Bulgarian 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 rather than 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 Bulgarian Directors and PSCs

Bulgarian nationals usually have several strong identity document options.

Depending on the verification route, you may be able to use:

• a valid Bulgarian biometric passport;
• a current Bulgarian biometric identity card, known as a лична карта or lichna karta;
• an older Bulgarian identity card that remains valid and matches a PRADO-listed model;
• a Bulgarian EU photocard driving licence;
• an eligible UK-issued photographic identity document; or
• one photographic document together with a Group B supporting document.

For a person-led remote video check, you normally need 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 most Bulgarian directors and PSCs, the strongest combinations are:

• Bulgarian passport and current biometric identity card;
• Bulgarian passport and Bulgarian EU photocard driving licence;
• Bulgarian identity card and EU photocard driving licence; or
• Bulgarian passport and a suitable bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement, insurance policy or other Group B document.

Important Point About the Bulgarian Identity Card

Bulgaria began issuing its current biometric national identity card on 17 June 2024.

PRADO lists the current card under document reference BGR-BO-03001. It uses bank-card format, contains a photograph and serves as an identity and travel document for Bulgarian nationals within the EU and associated Schengen countries.

The card also contains an electronic data carrier with biometric information. Bulgarian authorities state that the chip stores the holder’s photograph and two fingerprints.

The current biometric Bulgarian identity card can provide strong Group A evidence. It may also work as the single identity document under Companies House Option 1 where the ACSP uses suitable technology to validate the chip and physical security features.

Direct answer: A current biometric Bulgarian identity card can be used for Companies House identity verification. It qualifies as an EU identity card with biometric information and appears on PRADO.

What About an Older Bulgarian Identity Card?

Bulgaria’s previous identity card model appears on PRADO under reference BGR-BO-02001. Bulgaria first issued this version on 29 March 2010. It remains a PRADO-listed photographic identity document.

Cards issued on or before 16 June 2024 can continue to be used until their individual expiry dates, but Bulgarian authorities state that they cannot remain in use beyond August 2031. Holders do not need to replace an older card immediately simply because Bulgaria introduced the new biometric design.

An older card may therefore provide Group A evidence for a person-led Option 2 check where:

• the card remains valid;
• the document matches the PRADO-listed model;
• the photograph still matches the applicant;
• the card remains in good condition;
• the issuing authority has not cancelled or replaced it; and
• the verifier can inspect its security features.

The older identity card does not contain the same biometric chip as the card introduced in 2024. It should therefore not be treated as a biometric EU identity card under Option 1.

However, it may qualify under Option 2 through the separate Group A category for another type of photographic identity document listed on PRADO.

A current biometric identity card, passport or EU photocard driving licence will usually provide a simpler remote verification route.

Who Must Complete Companies House Identity Verification?

The requirement applies to Bulgarian nationals who are:

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

Mandatory identity verification started on 18 November 2025. That date began a transition period rather than creating one 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 every 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 correct period depends on whether the PSC also acts as a director and when Companies House first recorded the PSC.

How Can Bulgarian Nationals Verify Their Identity?

Bulgarian nationals can use one of two main routes.

1. Verify Through GOV.UK One Login

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

For a Bulgarian national living outside the UK, the clearest online document is normally a valid biometric Bulgarian passport.

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

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

The service decides which route it can offer based on your documents, device and available records.

Using a Bulgarian Passport

The current Bulgarian ordinary passport appears on PRADO under reference BGR-AO-02001. Bulgaria first issued this model on 29 March 2010.

The passport contains a contactless microchip and normally has a maximum validity of five years.

A current Bulgarian biometric passport may therefore work through the GOV.UK One Login app. The applicant must scan the passport’s personal-details page and electronic chip and complete a facial comparison.

The app does not accept an expired passport.

Can You Use a Bulgarian Identity Card in the One Login App?

Do not assume that the Bulgarian identity card will work through the mobile app.

The app’s clearest overseas route uses a biometric passport. However, GOV.UK One Login’s Post Office route accepts national identity photocards from EU countries. A current or valid older Bulgarian identity card may therefore work where the online service directs the applicant to a participating Post Office.

The applicant must first start the Companies House identity verification process online. They cannot simply attend a Post Office without a Companies House customer letter.

Can You Use a Bulgarian Driving Licence in the App?

The mobile app does not use a Bulgarian driving licence as its driving-licence document. It checks UK photocard driving licences through UK records.

However, the Post Office route accepts EU photocard driving licences. A valid Bulgarian licence may therefore work where GOV.UK One Login offers that route.

A Bulgarian EU photocard driving licence can also provide Group A evidence through an ACSP.

Post Office Verification

Applicants who receive the Post Office option must:

1. enter their photo-ID details online;
2. download the Companies House customer letter;
3. attend a participating Post Office;
4. present the original identity document;
5. allow staff to scan the document and take a photograph; and
6. wait for the GOV.UK One Login result.

You cannot use a photocopy or digital image at the Post Office. The result usually arrives within one day, although this is not guaranteed.

This route may suit Bulgarian nationals living in the UK. It will usually offer less convenience to someone who lives in Bulgaria and does not plan to travel to the UK.

2. Verify Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider

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

ACSPs commonly include regulated solicitors, accountants and company service providers. They must remain supervised for anti-money laundering purposes and register with Companies House before verifying clients.

An ACSP can complete the checks remotely or in person. However, it must follow every step in the Companies House identity verification standard.

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

• lives in Bulgaria or another country outside the UK;
• cannot complete GOV.UK One Login verification;
• cannot scan the Bulgarian passport chip;
• wants to use a Bulgarian identity card or driving licence;
• holds an older Bulgarian identity card;
• has three names that appear differently at Companies House;
• has a patronymic name that UK records omit;
• has differences between Cyrillic and Latin spellings;
• changed their surname after marriage;
• needs help selecting a Group B document; or
• wants remote verification by video call.

How Many Documents Do You Need?

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

Option 1: Technology-Led Verification

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

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

Companies House permits the following documents under Option 1:

• a biometric or machine-readable passport;
• a UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or EU photocard driving licence;
• an identity card with biometric information 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 Bulgarian nationals, suitable Option 1 documents may include:

• a Bulgarian biometric passport;
• a current Bulgarian biometric identity card;
• a Bulgarian EU photocard driving licence; or
• an eligible UK-issued immigration document.

The current identity card introduced in June 2024 can fall within the biometric EU identity-card category.

An older non-biometric Bulgarian identity card will not qualify under that specific Option 1 category.

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:

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

A passport may be up to 18 months expired under Option 2. However, the issuing authority must not have cancelled or replaced it.

Other documents normally need to remain current unless Companies House provides a specific exception.

Bulgarian applicants who use a person-led remote service should prepare two suitable documents before the video appointment.

Group A Photographic ID for Bulgarian Nationals

1. Bulgarian Passport

A Bulgarian passport normally provides the clearest Group A identity document.

PRADO lists the current ordinary passport as:

• BGR-AO-02001;
• Паспорт / Passport;
• first issued on 29 March 2010;
• a valid biometric document model; and
• a document issued to Bulgarian nationals.

The passport contains a contactless microchip and physical security features. Its usual maximum validity is five years.

Under 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 with 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 Bulgarian passport will normally make the process easier.

2. Current Bulgarian Biometric Identity Card

The Bulgarian national identity card is called a лична карта, often written as lichna karta in Latin letters.

PRADO lists the current model as:

• BGR-BO-03001;
• Лична карта / Identity Card;
• first issued on 17 June 2024;
• a valid national identity document; and
• a travel document for use within the EU and associated Schengen countries.

The current card contains:

• a facial photograph;
• a secondary facial image;
• a contactless electronic data carrier;
• the holder’s facial biometric data;
• two fingerprints; and
• several visible and electronic security features.

A valid current card can provide Group A evidence under Option 2.

It may also work as the single document under Option 1 where suitable technology can validate the chip and all required physical security features.

Validity of the Current Bulgarian Identity Card

PRADO records the following maximum validity periods:

• four years for holders aged 14 to under 18;
• ten years for adults aged 18 to under 70; and
• either ten or 30 years for people aged 70 or over, depending on the option chosen.

The individual card must still remain current and must not have been cancelled or replaced.

3. Older Bulgarian Identity Card

The previous Bulgarian identity card appears on PRADO as BGR-BO-02001. Bulgaria first issued this version on 29 March 2010.

An in-date older card may provide Group A evidence for a person-led check through the PRADO-listed photographic ID category.

The verifier should check:

• the exact card model;
• the expiry position;
• the photograph;
• the physical condition;
• whether the authority has replaced the card;
• whether the security features remain clear; and
• whether the personal details match the applicant.

Cards issued before the new biometric system began can remain in use until their expiry dates, but not beyond August 2031.

Do not rely on an expired or replaced card, even where the old card once carried an indefinite validity period.

4. Bulgarian EU Photocard Driving Licence

A valid Bulgarian EU photocard driving licence can provide Group A photographic identity evidence.

Companies House expressly accepts EU photocard driving licences under both Option 1 and Option 2.

PRADO records the current Bulgarian model under reference BGR-FO-02002. Bulgaria first issued this version on 19 January 2013.

The licence:

• uses bank-card format;
• contains a photograph;
• uses laser-engraved personal information;
• includes a secondary facial image;
• establishes identity within Bulgaria; and
• does not, by itself, prove Bulgarian nationality.

The usual maximum validity is:

• ten years for categories such as AM, A and B; and
• five years for heavy-vehicle categories.

Send clear images of both the front and reverse before the video appointment.

Earlier Bulgarian Driving Licences

PRADO lists several earlier Bulgarian driving-licence models, including versions first issued in 2010, 2002, 2000 and 1999.

An earlier photocard licence may still work where:

• the individual document remains valid;
• it matches a PRADO-listed model;
• it has not been replaced;
• the photograph remains a reliable likeness; and
• the verifier can inspect the security features.

Do not assume that every historic licence remains suitable. A current EU photocard licence provides the clearest route.

5. Eligible UK-Issued Photographic Documents

Bulgarian nationals who live 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 verification route.

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

Bulgarian Documents and Numbers You Should Not Rely On Alone

Bulgarian EGN

The Единен граждански номер, or EGN, is Bulgaria’s Uniform Civil Number.

Bulgarian authorities assign an EGN as part of the civil-registration system. It may appear on the identity card, passport, birth certificate and other official records.

However, an EGN number by itself is not a photographic identity document.

Do not submit only:

• a written EGN;
• an EGN shown in an email;
• a screenshot containing the number;
• a tax or employment document showing the EGN;
• an online registry result; or
• an EGN verification page.

The EGN is also not the same as a Companies House personal code.

Electronic Government Screens

A Bulgarian e-government profile, electronic certificate, mobile application screen or registry result does not replace an accepted identity document.

These records may help the ACSP check specific information. However, the applicant must still provide the Group A and Group B evidence required by Companies House.

Digital Photograph of an Identity Card

You will normally send document photographs for preliminary review.

However, a photograph, scan or screenshot does not replace the original card. During a person-led video call, the applicant must show the original identity document.

The verifier may ask the applicant to:

• move the card;
• tilt it towards the light;
• show its edges;
• display both sides; and
• show security features from different angles.

European Health Insurance Card

Do not rely on a Bulgarian European Health Insurance Card as one of the required documents.

Companies House does not include foreign health-insurance cards in its published Group A or Group B lists.

Permanent Address Certificate

A Bulgarian certificate of permanent or current address may help explain the applicant’s address history.

However, Companies House does not expressly list a foreign municipal address certificate in Group B. It may provide additional evidence, but it should not automatically replace a bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement, insurance policy or another listed document.

Vehicle Registration Certificate

A Bulgarian vehicle-registration certificate does not replace an identity document.

PRADO lists Bulgarian vehicle-registration documents separately from identity cards and driving licences. They do not fall within the Companies House Group A or Group B evidence categories.

Group B Supporting Documents

Where you only have one suitable Group A photographic identity 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 Bulgarian 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 address; and
• provides credible evidence of genuine activity.

Bulgarian Bank Statements

A Bulgarian bank statement may provide Group B evidence.

The statement should:

• show the applicant’s full name;
• identify the bank clearly;
• display a recent statement date;
• show genuine account activity;
• remain complete and legible;
• contain no signs of editing; and
• show the current address where the applicant relies on it as address evidence.

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

Bulgarian Utility Bills

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

Examples may include:

• electricity bills;
• water bills;
• gas or heating 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 Bulgarian 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 current address.

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

Bulgarian Birth Certificates

A Bulgarian birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

Bulgaria records births through the local municipality. Bulgarian birth records normally include the person’s forename, patronymic name, family name and EGN. Certified copies can be obtained through the relevant municipality or, in some cases, through a Bulgarian embassy or consulate.

For identity verification, send the complete official certificate rather than:

• a hospital record;
• an informal translation;
• a cropped photograph;
• an online application receipt; or
• a municipal appointment confirmation.

The ACSP should be able to identify:

• the issuing municipality;
• the applicant’s complete name;
• the date and place of birth;
• the document date;
• the EGN, where shown; and
• any later amendment.

Bulgarian Marriage Certificates

An official Bulgarian marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

It can also connect:

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

Provide the complete official marriage certificate rather than only a ceremonial document, photograph or informal extract.

English Translations

Bulgarian identity cards, passports and EU driving licences contain standardised Latin-script fields that a trained verifier may understand.

Other documents may contain important information only in Bulgarian and Cyrillic script.

The ACSP may therefore request an English translation of:

• a birth certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• bank statement;
• utility bill;
• mortgage statement;
• insurance policy; or
• name-change decision.

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

Recommended Document Combinations

Bulgarian Passport and Current Biometric Identity Card

This combination provides two strong Group A photographic documents.

The passport confirms identity and Bulgarian nationality. The current лична карта provides a second biometric identity document.

This will often provide the strongest person-led remote document set.

Bulgarian Passport and EU Photocard Driving Licence

This combination also provides two Group A documents.

Both documents should show consistent:

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

The passport confirms nationality. The driving licence provides a second photographic identity document.

Bulgarian Identity Card and Driving Licence

A current Bulgarian biometric identity card and valid EU photocard driving licence may also provide two Group A documents.

The verifier may still request a passport where the case requires stronger evidence of nationality, travel history or recent identity activity.

Bulgarian Passport and Older Identity Card

This combination may provide two Group A documents under Option 2 where the older identity card:

• remains valid;
• matches BGR-BO-02001;
• has not been replaced;
• remains in good condition; and
• passes all document checks.

The older card cannot remain usable beyond the Bulgarian cutoff in August 2031.

Bulgarian Passport and Bank Statement

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

It may suit an applicant who:

• does not hold a driving licence;
• has an expired identity card;
• cannot use the identity card for technical reasons; or
• wants to provide evidence of recent financial activity.

Bulgarian Passport and Utility Bill

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

The provider and account details must remain capable of validation.

Bulgarian Passport and Mortgage Statement

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

Bulgarian Passport and Insurance Policy

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

Bulgarian Passport and Birth Certificate

An official Bulgarian birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

This combination can help where:

• Companies House omits the patronymic name;
• separate documents divide the three names differently;
• the applicant has several forenames;
• a transliteration differs; or
• the date of birth needs stronger support.

Bulgarian Passport and Marriage Certificate

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

This combination may help where:

• the applicant adopted a spouse’s surname;
• the applicant created a hyphenated surname;
• a UK bank account uses a married surname;
• Companies House records a shortened surname; or
• the passport and company register show different names.

Bulgarian Names, Patronymics and Transliteration

Bulgarian names require careful review.

The Bulgarian Three-Name Structure

Bulgarian nationals normally have three names:

1. a forename;
2. a patronymic name based on the father’s forename; and
3. a family surname.

The forename may contain one or more names, with or without a hyphen. Patronymic and family names often use gender-specific endings.

Common endings include:

• -ov and -ova;
• -ev and -eva;
• -ski and -ska.

For example, one person may appear as:

• IVAN PETROV GEORGIEV;
• IVAN P. GEORGIEV;
• IVAN GEORGIEV; or
• GEORGIEV, IVAN PETROV.

A UK record may treat the patronymic as a middle name. Another system may omit it completely.

The omission does not always mean that the documents belong to different people. However, the ACSP must compare the complete document set and confirm one consistent identity.

Gender-Specific Surname Endings

Male and female members of the same Bulgarian family may use different grammatical endings.

For example:

• IVANOV and IVANOVA;
• PETROV and PETROVA;
• DIMITROV and DIMITROVA;
• GEORGIEV and GEORGIEVA.

This does not indicate that the family names are unrelated.

However, an individual’s own surname should remain consistent unless an official marriage, divorce, adoption or name-change process explains the difference.

Cyrillic and Latin Spellings

Bulgarian identity documents may show names in both Cyrillic and Latin script.

Different databases may transliterate the same Cyrillic name differently. UK records may also:

• omit a patronymic;
• remove a hyphen;
• join two names;
• change the order of the names;
• use an older transliteration;
• remove punctuation; or
• shorten a long name.

The verifier should compare:

• the Cyrillic name;
• the Latin name printed on the passport or identity card;
• the machine-readable passport information;
• the Companies House record;
• bank and address documents; and
• any former-name evidence.

The Latin-script spelling on the current passport will normally provide the main reference point for a UK verification.

Married Names

A Bulgarian woman may:

• keep her birth surname;
• take her husband’s surname with the appropriate female ending; or
• add the husband’s surname to her existing surname with a hyphen.

Bulgarian law normally requires a national who changes their name to update their identity documents.

Differences may arise where:

• the passport shows the birth surname;
• a newer identity card shows the married surname;
• a UK bank account uses a hyphenated surname;
• Companies House records only the spouse’s surname; or
• the marriage took place outside Bulgaria.

Provide the marriage certificate and any updated identity documents where the names differ.

Formal Name Changes

A Bulgarian national who changes their name for a reason other than marriage, divorce or adoption normally needs a court-approved change.

After an official change, the person must update Bulgarian identity documents, including the passport.

Relevant linking evidence may include:

• a court judgment;
• marriage certificate;
• divorce certificate;
• adoption record;
• updated birth certificate;
• updated identity card;
• updated passport; or
• another official civil-registration document.

Bulgarian Nationals With Turkish Backgrounds

Some Bulgarian nationals with Turkish backgrounds may hold or have held records under different Bulgarian and Turkish name forms.

Historical name changes and differences between Cyrillic, Bulgarian Latin transliteration and Turkish spelling can create genuine variations.

Where this applies, provide:

• the Bulgarian passport;
• any Turkish passport or identity evidence;
• birth and marriage certificates;
• official name-change evidence; and
• documents that connect the different identities.

The ACSP should not assume that a difference automatically indicates fraud. However, it must understand and document the reason for the variation.

Check Your Date of Birth Before Verification

The date of birth connected 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;
• an incorporation filing contained an error;
• the ACSP submits incorrect personal details; or
• the Bulgarian documents contain inconsistent information.

Companies House may prevent the 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 an EGN the Same as a Companies House Personal Code?

No.

An EGN belongs to Bulgaria’s national civil-registration system.

A 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:

• Bulgarian EGN;
• passport number;
• identity-card number;
• driving-licence number;
• UK National Insurance number;
• company authentication code;
• Bulgarian tax number; or
• an electronic-signature code.

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 Bulgarian directors and PSCs.

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

• we review and approve the documents in advance;
• the applicant provides 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 a passport, provide the complete personal-details page.

For an identity card or driving licence, send both the front and reverse.

Regarding a bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement, insurance policy or 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 identity evidence and information that supports 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:

• the Bulgarian passport model;
• whether the passport chip works;
• whether the identity card is the 2024 biometric model;
• whether an older identity card remains valid;
• whether the driving licence uses a valid EU photocard format;
• the printed expiry dates;
• the condition of each document;
• forenames, patronymics and surnames;
• Cyrillic and Latin spellings;
• former and married names;
• 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 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 identity-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 records for seven years from the date it completes the identity verification.

Step 5: Receive Your Personal Code

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

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

How Bulgarian 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 every 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.

How Bulgarian 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 Bulgarian nationals by:

• reviewing Bulgarian biometric passports;
• checking current biometric identity cards;
• reviewing older Bulgarian identity-card models;
• confirming whether an older card remains valid;
• reviewing Bulgarian EU photocard driving licences;
• matching documents against the relevant PRADO entries;
• confirming the correct Group A and Group B combination;
• reviewing Bulgarian bank statements and address documents;
• checking birth and marriage certificates;
• explaining why an EGN does not replace an accepted identity document;
• checking Bulgarian three-name structures;
• reviewing patronymic names and surname endings;
• comparing Cyrillic and Latin spellings;
• 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 Bulgarian passport?

Yes.

A Bulgarian passport provides Group A photographic identity evidence. The current passport contains a contactless biometric chip and may also work through GOV.UK One Login.

Can I use an expired Bulgarian 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 issuing authority must not have cancelled or replaced it.

Can I use my current Bulgarian identity card?

Yes.

The Bulgarian identity card introduced on 17 June 2024 contains biometric information and can provide strong Group A evidence. It may also qualify as the single document under Option 1 where suitable technology can validate it.

Can I use an older Bulgarian identity card?

Potentially.

The card must remain valid, match the PRADO-listed model and pass the required checks.

Cards issued before 17 June 2024 can remain in use until their expiry dates, but not beyond August 2031.

Can an older non-biometric card work under Option 1?

Not through the biometric EU identity-card category.

However, a valid older card may provide Group A evidence under Option 2 because PRADO lists the document as photographic identification.

Can I use my Bulgarian identity card in the GOV.UK One Login app?

Do not assume that it will work through the mobile app.

A biometric passport provides the clearest app route. However, the Post Office route accepts national identity photocards from EU countries where GOV.UK One Login offers that option.

Can I use my Bulgarian driving licence?

Yes.

A valid Bulgarian EU photocard driving licence can provide Group A evidence under the Companies House standard.

Can I use my Bulgarian driving licence in the GOV.UK One Login app?

Not as the app’s driving-licence document.

However, the Post Office route accepts EU photocard driving licences, and an ACSP can use a valid Bulgarian EU licence.

Can I use an older Bulgarian driving licence?

Possibly.

An earlier photocard licence may work where it remains valid, matches a PRADO-listed model and passes the document checks.

Send both sides of the exact licence for review before relying on it.

Can I use my EGN?

Not by itself.

An EGN is a personal civil-registration number rather than a photographic identity document. It is also different from your Companies House personal code.

Can I use a Bulgarian bank statement?

Potentially.

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

Can I use a Bulgarian utility bill?

Potentially.

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

Can I use a Bulgarian mortgage statement?

Potentially.

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

Can I use a Bulgarian insurance policy?

Potentially.

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

Can I use a Bulgarian birth certificate?

Potentially.

A birth certificate falls within Group B. Send the complete official certificate so the verifier can check the issuing municipality and personal details.

Can I use a Bulgarian marriage certificate?

Potentially.

A marriage certificate falls within Group B and may also connect birth, married and hyphenated surnames.

Can I use a Bulgarian permanent-address certificate?

Do not rely on it as the formal Group B document without a review.

It may support the address-history check, but Companies House does not expressly list foreign municipal address certificates in Group B.

Do Bulgarian documents need an English translation?

Some documents may need a translation.

Passports, identity cards and EU driving licences contain standardised Latin-script fields. However, birth certificates, marriage certificates, bills and bank documents may contain material information only in Bulgarian.

Provide both the original and the translation where requested.

What if Companies House omits my patronymic name?

Send the complete document set for review.

The verifier should compare the passport, identity card, birth certificate and Companies House record. UK systems often treat the Bulgarian patronymic as a middle name or omit it.

What if my name appears differently in Cyrillic and Latin letters?

The verifier should use the Latin spelling printed on the current passport or identity card as the main UK reference.

Additional evidence may be needed where older documents use a different transliteration.

What if my surname ends in -ova but my relative’s ends in -ov?

This may reflect the Bulgarian gender-based surname system.

For example, IVANOV and IVANOVA may belong to male and female members of the same family. The verifier must still check the applicant’s individual name for consistency.

What if I changed my surname after marriage?

Provide your passport or identity card together with the marriage certificate and any updated Bulgarian documents.

A Bulgarian woman may retain her birth surname, adopt her husband’s surname or create a hyphenated surname.

Can I verify my identity while living in Bulgaria?

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 Bulgarian 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 Bulgarian Director or PSC?

Bulgarian nationals usually have several practical document routes:

• a Bulgarian passport plus a current biometric identity card;
• a Bulgarian passport plus a valid EU photocard driving licence;
• a Bulgarian identity card plus a driving licence; or
• a Bulgarian passport plus an accepted Group B supporting document.

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

• an older Bulgarian identity card;
• a card approaching the August 2031 cutoff;
• an expired identity card or driving licence;
• three names recorded differently at Companies House;
• a patronymic name omitted from UK records;
• different Cyrillic and Latin spellings;
• a married or hyphenated surname;
• Bulgarian and Turkish records in different names;
• only an EGN or electronic registry screen;
• 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 submission may be available where the applicant provides a complete and suitable document set.