

Incorporation-document orders cost £44 under the standard service and £130 under the express service.

Importantly, same-day dispatch does not mean same-day delivery. Companies House sends the physical document by post.

By contrast, our same-day solicitor service may provide a certified PDF on the same business day where the recipient accepts solicitor certification.

When should I order directly from Companies House?

You should normally order an official Companies House product where the recipient asks for:

• A Companies House certified copy
• A Registrar-certified document
• An original Companies House signature
• A certificate with certified facts
• A certificate with a summary statement
• A document for the official Companies House apostille route
• An original registry certificate
• A certificate issued directly by the UK company registry

A solicitor-certified download should not replace an express request for official Companies House certification.

When can same-day solicitor certification help?

Our service may suit a request for:

• A UK solicitor-certified copy
• A lawyer-certified company document
• A certified true copy of the Certificate of Incorporation
• A certified copy of the Articles
• A certified Companies House download
• A digitally signed certified PDF
• A certified copy for corporate KYC
• A certified company record for an overseas bank
• A certified filing for a business partner
• An electronically certified document for an e-Apostille

The recipient must accept the proposed format.

Same-day express remote company-document certification

Ginkgo Advisory provides a same-day express remote solicitor certification service for suitable Companies House records.

The service may cover:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Articles of Association
• Confirmation statements
• Annual accounts
• Director appointment forms
• Director resignation forms
• Registered office filings
• Change-of-name documents
• Filed resolutions
• Statements of capital
• Charge documents
• Other public Companies House filings

We may provide:

• A same-day certified PDF
• An electronically signed document
• A wet-ink solicitor-certified copy
• Direct delivery to an overseas recipient
• Paper apostille support
• e-Apostille support
• International courier delivery

However, our same-day service does not turn a Companies House download into an official Companies House certified certificate.

How our same-day remote service works

1. Send us the recipient’s instructions

First, provide the bank’s, registry’s or adviser’s document request.

The wording may tell us whether the recipient wants:

• A solicitor
• A lawyer
• A notary
• Companies House
• A public official
• An apostille
• A paper document
• An electronic document

This review helps prevent you from ordering the wrong product.

2. Provide the UK company number

Next, send the company’s full name and Companies House number.

Also tell us which filing or information the recipient needs.

For example, it may want:

• The incorporation document
• Current director details
• The latest Articles
• The latest accounts
• A confirmation statement
• A change-of-name certificate
• A filed resolution

3. We check the official register

The solicitor checks the company and relevant filings against the Companies House register.

We also review:

• The company’s current name
• Registration number
• Company status
• Filing date
• Document type
• Number of pages
• Whether the record remains available
• Whether a later version exists

Where necessary, we ask the client to confirm which version the recipient wants.

4. We prepare the certification

The solicitor then applies wording that accurately describes the check.

For a public digital record, the wording may confirm that the copy matches the document obtained from and checked against the Companies House register.

By contrast, the solicitor should not claim to have seen a physical original when the document only exists as a digital registry record.

5. We issue the certified PDF

Where the recipient accepts electronic delivery, we send the completed PDF after all checks.

The document can include:

• The certification wording
• Solicitor’s signature
• Certification date
• Full professional title
• Professional address
• Telephone number
• Email address
• SRA details
• Professional stamp, where suitable

6. We prepare wet-ink copies where needed

Some recipients still require an original handwritten signature.

In that situation, we print and certify the document. We can then send it by tracked post or international courier.

7. We arrange further legalisation where required

Finally, we can review whether the document needs:

• A paper apostille
• An e-Apostille
• Embassy legalisation
• Consular legalisation
• A certified translation

Each step depends on the destination and recipient.

What certification wording can a solicitor use?

GOV.UK gives the standard true-copy wording:

“Certified to be a true copy of the original seen by me.”

The certifier should also sign and date the document. In addition, they should add their name, occupation, address and telephone number.

However, this wording may not suit every Companies House record.

For example, an online registry document may not have a separate physical original. Therefore, the solicitor should describe the actual check accurately.

Sample wording for a Companies House document

Suitable wording for a public online filing may read:

I certify that this is a true copy of the document obtained from and checked against the official Companies House register on the date stated below.

The solicitor can then add:

• Signature
• Date
• KH LAM
• Solicitor, England and Wales
• Professional contact details
• SRA details
• Professional stamp

The receiving organisation may provide its own wording. We can follow that wording where the completed checks support it.

Can company-document certification take place remotely?

Yes, in many cases.

Companies House provides public access to company records. Therefore, the solicitor can often check the relevant filing directly without receiving a physical document from the client.

This process works particularly well for:

• Incorporation documents
• Filed Articles
• Confirmation statements
• Filed accounts
• Director filings
• Registered office filings
• Filed resolutions
• Charge documents

However, remote certification does not suit every company record.

For example, Companies House may not hold the private document. In that case, the solicitor must inspect another reliable original.

Which company documents do not usually appear on Companies House?

Companies House does not hold every corporate document.

Private records may include:

• Share certificates
• Complete register of members
• Internal board minutes
• Unfiled shareholder resolutions
• Shareholder agreements
• Investment agreements
• Commercial contracts
• Bank letters
• Tax documents
• Internal ownership records
• Powers of attorney
• Director identity documents
• Private company policies
• Dividend vouchers

For these documents, the solicitor may need:

• The paper original
• The original digital file
• Evidence about the file’s source
• Confirmation from a director
• A company-authorised contact
• A live video document check
• Supporting company records

The exact process depends on the document and recipient.

Can a solicitor certify a share certificate?

Yes, in a suitable case.

A share certificate usually does not appear on the public Companies House register.

Therefore, the solicitor must inspect the original certificate or another reliable original record before certifying the copy.

However, the certification only confirms the copy. It does not give a legal opinion on share ownership.

A bank or investor may also ask for:

• Register of members
• Confirmation statement
• Share allotment documents
• Share-transfer forms
• Ownership chart
• Beneficial-owner declaration

Can a solicitor certify a register of members?

Yes, where the company provides a reliable current register.

The solicitor may need confirmation from a director, secretary or authorised officer.

However, a certified copy does not independently prove that the company maintained the register correctly.

The recipient may ask for a separate director’s certificate or legal opinion.

Can a solicitor certify board minutes or resolutions?

Yes, where the solicitor can inspect the original or reliable company record.

However, the recipient may ask the director or company secretary to certify the resolution instead.

In addition, a power of attorney, bank mandate or major corporate transaction may need:

• A board resolution
• Director certification
• Signature witnessing
• Notarisation
• An apostille
• A legal opinion

Therefore, send the entire request before anyone signs.

Can a solicitor certify a company ownership chart?

Yes, but the wording needs care.

An ownership chart often comes from the company rather than Companies House.

The solicitor may certify that the copy matches the chart supplied. However, that statement does not independently confirm every ownership link.

A bank may ask a director or authorised officer to confirm the chart’s accuracy.

It may also request supporting records for each company in the chain.

Can the certified documents include PSC information?

A solicitor can certify a suitable copy of PSC information or a relevant Companies House filing.

However, Companies House does not include PSC information on its certificate with certified facts. It also excludes shareholders, shareholdings and the statement of capital from that certificate.

Therefore, the recipient may need:

• A separate Companies House filing
• A current confirmation statement
• A certified ownership chart
• A beneficial-owner declaration
• Certified identity documents

Does the company need to authorise certification?

Public Companies House records remain publicly available. Therefore, a solicitor can check those records without obtaining a private original from the company.

However, company authority may become necessary when the service involves:

• Private corporate records
• Personal data
• Direct communication with a bank
• Delivery to a third party
• Director statements
• Shareholder records
• Internal registers
• Legal opinions
• Powers of attorney

We may request written authority before releasing private information.

Is solicitor certification the same as a legal opinion?

No.

A certified copy confirms that the copy matches the document checked.

By contrast, a legal opinion may address questions such as:

• Whether the company exists under English law
• Whether it has capacity to enter a transaction
• Whether directors hold valid appointments
• Whether corporate approvals remain effective
• Whether an agreement binds the company
• Whether the company has properly signed a document

A simple certified copy does not answer those legal questions.

Therefore, tell us whether the recipient wants certification or a formal legal opinion.

Is solicitor certification the same as notarisation?

No.

A solicitor and a notary perform different professional roles.

Service	Main purpose
Solicitor-certified copy	Confirms that a copy matches the document checked
Companies House certified copy	Official certification from the UK company registry
Notarised copy	A notary completes a notarial act or certificate
Legal opinion	A lawyer gives an opinion on specific legal matters
Apostille	The FCDO authenticates the relevant UK signature, seal or stamp
Embassy legalisation	An embassy completes a further country-specific step

Use a notary where the instructions expressly require:

• A notary public
• A notarised document
• A notarial certificate
• A notarial act
• Notarial execution

Do not assume that the recipient will treat a solicitor and notary as interchangeable.

Do certified company documents need an apostille?

Not always.

A foreign bank or business partner may accept solicitor certification without legalisation.

However, a public registry, licensing body or government authority may request an apostille.

The FCDO Legalisation Office checks the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal. It then attaches an apostille when the document qualifies.

An apostille does not confirm that the company remains financially sound. It also does not verify every statement in the document.

Instead, it authenticates the relevant UK official act.

How do I apostille an official Companies House document?

Companies House states that a document needs the original signature of a British public official for its official Companies House legalisation route.

Therefore, you should request a certified certificate or certified copy from Companies House before applying for the apostille.

This route commonly suits a recipient that asks for:

• An apostilled Companies House certificate
• An apostilled Certificate of Incorporation
• An apostilled certificate with a summary statement
• A Registrar-signed company document
• A paper company certificate for overseas registration

Can I get an e-Apostille for a Companies House document?

An e-Apostille may work for a suitable electronically certified company document.

The FCDO requires an e-Apostille document to appear as a PDF with an eligible electronic signature from a UK solicitor or notary.

Therefore, a solicitor may electronically certify a suitable company record before the e-Apostille application.

However, the receiving organisation must accept:

• Electronic solicitor certification
• An e-Apostille
• The underlying Companies House document
• Digital delivery

The FCDO also makes the final decision on legalisation eligibility.

Paper apostille or e-Apostille?

A paper apostille attaches to a physical document.

By contrast, an e-Apostille attaches to an eligible electronic PDF.

Choose the format only after asking the overseas recipient:

• Does it accept an e-Apostille?
• Does it require a paper document?
• Does it want an official Companies House signature?
• Will it accept a solicitor-certified PDF?
• Does it need separate apostilles for each document?
• Does it require embassy legalisation after the apostille?

The FCDO advises applicants to confirm both the document format and the type of apostille with the recipient.

Can one apostille cover several company documents?

The answer depends on how the documents have been prepared and what the recipient requires.

Some recipients want a separate apostille for:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Articles of Association
• Certificate with summary statement
• Power of attorney
• Board resolution

Others may accept a securely bound document set with one certification.

The FCDO advises applicants to check whether the recipient wants one apostille for a group or a separate apostille for each document.

Do company documents need embassy legalisation?

Possibly.

An apostille may complete the process in one country. However, another destination may require further steps.

The process may include:

1. Solicitor certification or Companies House certification
2. FCDO apostille
3. Embassy or consular legalisation
4. Foreign ministry approval
5. Certified translation

Country rules can change. Therefore, obtain a current checklist from the receiving authority.

Do company documents need translation?

A foreign registry or bank may ask for a translation into its official language.

The translator should confirm that the translation accurately reflects the source document.

However, solicitor certification and translation certification serve different purposes.

The solicitor confirms the copy. Meanwhile, the translator confirms the translated text.

Therefore, check whether the recipient needs:

• Translation before the apostille
• Translation after the apostille
• A sworn translator
• A court-approved translator
• A translator based in the destination country
• Certification of both the source and translation

Common company-document certification mistakes

Small errors can delay an overseas transaction.

Common problems include:

• Sending a free Companies House PDF when the recipient wants an official certified copy
• Ordering a Companies House certificate when the recipient wants a solicitor
• Using a solicitor when the recipient requires a notary
• Asking for a Certificate of Good Standing without checking the current summary-statement wording
• Assuming a summary statement includes PSC or shareholder details
• Certifying an old version of the Articles
• Using an outdated confirmation statement
• Providing incomplete accounts
• Leaving out reverse pages or continuation pages
• Failing to include a change-of-name document
• Certifying only one page of a multi-page filing
• Using wording that incorrectly refers to a physical original
• Ordering an apostille before checking the required format
• Sending an e-Apostille when the recipient needs paper
• Assuming same-day dispatch means same-day delivery
• Assuming a certified copy provides a legal opinion
• Failing to identify beneficial owners
• Using public records when the recipient wants private company registers
• Sending company documents without certified director ID
• Ignoring translation requirements

An early document review can prevent many of these issues.

Frequently asked questions

Can a UK solicitor certify a Certificate of Incorporation?

Yes.

The solicitor can check a suitable copy against the Companies House record. However, the recipient must accept solicitor certification.

Can KH LAM certify Companies House documents on the same day?

Yes, in a suitable case.

Same-day service depends on the recipient’s requirements, the document’s availability and completion of all checks.

Do I need to send the original Certificate of Incorporation?

Not always.

Where Companies House holds the official digital record, the solicitor may check it directly.

However, a recipient may require an original Companies House certified certificate.

Can you certify a Companies House PDF?

Yes, where the recipient accepts a solicitor-certified registry document.

The certification can state that the copy matches the record checked on Companies House.

Is a downloaded Certificate of Incorporation already certified?

No.

A standard download shows the document on the public register. However, it is not the same as a paid Companies House certified certificate.

Can you certify Articles of Association?

Yes.

We first check that the document represents the version required by the recipient.

Can you certify annual accounts?

Yes.

The certification confirms that the copy matches the filed accounts checked. It does not audit the figures.

Can you certify a confirmation statement?

Yes.

However, the recipient may also need current information from later filings.

Can you certify a change-of-name certificate?

Yes.

We can review the company’s name history and certify the relevant record.

Can you certify company director details?

Yes.

The best document depends on the recipient. It may prefer a Companies House certificate with certified facts rather than separate appointment forms.

Can you certify PSC information?

Yes, in a suitable format.

However, Companies House does not include PSC information on its certificate with certified facts.

Can you issue a Certificate of Good Standing?

A solicitor cannot issue the official Companies House certificate.

Companies House can add a summary statement to its certified certificate when the company meets the conditions.

We can help obtain and legalise that document.

Can you certify a share certificate?

Yes, where we can inspect the original or another reliable source.

Share certificates do not normally appear on the public Companies House register.

Can you certify board minutes?

Yes, in a suitable case.

However, the recipient may prefer certification by a director or company secretary.

Can you certify a company register?

Yes, subject to a review of the original register, its source and the required wording.

Can you certify a company structure chart?

We can certify that a copy matches the chart supplied.

However, the recipient may also need a director to confirm that the information remains accurate.

Does a company document need a solicitor’s stamp?

Not always.

The signature, date, wording and professional details remain the main certification elements.

However, many overseas recipients also request a stamp or SRA details.

Can you certify documents for a dissolved company?

The public Companies House filing history may remain available.

However, the certification does not restore the company or confirm that it remains active.

Can you certify documents for a dormant company?

Yes.

However, the company’s dormant status may affect the documents available and the receiving organisation’s review.

Can you certify documents for a Scottish company?

Yes.

Companies House covers companies registered in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The certification should identify the company’s registration jurisdiction correctly.

Can you certify a foreign company’s documents?

Possibly.

However, Companies House does not act as the home registry for a foreign company merely because it has a UK establishment.

We may need official documents from the company’s country of incorporation.

Does the solicitor need to meet the director?

Not usually for a public Companies House document.

However, identity checks or company authority may become necessary for private records or direct delivery to a third party.

Can you send the certified documents directly to a foreign bank?

Yes, with the client’s authority.

We can email the certified PDF or send wet-ink copies by courier.

Does an overseas bank accept solicitor certification?

Many banks accept certification from a lawyer or solicitor. However, each bank applies its own rules.

Therefore, send us the bank’s exact certification checklist.

Do I need a notary?

Use a notary when the instructions expressly require notarisation or a notary public.

Do I need an apostille?

Only when the receiving organisation asks for legalisation.

Can you arrange the apostille?

Yes.

We can support paper apostille and e-Apostille applications where the document and recipient allow the chosen route.

How quickly can I receive a certified PDF?

A suitable straightforward case may finish on the same UK business day.

However, an official Companies House order, apostille or international delivery requires additional time.

Does certification guarantee overseas acceptance?

No.

The foreign bank, registry, authority or business partner makes the final decision.

Arrange same-day certification of Companies House documents

Ginkgo Advisory provides a same-day express remote solicitor certification and certified copy service for suitable UK company records.

Our service may include:

• Certificate of Incorporation certification
• Articles of Association certification
• Confirmation statement certification
• Annual accounts certification
• Director-document certification
• Registered office document certification
• Change-of-name document certification
• Filed resolution certification
• Charge-document certification
• Private company-document certification
• Same-day certified PDF delivery
• Wet-ink certified copies
• Official Companies House document ordering
• Certificate with summary statement support
• Paper apostille support
• e-Apostille support
• Embassy legalisation coordination
• International courier delivery

KH LAM completes the solicitor certification as a practising Solicitor, England and Wales.

We assist UK companies, overseas directors, international banks, foreign registries, lawyers, accountants and corporate service providers.

However, Ginkgo Advisory remains independent from Companies House and the FCDO. We do not control whether an overseas organisation accepts a document.

Therefore, please send the recipient’s latest written instructions before we prepare the certification.