Dutch nationals who act as directors or people with significant control, known as PSCs, of UK companies must complete Companies House identity verification by the deadline that applies to each role.

Once you verify your identity, Companies House gives you an 11-character personal code. The code belongs to you, not to a specific 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.

Important Point for Dutch Nationals

Dutch nationals usually have several strong identity document options.

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

• a valid Dutch biometric passport, known as a Nederlands paspoort;
• a Dutch national identity card, known as a Nederlandse identiteitskaart;
• a Dutch EU photocard driving licence, known as a Nederlands rijbewijs;
• an eligible UK-issued photographic identity document; or
• one photographic identity 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.

Direct answer: For most Dutch directors and PSCs, the strongest document combinations are a Dutch passport plus a Dutch identity card, or a Dutch passport plus a valid Dutch EU photocard driving licence.

Who Must Complete Companies House Identity Verification?

The requirement applies to Dutch 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 12-month 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. New directors must provide their codes during incorporation or as part of their appointment filings.

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 Dutch Nationals Verify Their Identity?

Dutch nationals can use one of two main routes.

1. Verify Through GOV.UK One Login

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

Depending on your documents, device and circumstances, the service may ask you to:

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

The service decides which route you can use based on your documents, device and access to UK records.

Using a Dutch Passport in the GOV.UK One Login App

A Dutch national can normally try the app route with a valid biometric passport.

The app accepts a non-UK passport that contains a biometric chip. You must scan the passport’s personal details page and electronic chip. You must also complete a facial comparison.

An expired passport cannot be used through the app.

PRADO records the current Dutch ordinary passport under reference NLD-AO-06001. The Netherlands first issued this version on 25 September 2024. It has a maximum validity of 10 years for adults and five years for applicants under 18.

A valid Dutch biometric passport will therefore give many applicants the clearest GOV.UK One Login route.

Can You Use a Dutch Identity Card in the App?

The GOV.UK One Login app does not currently list foreign national identity cards as accepted app documents.

You should not assume that a Dutch identity card will work through the mobile app, even though the card contains electronic and biometric information.

However, the GOV.UK One Login Post Office route accepts a national identity photocard from an EU country. It also accepts an EU photocard driving licence. The online service must first direct you to the Post Office route.

This option may suit Dutch nationals who live in the UK. It usually offers less convenience to someone who lives in the Netherlands and does not plan to travel to the UK.

Can You Use a Dutch Driving Licence in the App?

Not as the driving licence document in the mobile app.

The app only lists a UK photocard driving licence. However, a Dutch EU photocard driving licence may work at a participating UK Post Office or through an ACSP.

Using the Post Office Route

To use the Post Office route, you must first start the Companies House verification process online.

The system will issue a customer letter containing a QR code. You must then attend a participating Post Office with:

• the customer letter;
• your original identity document; and
• access to the email address used for GOV.UK One Login.

A photocopy, scan or digital image will not work. Post Office staff will scan the original document and take a photograph of you. You will usually receive the result within one day.

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. Companies House allows an ACSP to complete the checks remotely or in person. However, the ACSP must follow the full Companies House identity verification standard.

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

• lives in the Netherlands or another country outside the UK;
• cannot use GOV.UK One Login;
• cannot scan the Dutch passport chip;
• wants to use a Dutch identity card or driving licence;
• has an older Dutch identity card;
• has several forenames;
• uses a surname prefix such as van, de or van der;
• has a spouse’s surname shown on the passport;
• has different names on Dutch and UK records;
• 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 performs the check.

Option 1: Technology-Led Verification

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

The technology must validate the document’s cryptographic 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;
• a biometric identity card from the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein;
• certain UK biometric immigration documents;
• a UK Frontier Worker permit; or
• an eVisa.

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

For Dutch nationals, suitable Option 1 documents may include:

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

Option 2: Person-Led Verification

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

Under this route, you 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, it must not have been cancelled or replaced with a newer passport. Other documents normally need to remain current unless Companies House provides a specific exception.

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

Group A Photographic ID for Dutch Nationals

1. Dutch Passport

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

The current Dutch passport:

• carries PRADO reference NLD-AO-06001;
• was first issued on 25 September 2024;
• contains an integrated personal details card;
• includes electronic and physical security features;
• confirms Dutch nationality; and
• remains valid for up to 10 years for an adult.

PRADO also lists earlier Dutch passport models. An older model can still provide Group A evidence where the individual passport remains valid and has not been cancelled or replaced.

For a person-led ACSP 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;
• contains cancellation marks;
• has a clipped or damaged corner; or
• cannot be validated satisfactorily.

A current passport will usually make the process easier.

2. Dutch National Identity Card

The Netherlands calls its national identity card the Nederlandse identiteitskaart.

A current Dutch identity card provides strong Group A photographic evidence. It can also qualify under Option 1 where suitable technology can validate its biometric and electronic security features.

PRADO records the current Dutch identity card under reference NLD-BO-08001. The Netherlands first issued this model on 25 September 2024.

The card:

• uses bank-card format;
• contains the holder’s photograph;
• includes a secondary facial image;
• has a machine-readable zone;
• contains electronic security features;
• confirms Dutch nationality; and
• may remain valid for up to 10 years for an adult.

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

Earlier Dutch Identity Cards

PRADO lists several earlier Dutch identity card models, including versions first issued in:

• August 2021;
• January 2021;
• March 2017;
• March 2014;
• October 2011; and
• August 2006.

An earlier Dutch identity card may still provide Group A evidence where:

• the card remains within its validity period;
• PRADO lists the exact model;
• the photograph clearly matches the applicant;
• the document remains in good condition;
• the card has not been cancelled or replaced; and
• the verifier can inspect its security features.

A current identity card or passport will usually give you a simpler remote route.

Does the Dutch Identity Card Show a BSN?

The Dutch identity card contains the holder’s citizen service number, known as the BSN. On the current card, a QR code on the reverse can also contain the personal identity number.

The BSN forms part of the document. However, the BSN itself is not a separate Companies House identity document.

3. Dutch Driving Licence

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

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

The Netherlands calls the driving licence a rijbewijs.

PRADO records the current Dutch licence under reference NLD-FO-07001. The Netherlands first issued this model on 1 June 2025.

The current licence:

• uses bank-card format;
• contains the holder’s photograph;
• includes electronic and physical security features;
• can establish the holder’s identity within the Netherlands; and
• does not, by itself, prove Dutch nationality.

Send clear images of both sides before the video appointment.

Earlier Dutch Driving Licence Models

PRADO also lists Dutch photocard driving licences first issued in:

• November 2014;
• January 2013; and
• October 2006.

An earlier card-format driving licence may still work where it remains valid and passes the required checks.

Very old paper or booklet licences require individual review. Do not rely on an old licence simply because PRADO records a historic model. The verifier must confirm that the individual document remains legally valid and has not been replaced.

A current EU photocard licence provides the clearest route.

Does a Dutch Driving Licence Prove Nationality?

No.

A Dutch driving licence confirms that the issuing authority granted the holder permission to drive. It can also support an identity check. However, it does not establish Dutch nationality.

Where nationality matters, a passport or Dutch identity card provides stronger evidence.

4. Eligible UK-Issued Photographic Documents

Dutch 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; or
• a photographic visa.

The ACSP must confirm that the document falls within the current Companies House rules and remains suitable for validation.

Dutch Documents and Numbers You Should Not Rely On

Citizen Service Number or BSN

The Burgerservicenummer, or BSN, is the Dutch citizen service number.

Dutch government bodies use the BSN to process personal data and connect an individual with public services. A Dutch passport, identity card or driving licence may display the number.

However, the number alone is not a photographic identity document.

Do not submit only:

• a written BSN;
• a screenshot showing the BSN;
• a tax letter containing the number;
• a healthcare record;
• a photograph of the BSN QR code; or
• a letter confirming registration.

Use the physical passport, identity card or another accepted document instead.

DigiD

DigiD is a digital login tool used to access Dutch public services. It can help a person identify themselves when carrying out an online procedure.

However, a DigiD username, application screen or app does not replace an accepted Companies House identity document.

Do not rely on:

• a DigiD login;
• the DigiD app;
• a DigiD activation letter;
• a screenshot from a Dutch government account; or
• a successful DigiD identity check.

Companies House uses its own verification routes and document rules.

BRP Extract

The Basisregistratie Personen, or BRP, is the Dutch Personal Records Database. It holds information such as a person’s name, BSN, nationality, marriage details and address.

A BRP extract, known as an uittreksel BRP, may help explain:

• the current address;
• a former address;
• nationality;
• a marriage or registered partnership;
• the spouse’s details; or
• a difference between Dutch records and Companies House.

However, Companies House does not include a BRP extract in its published Group B list. Do not rely on it as the required second document unless the verifier confirms another valid basis for accepting it. It may still provide useful additional evidence.

Dutch Citizenship Certificate

A Dutch citizenship certificate can prove Dutch citizenship in some Dutch procedures. However, Companies House does not include a foreign citizenship certificate in its published Group A or Group B document lists.

It may support a nationality review, but it should not replace a passport, Dutch identity card or accepted supporting document.

Dutch Health Insurance Card

Do not rely on a Dutch health insurance card as one of the required documents.

Companies House does not list foreign healthcare cards in Group A or Group B. A health insurance card may provide extra background information but does not replace an accepted identity or supporting document.

Digital Copies and Screenshots

A photograph or scan may be required for preliminary review. However, a screenshot from a wallet application, DigiD account or online portal does not replace the original physical document.

During a person-led video call, the applicant must show the original document. The verifier may ask the applicant to move it, tilt it or display its security features from different angles.

Group B Supporting Documents

You can use one Group B document where you only have one suitable Group A photographic document.

Companies House Group B documents include:

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

A Dutch bank statement, mortgage statement, utility bill or civil-status certificate may work where the document:

• belongs to the applicant;
• comes from a genuine organisation;
• clearly shows the relevant personal information;
• supports the stated identity or current address;
• contains no signs of alteration; and
• allows the verifier to confirm genuine activity.

The verifier may request an English translation where important information appears only in Dutch.

Dutch Bank Statements

A Dutch bank statement can 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 you rely on it as address evidence.

A PDF downloaded directly from online banking may work. A cropped screenshot or manually created transaction list will usually provide weaker evidence.

Dutch Utility Bills

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

Examples may include:

• electricity bills;
• gas bills;
• water bills;
• fixed-line telephone bills; or
• other genuine household utility accounts.

The verifier must be able to identify the provider and confirm that the bill belongs to the applicant.

A mobile telephone bill may require individual review, particularly where it does not clearly connect the applicant to a residential address.

Mortgage Statements and Insurance Policies

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

An insurance policy may also qualify if it clearly displays the current address and comes from an identifiable insurer.

Dutch Birth Certificates

A Dutch birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

Where possible, provide an official civil-status certificate or certified extract issued by the relevant Dutch municipality. The verifier should be able to identify:

• the issuing authority;
• the applicant’s full name;
• the date and place of birth;
• the document date; and
• any verification information.

A birth announcement, hospital record or BRP extract should not automatically be treated as a birth certificate.

Dutch Marriage or Registered Partnership Certificates

A Dutch marriage or civil partnership certificate may provide Group B evidence.

It can also help explain:

• a spouse’s surname shown on a passport;
• the use of a married surname in the UK;
• a former surname;
• an e/v annotation;
• a registered partner’s surname; or
• a difference between a bank account and the legal name.

Provide the full official certificate or municipal extract rather than a wedding booklet, invitation or informal record.

Recommended Document Combinations

Dutch Passport and Dutch Identity Card

This combination provides two strong Group A photographic identity documents.

A current biometric passport and current Dutch identity card will often give you the strongest document set for a person-led remote check.

Dutch Passport and EU Photocard Driving Licence

This combination also provides two Group A documents.

Both documents should show consistent names and dates of birth.

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

Dutch Identity Card and Driving Licence

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

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

Dutch Passport and Bank Statement

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

It may suit a Dutch applicant who does not hold a driving licence or national identity card.

The statement should show the applicant’s full name and genuine account activity.

Dutch Passport and Utility Bill

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

The verifier must be able to identify the service provider and validate the document.

Dutch Passport and Mortgage Statement

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

Dutch Passport and Birth Certificate

A Dutch birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

This combination can help where the passport does not fully explain the person’s name history or where Companies House holds an incomplete name.

Dutch Passport and Marriage Certificate

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

This combination may help where:

• the passport includes a spouse’s surname;
• a UK bank account uses a married surname;
• Companies House records the spouse’s surname; or
• the applicant’s legal surname remains different.

Dutch Names, Surname Prefixes and Married Names

Dutch names require careful review.

Multiple Forenames

A Dutch passport can display several forenames, usually up to five.

Different records may show those names in different ways. For example:

• the passport may show every forename;
• the driving licence may use initials;
• a bank statement may omit middle names;
• Companies House may show only one forename; or
• the applicant may use a shorter business name.

A missing middle name does not automatically mean that the records belong to different people. However, the complete document set must support one consistent identity.

Surname Prefixes or Tussenvoegsels

Dutch surnames often contain a prefix, known as a tussenvoegsel.

Common examples include:

• van;
• de;
• van de;
• van der;
• ter;
• ten;
• op de; or
• in ’t.

Dutch passport application forms record surname prefixes separately where applicable.

For example, one person’s name may appear as:

• JAN VAN DER MEER;
• JAN VAN DERMEER;
• VAN DER MEER, JAN;
• JAN MEER; or
• J. van der Meer.

Do not remove or join a surname prefix without checking the passport and other official records.

A small formatting difference may be explainable. However, Companies House and the ACSP must still connect the records to the same person.

Married and Partner Surnames

Marriage does not normally replace a Dutch national’s legal surname automatically.

A Dutch passport can show the spouse’s surname on a second line. Dutch authorities also allow a person to request that a current or former spouse or partner’s name appears on the passport or identity card.

The passport may use the notation e/v, meaning echtgenoot van or spouse of.

For example, the document may show:

• the person’s legal birth surname on the main line; and
• the spouse’s surname on a second line marked e/v.

This can create differences between:

• the Dutch passport;
• the Dutch identity card;
• a UK bank account;
• a marriage certificate;
• business correspondence; and
• the Companies House register.

Provide a marriage or registered partnership certificate where the documents use different surname forms.

Official Name Changes and UK Deed Polls

The Netherlands allows formal name changes, but the process differs from the UK system.

A person normally applies to a Dutch court to change a forename. A surname change may require an application to the relevant Dutch authority. Dutch authorities do not generally recognise a UK deed poll by itself as a valid change to a Dutch passport or identity card.

Where a UK document and Dutch passport show different names, send all available evidence before verification.

Relevant evidence may include:

• a marriage certificate;
• a divorce certificate;
• a Dutch court judgment;
• a Royal Decree;
• a civil-status record;
• an updated passport;
• an updated identity card; or
• another official linking document.

Accents, Apostrophes and Special Characters

Dutch names may contain:

• apostrophes;
• hyphens;
• accented letters;
• diaereses;
• several surname words; or
• different capitalisation.

Examples include:

• D’HAENE;
• VAN ’T HOF;
• ANNE-MARIE;
• ZOË;
• RENÉ; or
• VAN DER WAALS.

The verifier should compare:

• the printed passport name;
• the machine-readable information;
• the identity card;
• the Companies House register;
• bank and address documents; and
• any former or married name evidence.

Before verification, check:

• every forename;
• all middle names;
• the exact surname;
• each surname prefix;
• spaces and hyphens;
• apostrophes;
• accents;
• former and married names;
• the date of birth; and
• the Companies House record.

Check Your Date of Birth Before Verification

Your date of birth must match the Companies House record.

Problems can arise where:

• someone enters the personal code incorrectly;
• Companies House holds the wrong date of birth;
• the ACSP submits incorrect personal information; or
• the documents contain inconsistent dates.

A mismatch may prevent the personal code from connecting to a director or PSC role. Companies House advises applicants to correct inaccurate details before they provide the code. Corrections can take up to 20 working days, so check the register early.

Is a BSN the Same as a Companies House Personal Code?

No.

A BSN is a Dutch citizen service number used within the Netherlands.

A Companies House personal code is a separate 11-character code created after successful Companies House identity verification.

Do not enter your BSN when a Companies House service asks for your personal 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 Dutch directors and PSCs.

Same-day verification and submission may be available where:

• we review and approve the documents in advance;
• the applicant supplies all required 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 the submission, Companies House normally sends the personal code to the applicant’s email address within a few hours. This timeframe 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.

You must also provide:

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

Companies House requires ACSPs to collect this information.

Step 2: Confirm the Document Combination

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

The review may cover:

• the Dutch passport model;
• the Dutch identity card version;
• whether the card contains usable biometric information;
• whether the driving licence uses the EU photocard format;
• the printed expiry dates;
• the condition of each document;
• forenames and initials;
• surname prefixes;
• spouse and partner surnames;
• the current home address; and
• the previous 12 months of address history.

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

Step 3: Attend the Video Call

During the call, you must:

• appear clearly on camera;
• show the original documents;
• move the documents 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, the documents are genuine and the identity belongs to you.

Step 4: Complete the ACSP Submission

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

The ACSP does not normally send the identity document copies to Companies House. However, it must keep the documents, supporting evidence and verification records for seven years.

Step 5: Receive Your Personal Code

Companies House sends the personal code to the email address supplied during the ACSP submission.

The code contains 11 characters. Keep it secure, but you may share it with a trusted solicitor, accountant or company administrator who needs to file on your behalf.

How Dutch Directors Use the Personal Code

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

A new director must provide 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 use the same code for every separate director appointment that you hold.

How Dutch PSCs Use the Personal Code

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

This rule applies even where the same person has already used 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 starting 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 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 Dutch nationals by:

• reviewing Dutch passports;
• checking current and earlier Dutch identity card models;
• reviewing Dutch EU photocard driving licences;
• matching document models against PRADO;
• confirming the correct Group A and Group B combination;
• reviewing Dutch bank statements and address documents;
• checking Dutch birth and marriage certificates;
• explaining why a BSN, DigiD or BRP extract does not replace an accepted document;
• checking multiple forenames and initials;
• reviewing surname prefixes and spacing;
• identifying spouse, partner and former surname differences;
• checking dates of birth and addresses;
• 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 Dutch passport?

Yes.

A Dutch passport provides Group A photographic identity evidence. A current biometric Dutch passport may also work through the GOV.UK One Login app.

Can I use an expired Dutch passport?

Potentially, but the answer depends on the 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. It must not have been cancelled or replaced.

Can I use my Dutch identity card?

Yes.

A current Dutch identity card provides strong Group A evidence. Suitable document validation technology may also accept it under Option 1.

Can I use an older Dutch identity card?

Possibly.

The card must remain valid, match a PRADO-listed model and pass the required security checks. PRADO lists several earlier Dutch identity card versions.

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

Not through the mobile app based on the current published list.

However, the Post Office route accepts a national identity photocard from an EU country. The online service must first offer you that route.

Can I use my Dutch driving licence?

Yes.

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

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

Not as the app’s driving licence document.

The app only lists a UK photocard driving licence. However, the Post Office route accepts EU photocard driving licences, and an ACSP can use a Dutch EU licence under the Companies House standard.

Can I use an older Dutch driving licence?

Possibly.

An earlier EU photocard model may work where it remains valid and passes the required checks. An old paper or booklet licence requires individual review.

Can I use my BSN?

Not by itself.

The BSN is a Dutch citizen service number. It is not a photographic identity document or a Companies House personal code.

Can I use DigiD?

Not as one of the required documents.

DigiD is a digital login system. A DigiD account or app does not replace a passport, identity card, driving licence or Group B supporting document.

Can I use a BRP extract?

Do not rely on it as the required Group B document.

Companies House does not include a BRP extract in its published Group B list. It may still support an address, marriage or name-history review.

Can I use a Dutch bank statement?

Potentially.

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

Can I use a Dutch utility bill?

Potentially.

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

Can I use a Dutch birth certificate?

Potentially.

A birth certificate falls within Group B. Send the complete official certificate for review so that the verifier can check its issuer and personal details.

Can I use a Dutch marriage certificate?

Potentially.

A marriage or civil partnership certificate falls within Group B. It may also connect the legal surname with a spouse or partner surname.

Does marriage automatically change a Dutch legal surname?

Usually not.

A Dutch national may ask for a spouse or partner’s surname to appear on the passport or identity card. However, the person’s original legal surname may remain the main surname.

What does e/v mean on a Dutch passport?

The abbreviation e/v normally means echtgenoot van, or spouse of.

It may appear before the spouse’s surname. The applicant should provide a marriage certificate where Companies House records a different surname.

What if my surname contains van, de or van der?

Send the complete document set for review.

The verifier should compare the exact surname prefix, spaces and word order shown on the passport, identity card and Companies House register.

What if my Dutch passport and Companies House record show different names?

Provide all relevant identity and name-linking documents.

Depending on the case, you may need a marriage certificate, divorce certificate, court judgment, civil-status certificate or updated Dutch passport.

Can I verify my identity while living in the Netherlands?

Yes.

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

Do Dutch documents need an English translation?

Dutch passports, identity cards and EU driving licences use standardised fields that a trained verifier may understand.

However, Dutch bank statements, utility bills and civil-status documents may require an English translation or explanation where the relevant information is not clear.

Must I post my original Dutch passport?

Usually not.

For an approved remote process, you send clear images in advance and show the original documents during the video call.

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

Yes.

The 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 verification and ACSP submission may be available where we approve the documents 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 Dutch Director or PSC?

Dutch nationals usually have several suitable identity document options, including a biometric passport, Dutch identity card and EU photocard driving licence.

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

• an older Dutch identity card;
• an old driving licence;
• several forenames;
• a surname prefix;
• a spouse’s surname on the passport;
• a UK deed poll that Dutch authorities do not recognise;
• only a BSN, DigiD screen or BRP extract as supporting evidence;
• an incorrect date of birth; or
• details that do 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 verification and submission may be available where the applicant provides a complete and suitable document set.