Cypriot nationals who act as directors or people with significant control, known as PSCs, of UK companies must complete Companies House identity verification.

The deadline depends on the person’s role and when Companies House records that role.

After a successful check, Companies House issues an 11-character personal code. This code belongs to the individual rather than to one company.

Therefore, the same code can be used for every UK company where the person acts as a director or PSC. However, it must be connected separately to each appointment and role.

Quick Answer for Cypriot Directors and PSCs

For most Cypriot nationals, a valid Republic of Cyprus biometric passport provides the clearest Group A identity document.

A current Republic of Cyprus national identity card can also provide strong Group A evidence. Since the latest card is a biometric EU identity card, it may work through either a technology-led or person-led ACSP process.

In addition, a valid Cyprus EU photocard driving licence may provide another Group A document.

For a person-led remote check through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, or ACSP, applicants normally need either:

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

As a result, the most practical document combinations are often:

• Cyprus passport and Cyprus identity card;
• Cyprus passport and Cyprus EU photocard driving licence;
• Cyprus identity card and Cyprus EU photocard driving licence;
• Cyprus passport and bank statement;
• Cyprus passport and utility bill;
• Cyprus passport and mortgage statement;
• Cyprus passport and insurance policy;
• Cyprus passport and birth certificate;
• Cyprus passport and marriage certificate;
• Cyprus passport and UK photocard driving licence;
• Cyprus passport and an eligible UK immigration document; or
• Cyprus passport and another recognised passport held through dual nationality.

Direct answer: The strongest person-led route will usually use a Republic of Cyprus passport with a current Republic of Cyprus identity card or Cyprus EU photocard driving licence.

Where only one suitable photographic document is available, it can usually be combined with an accepted Group B document.

Republic of Cyprus Identity Cards

The Republic of Cyprus issues national identity cards to Cypriot citizens.

The card title appears in three languages:

• ΔΕΛΤΙΟ ΤΑΥΤΟΤΗΤΑΣ in Greek;
• KİMLİK KARTI in Turkish; and
• IDENTITY CARD in English.

A genuine Republic of Cyprus identity card:

• confirms the holder’s identity;
• confirms Cypriot nationality;
• contains a facial image;
• contains biometric and electronic security features;
• can be used for travel within the European Union and certain other European countries;
• appears on PRADO; and
• can provide Group A evidence.

Consequently, a current Republic of Cyprus identity card will normally provide strong evidence for Companies House verification.

Nevertheless, the card must:

• remain valid;
• belong to the applicant;
• contain a clear photograph;
• show no sign of alteration;
• remain in good physical condition;
• match the applicant’s current legal details;
• not have been reported lost or stolen;
• not have been cancelled or replaced; and
• pass the required document checks.

Current Cyprus Identity-Card Model

The current identity-card model is:

CYP-BO-04002

Cyprus first issued this model on 12 August 2020.

The card:

• follows the current EU identity-card security format;
• contains a black-and-white facial image;
• contains a variable laser image;
• includes visible and ultraviolet security features;
• displays different information when viewed from different angles;
• is valid as proof of identity; and
• can be used as a European travel document.

Because of these features, the card normally provides the clearest Cyprus identity-card route.

Cyprus Identity-Card Validity

The card is normally valid for:

• ten years for an adult; or
• five years for a person under 18.

It cannot be extended.

Children under 12 do not need to provide fingerprints or a signature. By contrast, children aged 12 to 17 must normally attend for their photograph and fingerprints.

Using the Identity Card Under Option 1

Option 1 uses identity document validation technology.

Only one photographic document may be required if the technology can verify all relevant electronic and physical security features.

A current Cyprus identity card may qualify where:

• the card is valid;
• its chip and electronic features can be read;
• the ACSP’s technology supports the exact model;
• the visible security features pass inspection;
• the photograph matches the applicant;
• the applicant completes a live facial check; and
• no unresolved concern remains.

However, not every technology provider supports every identity-card model. The ACSP must therefore confirm that its system can process CYP-BO-04002.

Using the Identity Card Under Option 2

A trained person can also inspect the identity card remotely by video call or in person.

During that review, the verifier will normally examine:

• the front and reverse;
• the original physical card;
• the photograph;
• the document number;
• the issue and expiry dates;
• the holder’s nationality;
• the visible security features;
• the condition of the card;
• the full name;
• the date of birth; and
• consistency with the passport and Companies House record.

Applicants should send clear images of both sides before the appointment. They must also show the original card during the call.

Older Cyprus Identity Cards

The previous identity-card model most likely to remain relevant is:

CYP-BO-04001

Cyprus first issued this model on 24 February 2015.

The card:

• remains listed as a recognised document model;
• contains an electronic component;
• stores the facial image and fingerprints;
• can be valid for ten years for adults;
• can be valid for five years for minors; and
• may still be held by applicants whose cards have not expired.

Therefore, a current individual card under this model may provide Group A evidence.

However, the ACSP must still confirm:

• the printed expiry date;
• whether the card has been replaced;
• whether it has been cancelled;
• whether it was reported lost or stolen;
• whether the photograph remains suitable;
• whether the details remain accurate; and
• whether the security features can be checked.

Turkish Caption Error on Some 2015 Cards

Some cards issued between 24 February and 29 April 2015 contained an error in the Turkish captions.

The Turkish labels for the place-of-birth and date-of-birth fields appeared in the wrong order.

Corrected cards and cards containing the caption error were both issued on 29 April 2015.

Accordingly, this known printing issue does not by itself mean that the card is false.

The verifier should compare:

• the Greek captions;
• the English captions;
• the actual birth information;
• the passport;
• the security features; and
• the relevant document model.

Expired or Replaced Cyprus Identity Cards

An expired Cyprus identity card should not normally be used as current Companies House evidence.

Unlike passports, EU identity cards do not benefit from a general Companies House expiry allowance.

Similarly, a replaced card should not be used even if its printed expiry date has not passed.

This applies where the replacement followed:

• a name change;
• marriage;
• loss;
• theft;
• serious damage;
• a change to personal information; or
• ordinary renewal.

Once replaced, the earlier card is no longer the current identity document.

Cyprus Electronic Identity

Cyprus also offers a separate electronic identity known as eID.

The Cyprus eID:

• is available to eligible Cypriot citizens aged 18 or over;
• is obtained separately from the physical identity card;
• is generally valid for three years;
• can be used to access government services through CY Login;
• supports electronic identification; and
• can support electronic signatures.

However, Cyprus eID is not the same as the physical national identity card.

Therefore, applicants should not rely on it as the formal Group A or Group B document.

The following items do not replace accepted physical evidence:

• eID profile;
• CY Login account;
• electronic-signature certificate;
• successful login screen;
• mobile identity display;
• QR code;
• username;
• digital signature result; or
• screenshot of government data.

An ACSP may still review this information as extra evidence. Even so, the applicant must provide an accepted passport, physical identity card, driving licence or Group B document.

Republic of Cyprus Passports

The Republic of Cyprus ordinary passport displays its title in three languages:

• ΔΙΑΒΑΤΗΡΙΟ in Greek;
• PASAPORT in Turkish; and
• PASSPORT in English.

The current passport is biometric and machine-readable.

Current Cyprus Passport Model

The current ordinary passport model is:

CYP-AO-04002

Cyprus first issued this model on 24 July 2020.

The passport:

• is issued to Cypriot nationals;
• is an electronic passport;
• contains 32 pages;
• has a colour primary facial image;
• has a secondary black-and-white image;
• contains ultraviolet security features;
• contains optically variable ink;
• is valid for up to ten years for adults;
• is valid for up to five years for minors; and
• cannot be extended.

For these reasons, a current CYP-AO-04002 passport usually provides the strongest Group A evidence.

New PP Passport Code

Passports issued from 15 December 2025 may show the document type code PP instead of P.

This is an administrative change to the passport’s ICAO code.

It does not mean that the document belongs to a different nationality or passport class.

The verifier should compare:

• the passport model;
• issue date;
• passport number;
• machine-readable zone;
• document type code;
• personal-details page; and
• chip data.

Cyprus Passport Validity

A Cyprus passport is normally valid for:

• ten years for an adult; or
• five years for a minor.

Children under 12 do not need to provide fingerprints or a signature.

Nevertheless, their passport can still be a valid biometric passport.

Previous Cyprus Passport Model

The previous ordinary passport model is:

CYP-AO-04001

Cyprus first issued this model on 29 November 2010.

An individual passport under this design may remain current where:

• its printed expiry date has not passed;
• it has not been cancelled;
• it has not been replaced;
• it was not reported lost or stolen;
• it remains in good condition;
• the facial image remains clear; and
• its details match the applicant’s present identity.

The model’s 2010 introduction date does not mean that every passport under that design expired in 2020. Instead, the verifier must check the actual issue and expiry dates.

The much older CYP-AO-03001 model is unlikely to remain current in 2026. It should normally be treated as historical evidence only.

Cyprus Passports Issued Abroad

Cypriot citizens living outside Cyprus may apply through a Republic of Cyprus diplomatic or consular mission.

Applicants normally attend in person so the authority can:

• confirm identity;
• capture the photograph;
• collect fingerprints where required;
• collect the signature;
• check Cypriot citizenship; and
• review relevant civil-status documents.

A passport obtained through the Cyprus High Commission or another diplomatic mission remains a Republic of Cyprus passport.

It is not a lower-status document merely because the applicant applied abroad.

The ACSP should check:

• the exact model;
• biometric-passport symbol;
• passport number;
• issue date;
• expiry date;
• electronic chip;
• personal-details page;
• machine-readable zone;
• photograph;
• document condition;
• official observations; and
• whether a newer passport has replaced it.

Using a Cyprus Passport With GOV.UK One Login

A Cypriot national can normally try the GOV.UK One Login app with a current biometric passport.

The process usually requires the applicant to:

1. photograph the passport’s personal-details page;
2. scan the biometric chip;
3. scan their face;
4. complete a live identity comparison; and
5. answer any remaining questions.

The original physical passport must be used.

The app does not accept:

• a photocopy;
• a scanned PDF;
• a screenshot;
• a photograph shown on another device;
• a passport number without the document;
• a cancelled passport;
• a replaced passport; or
• an expired passport.

Problems Reading the Passport Chip

A failed app scan does not automatically mean that the passport is invalid.

First, the applicant may try to:

• remove the phone case;
• move the phone over a different part of the passport;
• use another compatible phone;
• retry the chip scan slowly; or
• check that near-field communication is enabled.

Alternatively, a Post Office or ACSP route may be available.

A person-led check may still work where the passport’s physical security features can be inspected successfully.

Expired, Lost and Temporary Cyprus Passports

Expired Passports

An expired Cyprus passport may still be accepted in limited ACSP cases.

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

Under person-led Option 2, a passport may be accepted where it expired within the previous 18 months.

However, the document must not have been:

• cancelled;
• replaced;
• reported lost or stolen;
• seriously damaged;
• physically invalidated; or
• altered.

A current passport will normally make the process easier.

Lost or Stolen Passports

A passport reported lost or stolen should not be used.

This remains the case even if the holder later recovers it.

The document may already have been cancelled or entered into national and international lost-document databases.

Use the current replacement passport instead.

Cyprus Temporary Passport

Cyprus may issue a temporary passport in urgent circumstances.

The relevant model is:

CYP-AP-01001

A temporary passport may have:

• limited validity;
• a restricted travel purpose;
• fewer electronic features;
• no compatible biometric chip;
• limited territorial acceptance; or
• a requirement for later replacement.

Therefore, the document requires individual review.

The ACSP should check:

• the exact model;
• reason for issue;
• holder’s nationality;
• photograph;
• issue and expiry dates;
• restrictions;
• whether an ordinary passport later replaced it;
• whether it has been cancelled; and
• whether its physical features can be validated.

A temporary passport without a compatible chip will not work through the GOV.UK One Login app.

Cyprus EU Photocard Driving Licence

The Republic of Cyprus driving licence displays the following titles:

• ΑΔΕΙΑ ΟΔΗΓΗΣΗΣ;
• SÜRÜŞ RUHSATI; and
• DRIVING LICENCE.

A valid physical Cyprus EU photocard driving licence may provide Group A evidence.

It may qualify:

• under Option 1 where suitable technology can validate it; or
• under Option 2 as an EU photocard driving licence.

Current Cyprus Driving-Licence Model

The current model is:

CYP-FO-03001

Cyprus first issued this model on 29 June 2015.

The card:

• uses the EU photocard format;
• contains a black-and-white facial image;
• contains a transparent window;
• contains a variable laser image;
• includes visible security features;
• can establish identity within Cyprus;
• does not itself prove Cypriot nationality; and
• may be valid for up to 15 years for ordinary categories.

Where direct evidence of Cypriot nationality is required, the passport or national identity card provides a clearer route.

Driving-Licence Validity

The validity period depends on:

• driving category;
• holder’s age;
• medical requirements; and
• heavy or professional vehicle entitlement.

Common periods include:

• up to 15 years for ordinary categories;
• up to five years for certain heavy-vehicle and passenger categories; and
• three years at a time after the holder reaches 70.

After age 70, renewal usually requires medical evidence.

The verifier should always check:

• the card expiry date;
• category-specific dates;
• medical restrictions;
• current legal status; and
• whether a replacement licence has been issued.

Older Cyprus Driving Licences

Earlier models include:

• CYP-FO-02001; and
• CYP-FO-01001.

An older physical licence requires individual review.

In particular, the ACSP must confirm:

• whether the model remains valid;
• whether the individual licence remains current;
• whether a newer card replaced it;
• whether the photograph remains suitable;
• whether all details remain readable; and
• whether the security features can be inspected.

A current CYP-FO-03001 card will normally provide the clearest route.

Expired, Replaced and Digital Licences

An expired driving licence should not normally be used.

Similarly, an old licence should not be presented after:

• renewal;
• replacement;
• loss report;
• name change;
• revocation; or
• cancellation.

A digital display also does not replace the original card.

Applicants should not rely only on:

• screenshot;
• mobile-wallet image;
• QR code;
• online transport record;
• scanned copy;
• photograph on another device; or
• typed licence number.

Cyprus Learner Driving Licence

Cyprus also issues a learner driving licence.

The relevant model is:

CYP-FP-02001

The document:

• is a provisional licence;
• contains a colour photograph;
• uses folded paper format;
• is valid for one year;
• may be replaced with another one-year licence;
• is valid only in Cyprus; and
• remains a recognised document model until 19 January 2033.

However, Companies House refers specifically to an EU photocard provisional licence under the standard driving-licence category.

The Cyprus learner licence is not a photocard.

Therefore, it should not automatically be treated as an Option 1 EU photocard licence.

It may still be reviewed under person-led Option 2 as another photographic document listed on PRADO.

Nevertheless, a current passport, identity card or full driving licence will normally provide a clearer route.

Documents Issued in the North of Cyprus

The United Kingdom recognises the Republic of Cyprus.

It does not recognise the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as a state.

As a result, documents issued by the authorities in the north must not be confused with Republic of Cyprus documents.

Republic of Cyprus Cards With Turkish Wording

A genuine Republic of Cyprus identity card includes the Turkish wording:

KİMLİK KARTI

This does not mean that the card was issued by the authorities in the north.

A Republic of Cyprus identity card can be identified through:

• the Republic of Cyprus issuing country;
• the Republic of Cyprus coat of arms;
• its PRADO model;
• Greek, Turkish and English titles;
• the EU document format;
• its security features; and
• consistency with a Republic of Cyprus passport.

Identity Cards Issued in the North

A card issued by the authorities in the north may also be described as a Kimlik card.

However, it is not the same as a Republic of Cyprus national identity card.

Therefore, it should not be described as:

• a Republic of Cyprus identity card;
• an EU identity card;
• a PRADO-listed Cyprus identity card; or
• automatic Group A evidence.

It may provide historical or linking information, but it should not replace an accepted Companies House document without a clear legal basis.

Passports Issued in the North

A passport issued by the authorities in the north should not be used as the routine Companies House passport document.

A Turkish Cypriot applicant should instead use a recognised document where available, such as:

• Republic of Cyprus passport;
• Republic of Cyprus identity card;
• Turkish passport;
• British passport;
• another recognised national passport;
• qualifying PRADO-listed document; or
• accepted Group B evidence with a recognised Group A document.

Turkish Cypriots Holding Republic of Cyprus Documents

A Turkish Cypriot who is a Republic of Cyprus citizen may use a genuine Republic of Cyprus passport or identity card.

The holder’s ethnicity, language or place of residence does not reduce the legal status of the document.

Who Must Complete Companies House Verification?

The requirement applies to Cypriot nationals who are:

• directors of UK limited companies;
• becoming directors of UK companies;
• directors of overseas companies registered in the UK;
• registered as PSCs;
• becoming PSCs;
• forming UK companies as directors or PSCs; or
• applying to become Companies House authorised agents.

Identity verification became a legal requirement on 18 November 2025.

However, this date began a phased transition rather than one identical deadline for every person.

Existing Directors

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

New Directors

A new director provides the personal code during the appointment process.

Similarly, a proposed director of a newly formed company must provide the code during incorporation.

PSCs

PSCs have separate 14-day compliance periods.

The correct period depends on:

• whether the PSC is also a director;
• when the PSC was first recorded; and
• the company’s confirmation statement date.

Verification Routes for Cypriot Nationals

Cypriot applicants can use one of two main routes.

GOV.UK One Login

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

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, the service may ask them to:

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

Using a Cyprus Passport

A current biometric passport provides the clearest app route.

The passport chip, document photograph and live facial scan must all pass the checks.

Using a Cyprus Identity Card

The current app document list does not include a non-UK identity card.

Therefore, a Cyprus identity card does not normally work in the app.

However, it may work:

• through an ACSP under Option 1;
• through an ACSP under Option 2; or
• through the Post Office route where offered.

Using a Cyprus Driving Licence

The app accepts a UK photocard driving licence rather than a Cyprus licence.

Nevertheless, a Cyprus EU driving licence may work through:

• ACSP Option 1;
• ACSP Option 2; or
• the Post Office route where offered.

Answering Security Questions

Some Cypriot nationals living in the UK may receive the security-question route.

The system can use data connected with:

• UK bank accounts;
• mortgages;
• loans;
• credit cards;
• tax records;
• mobile phone contracts; or
• other UK financial records.

However, applicants with little UK financial history may find this route difficult.

Name differences can also cause matching problems.

For example, records may differ because of:

• Greek and English spellings;
• Turkish and English spellings;
• baptismal names;
• shortened given names;
• a father’s name shown as a middle name;
• married surnames; or
• different transliterations.

Post Office Verification

Applicants must first begin the online Companies House process.

Where the Post Office route is offered, the applicant receives instructions and a QR code.

They must then take the original specified document to a participating Post Office.

Possible documents may include:

• Republic of Cyprus passport;
• Republic of Cyprus national identity card; or
• Cyprus EU photocard driving licence.

Photocopies, screenshots and digital images are not accepted.

Verification Through an ACSP

An ACSP can complete the identity check:

• remotely;
• by video call;
• in person; or
• through supported identity technology.

This route may suit a Cypriot applicant who:

• lives outside the UK;
• cannot use GOV.UK One Login;
• cannot scan the passport chip;
• wants to use a Cyprus identity card;
• wants to use a Cyprus driving licence;
• has only one suitable photographic document;
• needs help choosing a Group B document;
• has several name spellings;
• has a baptismal name;
• has historical surname evidence;
• has documents issued in the north;
• has an incorrect date of birth; or
• wants a remote solicitor-led process.

How Many Documents Are Required?

Option 1: Technology-Led Check

One photographic document may be enough where suitable technology can validate it.

Eligible document categories include:

• biometric or machine-readable passport;
• UK or EU photocard driving licence;
• biometric identity card from the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein;
• specified UK immigration documents;
• UK Frontier Worker permit; or
• eVisa.

For Cypriot nationals, the strongest Option 1 documents are usually:

• Cyprus biometric passport;
• Cyprus biometric national identity card;
• Cyprus EU photocard driving licence;
• UK photocard driving licence;
• eligible UK immigration document; or
• eVisa.

Option 2: Person-Led Check

A trained person can inspect the original documents remotely or in person.

The applicant must provide either:

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

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

A passport may be up to 18 months expired if it has not been cancelled or replaced.

Other documents normally need to remain current.

Group A Documents for Cypriot Nationals

The strongest Group A documents include:

Cyprus Biometric Passport

Relevant models include:

• CYP-AO-04002; and
• CYP-AO-04001 where the individual passport remains valid.

Cyprus National Identity Card

Relevant models include:

• CYP-BO-04002; and
• CYP-BO-04001 where the card remains valid.

Cyprus EU Driving Licence

The clearest current model is:

CYP-FO-03001

Another Recognised Passport

Cyprus allows dual nationality.

Therefore, a Cypriot applicant may also use another recognised passport, such as:

• British passport;
• Greek passport;
• Turkish passport;
• Irish passport;
• Australian passport;
• Canadian passport; or
• another recognised national passport.

The ACSP must connect any differences in names, surnames or places of birth.

UK Photocard Driving Licence

A Cypriot national living in the UK may use a valid UK photocard driving licence.

Eligible UK Immigration Document

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

Documents That Should Not Replace Formal Evidence

The following items may provide useful supporting information. However, they should not replace accepted Group A or Group B evidence:

• Cyprus eID;
• CY Login profile;
• identity-card number;
• social-insurance number;
• tax identification number;
• ARC number;
• voter document;
• displaced-person card;
• residence card issued to a foreign national;
• unrecognised document issued in the north;
• screenshot;
• online account page; or
• digital identity display.

Group B Supporting Documents

Accepted Group B categories include:

• birth certificate;
• adoption certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• civil partnership certificate;
• non-photographic immigration document;
• non-photographic visa;
• non-photographic work permit;
• bank statement;
• mortgage statement;
• utility bill;
• insurance policy;
• UK council tax statement; or
• qualifying UK social-housing agreement.

A Cyprus document must be genuine, complete, clear and capable of validation.

Cyprus Financial and Address Documents

Bank Statements

A Cyprus bank statement should:

• show the applicant’s name;
• identify the bank;
• contain a recent date;
• show genuine account activity;
• remain complete;
• contain no signs of editing; and
• show the current address where it is used as address evidence.

Different spellings do not automatically make the statement unacceptable.

For example, the bank may:

• omit Greek accents;
• use only the Latin name;
• omit one given name;
• use initials;
• simplify Turkish characters; or
• show a married surname.

The ACSP must connect the statement to the passport or identity card.

Utility Bills

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

Examples include:

• electricity bill;
• water bill;
• gas bill;
• fixed-line telephone bill; or
• household internet bill.

A bill in another person’s name will not normally establish the applicant’s address without further evidence.

Mortgage Statements

A Cyprus mortgage statement should identify:

• the applicant;
• the lender;
• the current address;
• the statement date; and
• genuine mortgage information.

A title deed or Land Registry search is not automatically a mortgage statement.

Insurance Policies

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

Examples include:

• home insurance;
• buildings insurance;
• contents insurance; or
• vehicle insurance.

A quotation or payment receipt may not amount to the full policy.

Cyprus Birth Certificates

An official Republic of Cyprus birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

The document should show:

• the applicant’s full registered name;
• date of birth;
• place of birth;
• parents’ names;
• issuing authority;
• registration details;
• date of issue; and
• later corrections where relevant.

Do not rely only on:

• hospital notification;
• baptism certificate;
• cropped photograph;
• application receipt;
• CY Login screen;
• translation without the original; or
• informal family document.

Digital Birth Certificates

A digital certificate may work where:

• it is the complete official document;
• the issuer is clear;
• its QR code or digital validation can be checked;
• it has not been altered; and
• it contains the required information.

The original digital file should be provided rather than a screenshot.

Cypriot Citizens Born Abroad

A Cypriot citizen born abroad may have:

• foreign birth certificate;
• Cyprus consular birth certificate;
• Republic of Cyprus passport;
• Republic of Cyprus identity card;
• citizenship certificate; or
• Cyprus Civil Registry record.

The ACSP may need to connect the foreign certificate with the current Cyprus documents.

Births in Akrotiri or Dhekelia

A person born in a British Sovereign Base Area may hold a birth certificate issued through Akrotiri or Dhekelia.

A genuine base-issued certificate may provide Group B evidence.

However, the verifier should review:

• the issuing authority;
• registration number;
• parents’ details;
• date and place of birth;
• current passport; and
• connection to Cypriot nationality.

Cyprus Marriage Certificates

An official Cyprus marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

The certificate should show:

• both spouses;
• date of marriage;
• place of marriage;
• marriage authority;
• registration details; and
• date of issue.

Do not rely only on:

• wedding photograph;
• ceremonial record;
• unregistered religious document;
• application receipt;
• cropped scan; or
• translation without the original.

Greek Orthodox Marriage Records

Some Greek Orthodox marriage certificates show the fathers’ forenames in a position that resembles a middle-name field.

This can cause differences between the marriage certificate and the passport.

However, the father’s forename does not automatically become part of the person’s legal name.

The passport and identity-card fields should provide the main guide.

Marriage Abroad

A Cypriot married abroad may have:

• foreign marriage certificate;
• apostille or legalisation;
• certified translation;
• Cyprus civil-registration evidence;
• updated passport;
• updated identity card;
• former passport; or
• name-change evidence.

An official foreign marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

Cypriot Names and Transliteration

Cypriot names can appear in Greek, Turkish and English.

As a result, different documents may use different spellings.

Greek and English Spellings

Examples of possible spelling differences include:

• Kyriakos and Kyriacos;
• Panayiotis and Panagiotis;
• Ioannis, Yiannis and Giannis;
• Georgios, Yiorgos and George;
• Charalambos and Haralambos;
• Michalis and Michael;
• Constantinos and Konstantinos; or
• Andreas and Andrew.

These differences do not automatically mean that the records belong to the same person.

The ACSP must compare the full document set.

Baptismal Names

A Greek Cypriot may acquire an additional forename through baptism.

Where an additional name appears later, useful linking documents may include:

• birth certificate;
• baptism certificate;
• passport;
• identity card; and
• marriage certificate.

Turkish Cypriot Names

Turkish Cypriot names may contain:

• Ç;
• Ğ;
• I;
• İ;
• Ö;
• Ş; and
• Ü.

A UK system may remove these characters.

For example:

• Şener may become Sener;
• Özgür may become Ozgur;
• Hüseyin may become Huseyin;
• Çağlar may become Caglar; or
• Işık may become Isik.

The verifier should compare all identity information rather than relying only on spelling.

Historical Surname Changes

Some older Turkish Cypriot records may use a father’s or husband’s forename as a surname.

Later records may show a formal family surname.

A surname certificate known as a Soyadi Varakasi may help connect the two versions.

Several Given Names

A Cyprus passport may show several given names, while Companies House shows only one or two.

A shortened record may still relate to the same person.

Nevertheless, the full evidence must support one identity.

Married and Former Surnames

A Cypriot may:

• retain a birth surname;
• adopt a spouse’s surname;
• add a spouse’s surname;
• use a married name socially;
• use a married name professionally; or
• use another surname under a second nationality.

Useful evidence includes:

• current passport;
• current identity card;
• marriage certificate;
• former passport;
• second passport; and
• official name-change evidence.

Date of Birth and Address Checks

Date of Birth

The date of birth linked to the personal code must match the Companies House record.

Problems can arise through:

• an incorporation error;
• incorrect data entry;
• different date formats;
• civil-registry errors;
• confusion caused by a 2015 card’s Turkish captions; or
• incorrect ACSP submission.

Therefore, applicants should check their Companies House date of birth before verification.

Current Address

The ACSP must collect:

• the current home address; and
• the previous 12 months of address history.

A Cypriot applicant may have:

• a home in Cyprus;
• a home in the UK;
• an address in the north;
• a bank correspondence address;
• an old family address; or
• a utility bill in a spouse’s name.

The actual residential address must be provided.

Where the applicant lives in the north, the address may use:

• Turkey;
• north Cyprus;
• Mersin 10; or
• a Turkish telephone code.

The ACSP should review these details carefully rather than treating the formatting alone as an identity mismatch.

Same-Day Remote Verification

Ginkgo Advisory is registered with Companies House as an ACSP.

We can arrange remote Companies House identity verification by video call for Cypriot directors and PSCs.

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

• the documents are approved in advance;
• the applicant provides all required details;
• the document combination meets the standard;
• the applicant has the original documents;
• the verifier can validate them;
• the applicant appears clearly on camera;
• the Companies House information matches; and
• no unresolved compliance concern remains.

Strong person-led combinations include:

• Cyprus passport and Cyprus identity card;
• Cyprus passport and Cyprus driving licence;
• Cyprus identity card and Cyprus driving licence;
• Cyprus passport and UK driving licence;
• Cyprus passport and eligible UK immigration document;
• Cyprus passport and another recognised passport; or
• Cyprus passport and an accepted Group B document.

Remote Verification Process

Step 1: Send the Documents

For a passport, provide:

• the complete personal-details page;
• machine-readable zone;
• observation pages;
• name-amendment pages; and
• relevant endorsements.

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

Regarding a learner licence, send every page and panel.

For a supporting document, send the complete file rather than a cropped image.

Applicants must also provide:

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

Step 2: Confirm the Document Combination

The review may cover:

• passport model;
• passport chip;
• P or PP type code;
• identity-card model;
• 2015 Turkish-caption issue;
• driving-licence model;
• learner licence;
• expiry dates;
• cancellation or replacement;
• Republic of Cyprus or northern issuer;
• Greek, Turkish and English spellings;
• baptismal names;
• historical surnames;
• father’s name appearing as a middle name;
• married names;
• current address; and
• Companies House information.

Step 3: Attend the Video Call

During the call, the applicant must:

• appear clearly on camera;
• show the original documents;
• move or tilt them when requested;
• display the visible security features;
• confirm personal details;
• complete the facial comparison; and
• answer relevant identity questions.

Step 4: ACSP Submission

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

The ACSP normally keeps rather than submits the document copies.

The records must be retained for seven years.

Step 5: Receive the Personal Code

Companies House sends the personal code to the applicant’s individual email address.

The applicant should:

• check that the email address is correct;
• check the spam or junk folder;
• keep the code secure; and
• share it only with a trusted adviser or company administrator.

Using the Personal Code

Directors

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

A new director provides it during appointment.

Where the person is a director of several companies, the code must be connected separately to each appointment.

PSCs

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

This applies even where the same person has already used it as a director.

The applicable 14-day period depends on the person’s role and the company’s filing dates.

How Ginkgo Advisory Can Help

Ginkgo Advisory can help Cypriot nationals by:

• reviewing Cyprus biometric passports;
• checking current and older passport models;
• reviewing the newer PP passport code;
• assessing One Login compatibility;
• checking passport-chip problems;
• reviewing Cyprus identity cards;
• checking current and older identity-card models;
• identifying the 2015 Turkish-caption issue;
• assessing Option 1 eligibility;
• reviewing Cyprus driving licences;
• reviewing learner licences;
• reviewing temporary passports;
• distinguishing Republic of Cyprus documents from documents issued in the north;
• reviewing digital birth certificates;
• reviewing consular birth certificates;
• reviewing certificates issued in Akrotiri or Dhekelia;
• checking Cyprus marriage certificates;
• comparing Greek, Turkish and English names;
• reviewing baptismal forenames;
• checking fathers’ names shown as middle names;
• reviewing historical surname changes;
• checking Soyadi Varakasi evidence;
• comparing married and former names;
• reviewing dual-nationality passports;
• checking address history;
• arranging the video call;
• completing the ACSP checks; and
• submitting the verification to Companies House.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use My Cyprus Passport?

Yes. A current Republic of Cyprus passport provides strong Group A evidence.

Is the Cyprus Passport Biometric?

Yes. The current passport contains a biometric chip.

Can I Use It in the GOV.UK One Login App?

Potentially. The chip, passport image and facial comparison must pass the app’s checks.

Why Does My Passport Show PP?

Passports issued from 15 December 2025 may show PP instead of P. This does not make the passport invalid.

Can I Use an Expired Passport?

Potentially. Option 1 may allow up to six months of expiry, while Option 2 may allow up to 18 months. The passport must not have been cancelled or replaced.

Can I Use My Cyprus Identity Card?

Yes. A current Republic of Cyprus identity card can provide Group A evidence.

Is It Biometric?

Yes. The current model is a biometric EU identity card.

Can I Use It Under Option 1?

Potentially, provided the ACSP’s technology supports the exact card.

Can I Use an Older Cyprus Identity Card?

Potentially. The exact model, expiry date and document status must be checked.

Why Are the Turkish Birth Fields Reversed?

Some cards issued in early 2015 contain a known Turkish-caption error. This does not automatically mean that the card is false.

Can I Use Cyprus eID?

Not as the formal document. It may provide additional digital evidence.

Can I Use My Cyprus Driving Licence?

Yes, potentially. A current Cyprus EU photocard licence may provide Group A evidence.

Can I Use a Learner Licence?

Potentially under person-led Option 2. However, it is not an EU photocard licence and requires individual review.

Can I Use a Digital Driving Licence?

Not by itself. Prepare the original physical document.

Can I Use a Republic of Cyprus Card That Says Kimlik Kartı?

Yes. Genuine Republic of Cyprus cards contain Greek, Turkish and English titles.

Can I Use a Card Issued in the North?

Do not present it as a Republic of Cyprus or EU identity card. Another recognised document should be used where available.

Can a Turkish Cypriot Use a Republic of Cyprus Passport?

Yes. A genuine Republic of Cyprus passport has the same status regardless of the holder’s ethnicity or language.

Can I Use a Cyprus Bank Statement?

Potentially. It must be complete, genuine and capable of validation.

Can I Use a Cyprus Utility Bill?

Potentially, where it clearly shows the current residential address.

Can I Use a Birth Certificate?

Yes, potentially. The full official certificate should be provided.

Can I Use a Digital Birth Certificate?

Potentially, provided its QR code or digital validation remains intact.

Can I Use a Marriage Certificate?

Yes, potentially. It may also help connect married and former surnames.

Why Does My Marriage Certificate Show My Father’s Name?

Some Greek Orthodox marriage certificates display the fathers’ forenames in a middle-name position. This does not automatically make the father’s name part of the holder’s current legal name.

Do Cyprus Documents Need Translation?

Some may need an English translation, particularly where important details appear only in Greek or Turkish.

What If My Greek and English Names Differ?

Provide the complete documents. Different transliterations may still relate to the same person.

What If I Have a Baptismal Name?

Provide the baptism certificate together with the birth certificate and current identity documents.

What If My Turkish Name Contains Special Characters?

UK records may simplify characters such as Ç, Ğ, İ, Ö, Ş and Ü. The ACSP should compare the complete document set.

What If My Surname Changed Historically?

Provide current documents and any surname certificate or civil-registry evidence.

Can I Verify My Identity While Living in Cyprus?

Yes. An ACSP can complete the process remotely where the documents meet the standard.

Do I Always Need Two Documents?

Two documents are required for person-led Option 2. One eligible document may be enough under technology-led Option 1.

Must I Post My Original Passport?

Usually not. Clear images are sent first, while the originals are shown during the video call.

Can I Use One Code as Both Director and PSC?

Yes. However, the code must be connected separately to each role.

Can the Verification Be Completed on the Same Day?

Same-day identity checks and ACSP submission may be available where the complete document set is approved in advance.

Need Companies House Verification for a Cypriot Director or PSC?

Cypriot nationals will usually have one of these practical routes:

• Cyprus biometric passport and current Cyprus identity card;
• Cyprus passport and current Cyprus driving licence;
• Cyprus identity card and current Cyprus driving licence;
• Cyprus passport or identity card and an accepted Group B document;
• Cyprus passport and UK photocard driving licence;
• Cyprus passport and eligible UK immigration document;
• Cyprus passport and another recognised passport; or
• one eligible Cyprus passport, identity card or driving licence under Option 1.

Some cases need extra care, including those involving:

• unreadable passport chips;
• older passports;
• PP passport codes;
• expired or replaced documents;
• temporary passports;
• older identity cards;
• 2015 cards with Turkish-caption errors;
• learner licences;
• documents issued in the north;
• Greek and English spelling differences;
• Turkish characters;
• baptismal names;
• historical surnames;
• father’s name shown as a middle name;
• married names;
• dual-nationality documents;
• birth in Akrotiri or Dhekelia;
• address in the north;
• incorrect date of birth; or
• mismatched Companies House information.

Ginkgo Advisory can review the documents, confirm the best 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.