Hong Kong residents 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 recorded that role.

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

Therefore, the same personal 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 Hong Kong Directors and PSCs

For most Hong Kong directors, the clearest Group A identity document is a valid biometric passport.

Depending on the person’s status, this may be:

• a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport;
• a British National Overseas passport;
• a British citizen passport;
• a passport issued by another recognised country; or
• another qualifying passport that lawfully belongs to the applicant.

A current Hong Kong smart identity card can provide strong supporting evidence. However, it should not automatically be treated as the formal second Group A document.

The reason is important. PRADO currently lists one Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card model, reference HKG-BO-01001, which was first issued in 2003. Hong Kong subsequently invalidated every old-form smart identity card by 12 October 2025. Meanwhile, the current smart identity card, issued from 26 November 2018, is not separately listed on PRADO.

A physical Hong Kong driving licence also appears on PRADO. Nevertheless, the current Hong Kong driving licence has no photograph. Companies House requires the Group A document to be photographic. Therefore, a Hong Kong driving licence should not normally be used as the second photographic Group A document.

For a person-led remote check through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, or ACSP, the applicant normally needs either:

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

The strongest practical combinations are often:

• HKSAR passport and current BN(O) passport;
• HKSAR passport and British citizen passport;
• HKSAR passport and UK photocard driving licence;
• HKSAR passport and eligible UK immigration document;
• HKSAR passport and bank statement;
• HKSAR passport and utility bill;
• HKSAR passport and mortgage statement;
• HKSAR passport and insurance policy;
• HKSAR passport and Hong Kong birth certificate;
• HKSAR passport and Hong Kong marriage certificate;
• another recognised passport and bank statement; or
• one HKSAR biometric passport under a suitable technology-led Option 1 process.

Direct answer: The clearest person-led route will usually use a valid passport together with another current passport, a UK photocard driving licence, an eligible UK immigration document or an accepted Group B document.

Hong Kong Nationality and Permanent Residence Are Different

Hong Kong identity documents require careful classification.

A Hong Kong permanent resident is not necessarily a Chinese national.

For example, a person of British, Canadian, Australian, Indian, Filipino or another nationality may hold a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card after obtaining the right of abode in Hong Kong.

Therefore, possession of a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card does not by itself prove that the holder:

• is a Chinese citizen;
• is eligible for an HKSAR passport;
• has BN(O) status;
• is a British citizen; or
• holds any particular foreign nationality.

A valid Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card is evidence that the holder enjoys the right of abode in Hong Kong. However, Chinese and non-Chinese citizens can qualify for permanent residence under different legal categories.

Who Can Hold an HKSAR Passport?

A person is eligible for an HKSAR passport only where they are:

• a Chinese citizen;
• a permanent resident of the HKSAR; and
• a holder of a valid Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card.

Consequently, a non-Chinese permanent resident should use their actual national passport rather than describe the Hong Kong identity card as proof of Chinese nationality.

Hong Kong Residents With Foreign Passports

A Hong Kong resident of Chinese nationality may also possess a foreign passport.

Under the nationality rules applied in Hong Kong, some residents of Chinese descent who were born in Hong Kong or another part of China continue to be treated as Chinese nationals despite possessing a foreign passport, unless a change of nationality has been formally approved.

For Companies House purposes, the ACSP should identify:

• every current passport;
• the nationality shown on each passport;
• the applicant’s HKSAR status;
• the identity shown at Companies House;
• whether any passport has been cancelled; and
• whether different names appear across the documents.

HKSAR Biometric Passports

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport is a biometric and machine-readable passport.

The current generation was introduced on 14 May 2019. It has a polycarbonate personal-details page and a contactless electronic chip storing the holder’s facial image and personal data.

A current HKSAR passport normally provides the strongest Group A document for an eligible Hong Kong Chinese citizen.

HKSAR Passport Security Features

The current passport:

• follows International Civil Aviation Organization standards;
• contains a contactless biometric chip;
• uses a polycarbonate data page;
• stores the photograph and personal information shown on the data page;
• has a dark blue cover;
• contains physical anti-counterfeiting features;
• contains machine-readable information; and
• is valid for international travel.

HKSAR Passport Validity

An HKSAR passport is normally valid for:

• ten years for a person aged 16 or over; or
• five years for a child under 16.

Applicants can choose a passport containing:

• 32 pages; or
• 48 pages.

The passport cannot simply be extended. The holder must obtain a new passport when renewal or replacement is required.

Children and HKSAR Passports

Every child must hold their own passport.

A child cannot be added to a parent’s HKSAR passport.

Children under 11 may not yet hold a normal photographic Hong Kong identity card. During a passport application, the authorities may therefore require:

• birth certificate;
• school document containing a photograph;
• other proof of identity;
• parent or guardian documents; or
• a countersignature form.

For Companies House verification, this point is mainly relevant to a young person aged 16 or 17 who has become eligible to act as a UK company director.

Using an HKSAR Passport With GOV.UK One Login

An HKSAR passport holder can normally try the GOV.UK One Login app using a current biometric passport.

The process generally requires the applicant to:

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

The original physical passport must be used.

The app does not accept:

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

What If the HKSAR Passport Chip Cannot Be Read?

A failed chip scan does not automatically mean that the passport is false or invalid.

First, the applicant can try to:

• remove the phone case;
• confirm that near-field communication is active;
• move the phone slowly across the passport cover;
• place the phone against a different part of the passport;
• retry the scan; or
• use another compatible phone.

Where the app still cannot read the chip, an ACSP route may remain available.

For example, the passport may work through:

• another identity-document validation platform; or
• a person-led Option 2 video check.

Previous HKSAR ePassports

Hong Kong began issuing its first-generation electronic passports on 5 February 2007.

The next-generation passport replaced that design in May 2019. Nevertheless, an individual passport from the earlier generation may remain usable until its printed expiry date.

The ACSP should check:

• issue date;
• expiry date;
• whether a newer passport has replaced it;
• whether it was reported lost or stolen;
• whether it contains cancellation marks;
• condition of the data page;
• chip functionality;
• photograph quality; and
• consistency with the applicant’s current name.

HKSAR Passports Issued Outside Hong Kong

A person living outside Hong Kong may apply through an appropriate Chinese diplomatic or consular mission or another permitted office.

A passport obtained through an overseas application remains an HKSAR passport.

It is not a lower-status document merely because the application was made outside Hong Kong.

The verifier should examine:

• exact passport generation;
• passport number;
• date of issue;
• expiry date;
• biometric symbol;
• chip functionality;
• complete personal-details page;
• machine-readable zone;
• photograph;
• physical condition;
• observation pages; and
• whether another passport has replaced it.

Expired HKSAR Passports

An expired passport may still be usable in limited ACSP cases.

Technology-Led Option 1

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

Person-Led Option 2

A passport can be up to 18 months expired.

However, the passport must not have been:

• cancelled;
• replaced by a newer passport;
• reported lost or stolen;
• cut or perforated;
• physically invalidated;
• seriously damaged; or
• altered.

A current passport will normally provide the simplest route.

Cancelled and Replaced HKSAR Passports

An HKSAR passport cannot be used after a newer passport has replaced it.

This remains the case even where the previous passport:

• has not reached its printed expiry date;
• remains physically intact;
• contains a readable chip;
• contains valid visas;
• has been returned to the holder; or
• shows an earlier name still used professionally.

The previous passport may provide useful linking evidence. However, it cannot provide the current formal identity document.

Lost and Stolen HKSAR Passports

A passport reported lost or stolen should not be used.

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

The document may already have been:

• cancelled;
• recorded as lost;
• entered into national or international databases;
• replaced; or
• made legally invalid.

Use the current replacement passport.

Damaged HKSAR Passports

Damage requires careful review, especially where it affects:

• polycarbonate personal-details page;
• facial image;
• passport number;
• machine-readable zone;
• contactless chip;
• cover;
• security features;
• binding; or
• observation pages.

A damaged chip may prevent a technology-led check.

Nevertheless, a person-led check may still be possible where:

• the passport remains legally valid;
• the applicant matches the photograph;
• the details remain readable;
• the physical security features can be checked; and
• there is no sign of alteration.

British National Overseas Passports

Many Hong Kong residents hold British National Overseas status.

A current BN(O) passport is a passport issued by the United Kingdom. Therefore, it may provide Group A evidence under the Companies House standard, subject to the same validity, cancellation and identity checks applied to other passports.

It may also potentially work under technology-led Option 1 where it is biometric or machine-readable and the identity-checking platform supports it. This follows from the Companies House rule that accepts passports without restricting the passport category to one particular nationality.

Hong Kong Does Not Recognise BN(O) Passports Locally

Since 31 January 2021, Hong Kong authorities have not accepted BN(O) passports for local immigration clearance or as proof of identity in Hong Kong.

However, that Hong Kong policy does not remove the document’s status as a UK-issued passport for a UK Companies House identity check.

Therefore, the applicant and ACSP must distinguish between:

• use of the BN(O) passport under UK Companies House rules; and
• non-recognition of the passport by Hong Kong authorities for local purposes.

HKSAR Passport and BN(O) Passport

A current HKSAR passport and a current BN(O) passport may potentially provide two Group A passport documents under person-led Option 2.

However, the ACSP must confirm that:

• both passports belong to the same individual;
• both remain current or fall within an allowed expiry exception;
• neither passport has been cancelled;
• neither passport has been replaced;
• all name differences are understood;
• dates of birth match; and
• the applicant’s nationality and status are recorded accurately.

This route can be particularly useful where the applicant has no UK photocard driving licence and prefers not to use a Group B document.

British Citizen Passports

A Hong Kong resident who has become a British citizen may hold a British citizen passport.

A current British citizen passport provides Group A evidence.

Where the same person also holds an HKSAR passport, the two passports may potentially provide the two Group A documents required for person-led Option 2.

However, the ACSP must review:

• how each passport records the name;
• Chinese and English name order;
• any added Western name;
• nationality shown on each document;
• current validity;
• cancellation status; and
• whether the person is treated differently under Hong Kong nationality rules.

Hong Kong Smart Identity Cards

Hong Kong identity cards are smart cards containing an integrated chip.

All Hong Kong residents aged 11 or over are generally required to register for an identity card, unless they are exempt or excluded.

However, several distinctions are important:

• Permanent Identity Card and non-permanent Identity Card are different;
• adult, juvenile and minor cards are different;
• old and new smart card designs are different;
• a Permanent Identity Card proves right of abode, not necessarily Chinese nationality;
• an HKID does not automatically prove HKSAR passport eligibility; and
• the current card’s PRADO position requires caution.

New Smart Hong Kong Identity Card

The current smart identity card has been issued since 26 November 2018.

It contains:

• English name;
• Chinese name where registered;
• Hong Kong identity card number;
• date of birth;
• date of registration;
• digital facial image;
• Chinese commercial code where applicable;
• identity-card symbols;
• see-through security window;
• embedded chip; and
• physical anti-counterfeiting features.

The chip is located on the back and uses a contactless interface. It stores information displayed on the face of the card and supports immigration and approved non-immigration functions.

Important PRADO Issue for Hong Kong Identity Cards

PRADO currently lists one Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card:

HKG-BO-01001

The PRADO entry states that the model:

• was first issued on 23 June 2003;
• is a photographic permanent identity card;
• is made from polycarbonate;
• has indefinite validity;
• contains a black-and-white facial image; and
• contains optically variable and ultraviolet security features.

However, Hong Kong authorities invalidated all old-form smart identity cards issued under the earlier system.

Old cards held by people born in or after 1970 became invalid on 12 May 2025. The remaining old cards became invalid on 12 October 2025. Therefore, every old-form card has now ceased to be valid.

As of PRADO’s review dated 30 July 2026, the current 2018-generation new smart HKID is not separately listed.

Consequently, applicants should not assume that a current HKID automatically qualifies as another photographic Group A document through the PRADO route. This is a practical inference from the difference between the PRADO-listed 2003 model and Hong Kong’s official invalidation of all old cards.

Practical position: Use the current Hong Kong smart identity card as strong supplementary evidence. Do not rely on it as the formal second Group A document unless the ACSP has confirmed a current and defensible basis for accepting the exact card.

Old Hong Kong Identity Cards

Do not use an old-form smart identity card.

All old-form cards have been invalid since 12 October 2025.

This applies even where:

• the card appears undamaged;
• the printed information remains readable;
• the holder has been outside Hong Kong;
• the card was once valid indefinitely;
• the holder still has right of abode; or
• the person has not yet collected a replacement.

Invalidation of an old card does not by itself remove the holder’s right of abode. Nevertheless, the old card cannot provide current identity evidence.

Permanent and Non-Permanent Hong Kong Identity Cards

A Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card normally shows that the holder enjoys the right of abode in Hong Kong.

A non-permanent Hong Kong Identity Card can be held by a person who has permission to reside, work or study in Hong Kong but has not obtained permanent resident status.

Neither card should be used alone to infer the holder’s nationality.

The applicant should provide their actual passport to establish whether they are:

• a Chinese citizen;
• a British citizen;
• a British national overseas;
• an Australian citizen;
• a Canadian citizen;
• an Indian citizen;
• a Filipino citizen; or
• a national of another country.

Adult and Juvenile Hong Kong Identity Cards

Hong Kong residents generally register for an identity card at age 11.

A holder of a juvenile identity card must apply for an adult identity card after reaching 18. The application should normally be made no later than 30 days after the person’s eighteenth birthday.

A young director aged 16 or 17 may hold:

• HKSAR passport or another passport;
• juvenile smart identity card;
• birth certificate;
• bank statement; and
• no driving licence.

In that case, the clearest person-led combination will usually be:

• passport; and
• accepted Group B document.

Identity Cards for Children Under 11

A child under 11 may be issued with a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card in certain circumstances.

However, the card does not contain a photograph.

Therefore, it cannot provide the photographic evidence needed from Group A.

This is relevant where a young person later becomes a director at age 16 and still has older supporting documents in the family records.

Symbols on Hong Kong Identity Cards

A Hong Kong identity card may contain symbols explaining the holder’s status or registered information.

Examples include:

• A for right of abode;
• R for right to land;
• U where the holder’s stay was not limited at registration;
• C where the holder’s stay was limited at registration;
• Z for reported place of birth in Hong Kong;
• X for reported place of birth in the Chinese Mainland;
• W for reported place of birth in Macao;
• O for another reported place of birth;
• B where the reported date or place of birth changed after first registration; and
• N where the reported name changed after first registration.

These symbols can help an ACSP understand differences between:

• current passport;
• former passport;
• birth certificate;
• HKID;
• Companies House record; and
• Certificate of Registered Particulars.

Hong Kong Identity Card Number

The character printed in brackets after the main Hong Kong identity card number is a check character used for computer processing.

Hong Kong Immigration Department guidance states that this bracketed digit or letter is not part of the identity card number itself.

The HKID number is not the Companies House personal code.

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

• Hong Kong identity card number;
• bracketed check character;
• HKSAR passport number;
• BN(O) passport number;
• Hong Kong driving-licence number;
• iAM Smart information;
• UK National Insurance number;
• company authentication code; or
• immigration application reference.

Certificate of Registered Particulars

A Hong Kong identity card holder can apply for a Certificate of Registered Particulars.

Depending on the record, the certificate may show information including:

• registered name;
• residential address;
• date of birth;
• place of birth;
• marital status; and
• spouse’s name.

This certificate can provide valuable supplementary evidence where:

• the HKID does not display the current address;
• Companies House has an old name;
• the person changed their English name;
• the place of birth needs clarification;
• marital status is relevant; or
• a spouse’s name links the applicant to a marriage certificate.

However, Companies House does not expressly list a foreign Certificate of Registered Particulars in Group B.

Therefore, it should normally support rather than replace an accepted birth certificate, marriage certificate, bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement or insurance policy.

iAM Smart Digital Identity

Hong Kong provides the digital identity service known as iAM Smart.

All Hong Kong Identity Card holders aged 11 or over can register.

The service allows users to:

• access government services;
• authenticate their identity;
• complete online forms;
• use personalised digital services;
• scan and read a smart HKID;
• perform facial identification; and
• use digital signing through iAM Smart+.

Can iAM Smart Replace the Required Documents?

No.

An iAM Smart account is not:

• a passport;
• the physical HKID;
• a UK photocard driving licence;
• a birth certificate;
• a marriage certificate; or
• a listed Group B financial document.

Therefore, it should not replace the accepted Companies House document combination.

An ACSP may review live iAM Smart activity as supplementary evidence of:

• control of a Hong Kong digital identity;
• access to government services;
• connection with the physical HKID;
• facial verification;
• electronic signing; or
• current identity information.

Do Not Use an iAM Smart Screenshot

Do not rely only on:

• screenshot;
• screen recording;
• copied QR code;
• successful login screen;
• exported profile;
• photograph of another device; or
• typed account information.

Where iAM Smart supports the review, the applicant should open the live application during the video call.

Hong Kong Driving Licences

PRADO lists the Hong Kong driving licence under:

HKG-FO-01001

The listed licence:

• was first issued around 2005;
• is in card format;
• can be valid for up to ten years;
• contains ultraviolet security features;
• establishes driving entitlement; and
• does not prove the holder’s nationality.

However, the current Hong Kong driving licence does not contain the holder’s photograph.

As a result, it cannot normally satisfy the Companies House requirement for a photographic Group A document.

Practical position: A Hong Kong driving licence may support the wider review, but it should not be used as one of the required photographic Group A documents.

Hong Kong Driving-Licence Validity

The normal validity period depends on the driver’s age.

For a full driving licence:

• a person aged 60 or below normally receives ten-year validity;
• a person over 60 but under 70 receives validity until the day before age 70 or three years, whichever is longer; and
• a person aged 70 or over can normally choose one-year or three-year validity.

The applicant should always check the individual licence.

Do not rely on a licence that:

• has expired;
• has been replaced;
• was reported lost;
• has been cancelled;
• has been suspended;
• is seriously damaged; or
• no longer matches the holder’s identity information.

Expired Hong Kong Driving Licences

A Hong Kong driving licence can be renewed:

• within four months before expiry; or
• within three years after expiry.

However, the holder cannot lawfully drive while the licence is expired.

A licence that expired more than three years ago cannot normally be renewed without retaking the relevant tests and completing any required probationary period.

For Companies House purposes, use a current supporting document wherever possible.

Electronic Hong Kong Driving Licence

Hong Kong introduced the electronic driving licence, or eDL, on 15 September 2025.

The eDL:

• displays the same information as the physical licence;
• shows whether the licence is valid;
• is accessed through an official mobile application;
• uses iAM Smart or the Transport Department portal for authentication;
• contains an encrypted QR code;
• uses dynamic security features;
• prevents normal screen capture; and
• must be displayed live.

Can the eDL Replace Group A Evidence?

No.

The eDL does not contain a facial photograph because it reflects the information on the physical Hong Kong driving licence.

Therefore, it should not replace a photographic Group A document.

It may still help confirm:

• current licence status;
• driving entitlements;
• licence number;
• issue and expiry information;
• recent government activity; and
• consistency with the physical licence.

Do Not Use an eDL Screenshot

The official eDL application prevents screen capture and uses dynamic features to identify a live licence.

A screenshot, screen recording or copied QR code should not be accepted as the eDL.

The applicant should open the official application during the video call where the eDL forms part of the supplementary review.

HKSAR Document of Identity for Visa Purposes

Some Hong Kong residents who cannot obtain a national passport may hold an HKSAR Document of Identity for Visa Purposes.

This document is not the same as an HKSAR passport.

Its use for Companies House requires individual review.

Depending on the exact document and holder’s status, it may potentially fall within another photographic immigration or travel-document category. However, applicants should not describe it as:

• proof of Chinese nationality;
• an HKSAR passport;
• a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card; or
• automatic passport evidence.

A recognised national passport will normally provide a clearer route.

Who Must Complete Companies House Verification?

The requirement applies to Hong Kong residents 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, that date began a phased transition rather than creating one identical deadline for every person.

Existing Directors

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

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

New Directors

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

Likewise, 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 Companies House first recorded the PSC; and
• the company’s confirmation statement date.

Verification Routes for Hong Kong Applicants

Hong Kong applicants can use one of two main routes.

GOV.UK One Login

Companies House provides a free identity-verification service through GOV.UK One Login.

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

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

Verification Through an ACSP

An ACSP can verify the applicant:

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

ACSPs can include regulated solicitors, accountants and company service providers.

A Hong Kong director does not need to travel to the United Kingdom solely for a remote ACSP check.

Can You Use a Hong Kong Identity Card in GOV.UK One Login?

The published GOV.UK One Login app document list does not include a Hong Kong identity card.

The app normally accepts documents such as:

• UK passport;
• non-UK biometric passport;
• UK photocard driving licence;
• specified UK biometric immigration documents; or
• UK Frontier Worker permit.

A smart HKID does not become an accepted app document merely because it contains a chip and supports iAM Smart.

Use a biometric passport for the app route.

Can You Use a Hong Kong Driving Licence in the App?

No.

The app accepts a UK photocard driving licence rather than a Hong Kong driving licence.

Moreover, the Hong Kong licence does not contain a photograph.

Therefore, it is not suitable as the app’s photographic driving-licence document.

Answering Security Questions

Some Hong Kong residents living in the United Kingdom may receive the option to answer security questions.

The service may use information linked to:

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

An applicant living outside the UK or with limited UK financial history may find this route less practical.

Name differences can also prevent an automatic match.

For example, records may differ because of:

• Chinese and Western name order;
• an added Western given name;
• Cantonese and Mandarin Romanisation;
• two-word Chinese given names;
• missing spaces;
• hyphens;
• an alias;
• a married surname;
• an old English spelling; or
• an abbreviated banking name.

Post Office Verification

GOV.UK One Login may offer some applicants a Post Office route.

The applicant must first:

1. begin the Companies House service online;
2. enter the requested identity details;
3. receive confirmation that the Post Office route is available;
4. obtain the customer letter or QR code;
5. attend a participating Post Office; and
6. present the original document specified in the instructions.

An HKSAR biometric passport, British passport or another recognised biometric passport will normally provide the clearest Post Office route.

Do not assume that the Post Office will accept:

• current HKID;
• old HKID;
• Hong Kong driving licence;
• electronic driving licence;
• iAM Smart profile;
• Certificate of Registered Particulars;
• birth certificate displayed on a phone; or
• government-service screenshot.

The applicant must follow the instructions generated for their individual case.

How Many Documents Are Required?

Option 1: Technology-Led Check

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

Eligible categories include:

• biometric or machine-readable passport;
• UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man 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 a Hong Kong applicant, the strongest Option 1 document is usually:

• HKSAR biometric passport;
• current British passport;
• current BN(O) passport where supported;
• another recognised biometric passport;
• UK photocard driving licence;
• eligible UK immigration document; or
• eVisa.

The Hong Kong smart identity card and Hong Kong driving licence do not fall within the standard Option 1 country categories.

Option 2: Person-Led Check

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

The applicant must provide either:

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

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

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

Other documents normally need to remain current.

Group A Documents for Hong Kong Applicants

HKSAR Passport

A current HKSAR biometric passport normally provides strong Group A evidence.

BN(O) Passport

A current BN(O) passport may provide Group A passport evidence under UK Companies House rules.

British Citizen Passport

A current British citizen passport provides Group A evidence.

Another Recognised National Passport

A Hong Kong permanent resident who is not a Chinese national should normally use their actual national passport.

UK Photocard Driving Licence

A Hong Kong resident living in the United Kingdom may use a valid UK photocard driving licence.

Eligible UK Immigration Document

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

Examples may include:

• qualifying biometric residence permit;
• biometric residence card;
• UK Frontier Worker permit;
• photographic government-issued work permit;
• photographic immigration document;
• photographic visa; or
• eVisa through the technology-led route.

Documents That Should Not Automatically Replace Formal Evidence

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

• current Hong Kong smart identity card;
• invalid old Hong Kong identity card;
• juvenile HKID;
• non-photographic card for a child under 11;
• Hong Kong driving licence;
• electronic Hong Kong driving licence;
• iAM Smart profile;
• iAM Smart+ digital signature;
• Certificate of Registered Particulars;
• Hong Kong identity card number;
• Certificate of Absence of Marriage Record;
• property title;
• rates demand;
• tax record;
• MPF statement;
• student card;
• employee card;
• professional membership card; or
• screenshot of a government service.

Group B Supporting Documents

Where the applicant has only one suitable photographic Group A document, they can provide one Group B document.

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 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
• qualifying UK social-housing rental agreement.

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

Hong Kong Bank Statements

A Hong Kong bank statement may provide Group B evidence.

The statement should:

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

A complete official PDF or bank-issued statement will normally provide stronger evidence than:

• mobile-banking screenshot;
• cropped transaction list;
• ATM receipt;
• payment-card image;
• Faster Payment System record;
• account balance shown on a phone; or
• copied account details.

Name Differences on Bank Statements

A Hong Kong bank statement may:

• put the surname last;
• put the surname first;
• omit the Chinese name;
• omit a Western given name;
• use initials;
• join a two-word given name;
• remove a hyphen;
• use a married surname;
• use an older Romanisation; or
• show an abbreviated professional name.

These differences do not automatically make the statement unacceptable.

However, the ACSP must connect the statement to the passport and civil records.

Hong Kong Utility Bills

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

Examples may include:

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

The verifier must be able to identify:

• service provider;
• account holder;
• service address;
• billing date;
• account information; and
• connection to the applicant.

A payment receipt, FPS transaction, Octopus record or banking entry does not necessarily amount to the complete utility bill.

A bill in another household member’s name will not normally prove the applicant’s address without further evidence.

Hong Kong Mortgage Statements

A Hong Kong mortgage statement may provide Group B evidence where it clearly shows:

• applicant’s name;
• identifiable lender;
• current residential address;
• statement date; and
• genuine mortgage information.

The following are not automatically the same as a mortgage statement:

• Land Registry search;
• assignment document;
• sale and purchase agreement;
• provisional agreement;
• rates demand;
• government rent demand;
• property valuation; or
• mortgage offer letter.

These records may provide supplementary information. However, the formal Group B mortgage category should normally use an actual mortgage statement.

Hong Kong Insurance Policies

A Hong Kong insurance policy may provide Group B evidence where it identifies the applicant and shows the current residential address.

Examples may include:

• home insurance;
• buildings insurance;
• contents insurance;
• vehicle insurance; or
• another genuine insurance policy.

A quotation, premium notice, insurance card, payment receipt or renewal reminder may not amount to the complete policy.

Hong Kong Birth Certificates

An official certified copy of a Hong Kong birth entry, commonly called a birth certificate, may provide Group B evidence.

Hong Kong Immigration Department maintains the central birth register and allows applications for:

• a search of birth records; and
• a certified copy of a birth entry.

Applications can be made in person, by post or online.

Hong Kong Birth-Certificate Formats

Two main certificate formats remain in circulation:

• handwritten landscape birth certificates issued before 6 November 1995; and
• A4 portrait printed birth certificates issued from 6 November 1995.

From 2 January 1980, the birth-certificate number is generally the same main number used on the person’s Hong Kong identity card.

Information on a Hong Kong Birth Certificate

The certificate may show:

• registered name;
• Chinese name where applicable;
• date of birth;
• place of birth;
• sex;
• father’s name;
• mother’s name;
• registration number;
• date of registration;
• issuing authority; and
• later amendments where relevant.

Provide the complete certified copy rather than:

• hospital notification;
• baptism certificate used alone;
• cropped photograph;
• registry application receipt;
• search-result screenshot;
• translation without the original; or
• informal family record.

Certified Copies

Where the original certificate is unavailable, the applicant can request a certified copy after an official record search.

A certified copy may provide stronger evidence where:

• the original is damaged;
• an old handwritten certificate is difficult to read;
• the applicant changed their name;
• a parent’s details were added;
• an administrative error was corrected; or
• Companies House information differs from the original record.

Late Birth Registration

Hong Kong guidance states that there is no absolute time limit on registering a birth.

Therefore, a late-registered birth certificate may still be genuine.

However, an ACSP may request additional supporting evidence where:

• registration occurred many years after birth;
• the passport shows different information;
• a parent’s name is missing;
• the person has used another name;
• the certificate was amended; or
• the document is difficult to validate.

Hong Kong Residents Born Outside Hong Kong

A Hong Kong resident born outside Hong Kong may hold:

• foreign birth certificate;
• HKSAR passport;
• foreign passport;
• Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card;
• Certificate of Registered Particulars;
• proof of right of abode;
• Chinese nationality evidence; or
• parents’ identity documents.

An official foreign birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

The ACSP may also request:

• English translation;
• apostille or legalisation where relevant;
• current passport;
• current HKID;
• proof of nationality;
• proof of right of abode; and
• documents connecting different versions of the name.

Hong Kong Marriage Certificates

An official Hong Kong marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

A person can apply for:

• a search of Hong Kong marriage records; and
• a certified copy of the marriage certificate.

Applications can be submitted in person, by post or online.

Marriage-Certificate Formats

The main formats include:

• handwritten landscape certificates issued before 20 November 1995; and
• A4 portrait computerised certificates issued from the end of 1995.

Information on a Marriage Certificate

The certificate may show:

• names of both spouses;
• Chinese names where registered;
• identity document details;
• date of marriage;
• place of marriage;
• marriage-registration number;
• registrar or civil celebrant;
• witnesses; and
• date of issue.

Provide the complete official certificate rather than:

• wedding photograph;
• ceremonial record;
• religious certificate without civil registration;
• cropped scan;
• registry receipt;
• online-status screen;
• translation without the original; or
• informal family record.

Certified Copy of a Marriage Certificate

Where the original certificate is lost or damaged, the applicant can request a record search and certified copy.

A certified copy can be particularly helpful where:

• the original is handwritten;
• the person adopted a different surname;
• one spouse uses a Western name;
• the Companies House record shows an earlier name;
• the original certificate is damaged; or
• the applicant now lives overseas.

Certificate of Absence of Marriage Record

Hong Kong can issue a Certificate of Absence of Marriage Record where no Hong Kong marriage record is found.

This document is often informally called a certificate of no marriage.

However, it is not a marriage certificate.

Therefore, it should not replace the Group B marriage-certificate document where the applicant is trying to prove an existing marriage.

Hong Kong Residents Married Abroad

A Hong Kong resident married outside Hong Kong may hold:

• foreign marriage certificate;
• apostille or legalisation;
• certified translation;
• updated passport;
• updated HKID;
• former passport;
• deed poll;
• Certificate of Registered Particulars; or
• evidence of a married name.

An official foreign marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

However, the ACSP may request further linking evidence where:

• one passport uses a married surname;
• the HKID uses another name;
• Companies House records a former name;
• the foreign certificate follows different naming rules; or
• the marriage is not reflected in Hong Kong records.

English Translations

HKSAR passports and Hong Kong identity cards contain English information.

However, other documents may contain important information in Chinese.

This can include:

• old birth certificates;
• old marriage certificates;
• bank records;
• utility bills;
• property records;
• family documents;
• court orders; or
• name-change evidence.

The ACSP may request an English translation where it cannot clearly understand:

• document type;
• issuing authority;
• applicant’s full name;
• parents’ names;
• spouse’s name;
• current address;
• date of birth;
• birth information;
• marriage information;
• name-change information; or
• another material entry.

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

Recommended Document Combinations

HKSAR Passport and BN(O) Passport

This combination may provide two Group A passport documents under person-led Option 2.

The ACSP must confirm that both passports are current, uncancelled and belong to the same person.

HKSAR Passport and British Citizen Passport

This combination may also provide two Group A passport documents.

Name, nationality and date-of-birth differences must be reconciled.

HKSAR Passport and UK Photocard Driving Licence

A Hong Kong resident living in the United Kingdom may use a valid UK photocard driving licence as the second Group A document.

HKSAR Passport and UK Immigration Document

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

An eVisa may qualify through Option 1.

HKSAR Passport and Bank Statement

This combination provides:

• one Group A document; and
• one Group B document.

It often provides the clearest route where the applicant has no second recognised passport or UK photocard driving licence.

HKSAR Passport and Utility Bill

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

HKSAR Passport and Mortgage Statement

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

HKSAR Passport and Insurance Policy

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

HKSAR Passport and Birth Certificate

A Hong Kong or foreign birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

This combination can help where:

• Companies House reverses the name order;
• a Chinese and Western name differ;
• one given name is missing;
• Romanisation differs;
• date or place of birth needs clarification;
• the applicant was born abroad; or
• the applicant changed their name.

HKSAR Passport and Marriage Certificate

A Hong Kong or foreign marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

It can help connect:

• birth and married names;
• former surname;
• Western name;
• Chinese name;
• passport and Companies House records; or
• an earlier director appointment.

Hong Kong Names and Name Structure

Hong Kong names commonly consist of:

• a surname; and
• one or more forenames.

On Hong Kong documents, the surname is often shown before the forename.

Some people also add a Western or English given name.

As a result, the same person may appear in several forms.

For example:

• CHAN TAI MAN;
• Chan Tai Man;
• Tai Man Chan;
• Michael Chan Tai Man;
• Chan Tai Man Michael; or
• Michael T. M. Chan.

These forms should not automatically be treated as separate identities.

The ACSP must compare the complete identity documents.

Chinese and English Names

A Hong Kong identity card can show:

• name in English;
• name in Chinese; and
• Chinese commercial code.

The English name is normally the main form used on the passport’s international data page.

A Chinese civil or financial document may use only the Chinese name.

Another record may use only the English name.

The ACSP should compare:

• passport;
• HKID;
• birth certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• bank statement;
• Companies House record; and
• Chinese commercial codes where relevant.

Surname-First and Western Name Order

A Hong Kong document may show the surname first.

A UK record normally puts the given name first and surname last.

For example:

LEE KA KI

may appear in the UK as:

Ka Ki Lee

This change in order does not automatically indicate a different person.

The labelled passport fields and machine-readable zone provide the main guide.

Added Western Names

A Hong Kong resident may use a Western name such as:

• Michael;
• Grace;
• Helen;
• Albert;
• William;
• Catherine; or
• another English given name.

UK country guidance notes that Hong Kong authorities do not necessarily treat the addition of a Western name as a formal name change.

Nevertheless, differences can arise where:

• passport includes the Western name;
• HKID includes it in another position;
• birth certificate does not show it;
• bank account uses only the Western name;
• Companies House omits it; or
• a foreign passport treats it as the first given name.

The ACSP should determine whether the Western name is:

• part of the registered identity;
• an alias;
• a name added to the HKID;
• supported by deed poll; or
• used only socially.

Cantonese and Mandarin Romanisation

A Chinese surname or given name can appear in different Romanised forms.

Differences may result from:

• Cantonese pronunciation;
• Mandarin Pinyin;
• another Chinese dialect;
• family convention;
• earlier colonial-era spelling;
• passport spelling;
• immigration records; or
• spelling used in another country.

Examples may include:

• Chan and Chen;
• Cheung and Zhang;
• Lee and Li;
• Leung and Liang;
• Wong and Huang;
• Ho and He;
• Kwok and Guo;
• Yeung and Yang;
• Yip and Ye; or
• Lau and Liu.

These examples do not prove automatically that two names belong to the same person.

The complete evidence must support the connection.

Joined, Spaced and Hyphenated Given Names

A two-part Chinese given name may appear as:

• Ka Ki;
• Ka-Ki;
• Kaki; or
• K K.

Likewise, another name may be:

• Wai Man;
• Wai-Man;
• Waiman; or
• W M.

A UK system may:

• remove a hyphen;
• join the two words;
• place one part in the middle-name field;
• omit one part; or
• use initials.

These differences do not automatically create a different identity.

Aliases and Also-Known-As Names

A Hong Kong resident may use:

• Chinese registered name;
• English registered name;
• Western name;
• former name;
• professional name;
• religious name;
• married name; or
• alias.

Where the Companies House record uses an alias or professional name, provide reliable linking evidence.

Useful documents may include:

• current passport;
• former passport;
• HKID;
• birth certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• deed poll;
• Certificate of Registered Particulars;
• professional record; or
• bank statement.

Marriage and Hong Kong Surnames

Marriage does not automatically result in every Hong Kong woman changing her surname.

A person may:

• retain their birth surname;
• use the spouse’s surname socially;
• use a married surname professionally;
• add a spouse’s surname to a bank account;
• retain the original passport name;
• change the HKID name; or
• use different names under British and Hong Kong records.

Provide:

• current passport;
• current HKID;
• marriage certificate;
• former passport;
• deed poll where relevant;
• British passport where relevant; and
• documents showing the Companies House name.

Formal Name Changes

Hong Kong allows formal name changes.

After a change, the person may need to update:

• HKID;
• HKSAR passport;
• British passport;
• driving licence;
• bank accounts;
• utility accounts;
• insurance policies;
• tax records; and
• Companies House information.

The current HKID may display the symbol N where the reported name changed after first registration.

Useful linking evidence may include:

• deed poll;
• current passport;
• former passport;
• current HKID;
• former HKID copy;
• birth certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• court order; or
• Certificate of Registered Particulars.

Passport Machine-Readable Name

The machine-readable zone may format the Hong Kong name differently from the visible passport page.

It may:

• remove hyphens;
• remove punctuation;
• merge spaces;
• shorten a long name;
• omit the Chinese name;
• divide surname and given names differently; or
• show only the formal registered English name.

The ACSP should compare:

• visible passport name;
• machine-readable zone;
• passport chip;
• HKID;
• birth certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• bank statement; and
• Companies House record.

Check the Date of Birth

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

Problems may arise where:

• someone made an error during incorporation;
• Companies House holds the wrong date;
• an old HKID record was amended;
• the birth certificate was corrected;
• the passport and company record differ;
• the ACSP submits incorrect information; or
• the applicant enters the wrong personal code.

Use:

• current passport;
• birth certificate;
• HKID as supplementary evidence;
• Certificate of Registered Particulars; and
• other official civil records.

Where the Companies House date of birth is wrong, correct the register before trying to connect the personal code.

Place of Birth

A Hong Kong document may describe the place or country of birth as:

• Hong Kong;
• Hong Kong SAR;
• China;
• Chinese Mainland;
• Macao; or
• another country or territory.

The HKID may use a symbol to classify the reported place of birth.

For example:

• Z indicates Hong Kong;
• X indicates the Chinese Mainland;
• W indicates Macao; and
• O indicates elsewhere.

A difference between “Hong Kong” and “China” does not automatically mean that the documents belong to different people.

The ACSP should compare the complete records and the context in which each authority recorded the place of birth.

Hong Kong Addresses and Address History

The ACSP must collect:

• the applicant’s current home address; and
• address history for the previous 12 months.

A Hong Kong applicant’s documents may show different addresses because:

• the passport does not show a home address;
• the HKID does not display the residential address;
• the bank uses a correspondence address;
• a utility bill is in another household member’s name;
• the applicant now lives in the UK;
• the person recently moved;
• the flat, floor, block or estate is abbreviated;
• the Chinese and English address order differs; or
• the applicant has both Hong Kong and UK homes.

The actual current residential address must be provided.

Hong Kong Address Formats

A Hong Kong address may include:

• flat or room;
• floor;
• block or tower;
• building or estate;
• street number;
• street name;
• district;
• Hong Kong Island;
• Kowloon; or
• New Territories.

Different records may abbreviate these details.

For example:

• Flat and Room;
• Floor and F;
• Block and Blk;
• Kowloon and Kln;
• New Territories and N.T.;
• Hong Kong and HK.

These differences do not automatically create an address mismatch.

However, the ACSP must be satisfied that the records describe the same residence.

Same-Day Remote Verification

Ginkgo Advisory is registered with Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.

Our solicitor-led service can arrange remote Companies House identity verification by video call for Hong Kong directors and PSCs.

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

• the documents are reviewed and approved in advance;
• the applicant provides all required information;
• the document combination meets the Companies House 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 identity or compliance concern remains.

Strong person-led combinations include:

• HKSAR passport and current BN(O) passport;
• HKSAR passport and British citizen passport;
• HKSAR passport and UK photocard driving licence;
• HKSAR passport and eligible UK immigration document;
• HKSAR passport and bank statement;
• HKSAR passport and utility bill;
• HKSAR passport and mortgage statement;
• HKSAR passport and insurance policy;
• HKSAR passport and birth certificate;
• HKSAR passport and marriage certificate; or
• another recognised passport and accepted Group B document.

The current HKID, iAM Smart, Hong Kong driving licence and eDL may support the wider review. However, they should not replace the accepted formal combination without a clear basis under the Companies House standard.

Remote Verification Process

Step 1: Send the Documents

For a passport, provide:

• complete personal-details page;
• complete machine-readable zone;
• observation pages;
• pages showing former or alternative names;
• name-amendment information; and
• relevant endorsements.

Where requested, also send the front and reverse of:

• current smart HKID;
• Hong Kong driving licence; or
• another supplementary document.

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

Applicants must also provide:

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

Step 2: Confirm the Document Combination

The review may cover:

• HKSAR passport;
• BN(O) passport;
• British citizen passport;
• another recognised passport;
• passport chip;
• passport expiry date;
• whether a passport was cancelled or replaced;
• new or old HKID;
• permanent or non-permanent HKID;
• HKID symbols;
• current PRADO position;
• Hong Kong driving licence;
• electronic driving licence;
• iAM Smart;
• Group B document;
• Chinese and English names;
• surname-first order;
• Western names;
• Romanisation;
• joined and hyphenated given names;
• aliases;
• married and former names;
• current address; and
• Companies House information.

Where the documents do not meet the standard, a stronger combination will be identified before the video call.

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 visible security features;
• confirm personal details;
• complete the facial comparison; and
• answer relevant identity questions.

The verifier must be satisfied that:

• the applicant is a real person;
• the documents appear genuine;
• the identity belongs to the applicant; and
• the evidence meets the Companies House standard.

Step 4: ACSP Submission

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

The ACSP normally retains rather than submits copies of the identity documents.

The records must be kept for seven years.

These records include:

• copies of documents;
• supporting evidence;
• checks completed;
• unsuccessful verification attempts; and
• other required information.

Step 5: Receive the Personal Code

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

The applicant should:

• confirm that the email address is correct;
• ensure that the account is accessible;
• check the spam or junk folder;
• keep the code secure; and
• share it only with a trusted solicitor, accountant or company administrator.

Companies House controls the timing of the code’s issue and delivery.

Using the Personal Code

Directors

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

A new director provides the code 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 the code as a director.

Director and PSC of the Same Company

As a director, the person provides the code through the company’s confirmation statement.

As a PSC, the person uses the separate PSC service during the relevant 14-day period.

That period starts on the day after the company’s confirmation statement date.

PSC Who Is Not a Director

A PSC who is not a director of the same company normally provides the code during the first 14 days of their birth month.

New PSC

A new PSC may provide the code when first added to the Companies House register or within 14 days of being added.

How Ginkgo Advisory Can Help

Ginkgo Advisory can help Hong Kong applicants by:

• reviewing current HKSAR biometric passports;
• reviewing previous HKSAR ePassport generations;
• assessing GOV.UK One Login compatibility;
• checking passport-chip problems;
• reviewing expired HKSAR passports;
• checking whether a passport has been cancelled or replaced;
• reviewing BN(O) passports;
• reviewing British citizen passports;
• comparing HKSAR and British passport names;
• reviewing passports held by non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents;
• reviewing new smart Hong Kong identity cards;
• identifying invalid old-form identity cards;
• distinguishing permanent from non-permanent HKID cards;
• explaining why a current HKID does not automatically qualify through the present PRADO listing;
• reviewing HKID symbols;
• checking changed-name and changed-birth-detail indicators;
• reviewing Certificates of Registered Particulars;
• reviewing iAM Smart as supplementary evidence;
• reviewing Hong Kong driving licences;
• explaining why a non-photographic driving licence does not qualify as the second photographic Group A document;
• reviewing live Hong Kong eDL information;
• confirming the correct Group A and Group B combination;
• reviewing Hong Kong bank statements and address documents;
• checking Hong Kong birth certificates;
• reviewing old handwritten and newer printed birth certificates;
• checking Hong Kong marriage certificates;
• reviewing old handwritten and newer printed marriage certificates;
• reviewing certified copies of civil records;
• reviewing foreign certificates for Hong Kong residents born or married abroad;
• comparing Chinese and English names;
• checking surname-first and Western name order;
• reviewing added Western names;
• checking Cantonese and Mandarin Romanisation;
• reviewing joined, spaced and hyphenated given names;
• connecting aliases and professional names;
• checking married and former surnames;
• reviewing Hong Kong and foreign address formats;
• identifying date-of-birth and place-of-birth differences;
• arranging the video call;
• completing the ACSP checks; and
• submitting the verification to Companies House.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use My HKSAR Passport?

Yes.

A current HKSAR biometric passport provides strong Group A evidence.

Is the HKSAR Passport Biometric?

Yes.

The current generation has a contactless chip and polycarbonate personal-details page.

How Long Is an HKSAR Passport Valid?

It is normally valid for:

• ten years for a person aged 16 or over; or
• five years for a child under 16.

Can I Use My HKSAR Passport in GOV.UK One Login?

Potentially.

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

What If the Passport Chip Does Not Work?

The passport may still qualify through an ACSP.

A person-led Option 2 check may remain available where the original passport can be examined and validated.

Can I Use an Expired HKSAR Passport?

Potentially.

Option 1 may allow a biometric or machine-readable passport that expired within the previous six months.

Option 2 may allow a passport that expired within the previous 18 months.

The passport must not have been cancelled or replaced.

Can I Use a Cancelled HKSAR Passport?

No.

A cancelled passport may provide historical evidence but cannot provide current formal identity evidence.

Can I Use a Lost Passport That I Later Recovered?

No.

A passport reported lost or stolen should not be used.

Can I Use an Older HKSAR ePassport?

Potentially.

An earlier ePassport may remain valid until its printed expiry date.

The individual passport must not have been cancelled or replaced.

Can I Use an HKSAR Passport Issued Outside Hong Kong?

Yes.

A passport issued following an overseas application remains an HKSAR passport.

Can I Use My BN(O) Passport?

Potentially, yes.

A current BN(O) passport is a UK-issued passport and may provide Group A evidence under the Companies House standard.

Hong Kong Does Not Recognise My BN(O) Passport. Does That Matter?

Hong Kong’s non-recognition applies to local immigration clearance and local proof of identity.

Companies House applies UK identity-verification rules.

Therefore, the BN(O) passport may still be considered as a passport for the UK Companies House check.

Can I Use My HKSAR and BN(O) Passports Together?

Potentially.

Two current passports may provide the two Group A documents required under person-led Option 2.

The ACSP must connect any differences in name, nationality and document details.

Can I Use My British Citizen Passport?

Yes.

A current British citizen passport provides Group A evidence.

Can I Use My Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card?

It may provide strong supplementary evidence.

However, do not assume that the current smart HKID automatically provides the formal second Group A document.

Why Does the Current HKID Not Automatically Qualify?

PRADO currently lists the older HKG-BO-01001 card introduced in 2003.

Hong Kong invalidated all old-form cards in 2025, while the current 2018-generation card is not separately listed.

Can I Use an Old Hong Kong Identity Card?

No.

All old-form smart identity cards have been invalid since 12 October 2025.

Did Invalidation of My Old Card Remove My Right of Abode?

No, not by itself.

However, the invalid card cannot provide current identity evidence.

Does a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card Prove Chinese Nationality?

No.

Non-Chinese citizens can also hold Hong Kong permanent resident status.

Does a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card Prove HKSAR Passport Eligibility?

Not by itself.

The person must also be a Chinese citizen and meet the other HKSAR passport requirements.

Can I Use a Juvenile Hong Kong Identity Card?

It may provide supplementary evidence where it remains the holder’s current card.

However, use a passport and accepted second document for the formal combination.

Can I Use a Hong Kong Identity Card for a Child Under 11?

A card for a child under 11 does not contain a photograph.

Therefore, it cannot provide the required photographic Group A evidence.

Can I Use My HKID Number?

No.

An HKID number is a personal identifier rather than a photographic identity document.

It is also different from the Companies House personal code.

Is the Character in Brackets Part of My HKID Number?

Hong Kong Immigration Department states that the bracketed check character is not part of the identity card number.

Can I Use a Certificate of Registered Particulars?

It may provide useful supplementary evidence of name, address, date of birth, place of birth and marital status.

However, it is not expressly listed as a Companies House Group B document.

Can I Use iAM Smart?

Do not rely on iAM Smart as the formal identity document.

It may provide supplementary live digital evidence.

Can I Send an iAM Smart Screenshot?

No.

A screenshot should not replace the original physical documents or live application.

Can I Use My Hong Kong Driving Licence?

Not as the required photographic Group A document.

The current Hong Kong driving licence does not contain a photograph.

But the Hong Kong Driving Licence Appears on PRADO. Why Can I Not Use It?

Companies House requires another photographic identity document listed on PRADO.

A non-photographic licence does not satisfy that requirement.

How Long Is a Hong Kong Driving Licence Valid?

The normal period depends on age:

• ten years for a person aged 60 or below;
• until age 70 or three years for a person over 60 but under 70, whichever is longer; or
• one or three years for a person aged 70 or over.

Can I Use the Hong Kong eDL?

The eDL may provide supplementary evidence of current driving status.

However, it does not replace the required photographic document.

Can I Send an eDL Screenshot?

No.

The official application disables screen capture and uses live dynamic features.

Can I Use a Hong Kong Bank Statement?

Potentially.

A bank statement falls within Group B.

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

Can I Use a Hong Kong Utility Bill?

Potentially.

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

Can I Use a Hong Kong Mortgage Statement?

Potentially.

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

Can I Use a Hong Kong Insurance Policy?

Potentially.

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

Can I Use a Hong Kong Birth Certificate?

Potentially.

An official certified copy of the birth entry falls within the Group B birth-certificate category.

Can I Use an Old Handwritten Hong Kong Birth Certificate?

Potentially.

The certificate must remain complete and legible.

A newer certified copy may provide clearer evidence.

Can I Use a Hong Kong Marriage Certificate?

Potentially.

An official Hong Kong marriage certificate falls within Group B.

Can I Use an Old Handwritten Marriage Certificate?

Potentially.

However, a modern certified copy may be easier to validate.

Can I Use a Certificate of Absence of Marriage Record?

It can prove that no Hong Kong marriage record was found.

It is not a marriage certificate and should not replace one where proof of an existing marriage is required.

Do Hong Kong Documents Need an English Translation?

Many Hong Kong documents already contain English.

However, a document containing material information only in Chinese may require an English translation.

What If My Chinese and English Names Differ?

Provide the complete document set.

The ACSP should compare the passport, HKID, birth certificate, bank statement and Companies House record.

What If My Surname Appears First on My Hong Kong Documents?

This is common.

A UK system may reverse the order and place the surname last.

What If I Added a Western Name?

Provide documents showing how the Western name appears across the passport, HKID and civil records.

The ACSP must determine whether it forms part of the registered identity or is used only socially.

What If My Name Is Chan on One Document and Chen on Another?

This may result from different Chinese Romanisation systems.

However, the ACSP must not assume automatically that the names belong to the same person.

Provide reliable linking documents.

What If My Given Name Is Joined or Hyphenated Differently?

Provide the complete passport and supporting records.

For example, Ka Ki, Ka-Ki and Kaki may need to be connected through the official documents.

What If Companies House Omits One of My Given Names?

A shortened Companies House record may still relate to the same person.

Provide the complete passport identity and supporting records.

What If I Use a Married Name in the UK?

Provide:

• current passport;
• current HKID;
• marriage certificate;
• former passport;
• deed poll where relevant; and
• documents showing the Companies House name.

Does Marriage Automatically Change a Hong Kong Woman’s Surname?

No.

Many married women retain their original surname.

Can I Use Two Passports?

Potentially.

Both passports must remain valid and belong to the same person.

The ACSP must also understand the applicant’s nationality position and any name differences.

What If My HKSAR and British Passports Show Different Names?

Provide both passports and the civil-status or name-change documents connecting the names.

What If My Date of Birth at Companies House Is Wrong?

Correct the Companies House record before trying to connect the personal code.

The date of birth linked to the code must match the company record.

What If One Document Says Hong Kong and Another Says China as My Place of Birth?

This does not automatically indicate a different identity.

The ACSP should review the issuing authority’s format and the complete identity records.

What If My HKID Does Not Show My Current Address?

Use a current Group B address document.

A Certificate of Registered Particulars may also provide supplementary information.

Can I Verify My Identity While Living in Hong Kong?

Yes.

An ACSP can complete the process 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?

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 for an approved remote video process.

Clear images are sent first, while the original documents are shown during the video call.

Can I Use One Personal 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.

Companies House controls the later issue and delivery of the personal code.

Need Companies House Verification for a Hong Kong Director or PSC?

Hong Kong applicants will usually have one of these practical routes:

• HKSAR biometric passport and current BN(O) passport;
• HKSAR passport and British citizen passport;
• HKSAR passport and accepted Group B supporting document;
• HKSAR passport and UK photocard driving licence;
• HKSAR passport and eligible UK immigration document;
• another recognised passport and accepted Group B document; or
• one eligible biometric or machine-readable passport under Option 1.

Applicants should not currently rely on:

• old Hong Kong identity card;
• current HKID as an automatic second Group A document;
• HKID number alone;
• Hong Kong driving licence as photographic evidence;
• electronic driving licence;
• iAM Smart;
• Certificate of Registered Particulars as automatic Group B evidence;
• Certificate of Absence of Marriage Record as a marriage certificate; or
• government-service screenshots.

Some cases need extra care, including those involving:

• unreadable passport chips;
• HKSAR and British passports;
• BN(O) passports;
• non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents;
• expired passports;
• cancelled or replaced passports;
• lost or stolen documents;
• old-form HKID cards invalidated in 2025;
• new smart HKID cards not separately listed on PRADO;
• juvenile identity cards;
• cards for children under 11;
• non-photographic Hong Kong driving licences;
• electronic driving licences;
• Chinese and English name differences;
• surname-first name order;
• added Western names;
• Cantonese and Mandarin Romanisation;
• joined or hyphenated given names;
• aliases;
• married or former names;
• old handwritten civil certificates;
• foreign birth or marriage records;
• Hong Kong and China place-of-birth descriptions;
• incorrect Companies House date of birth;
• old Hong Kong address information; or
• details that do not match the Companies House register.

Ginkgo Advisory can review the documents, confirm the most suitable route and arrange remote Companies House identity verification by video call.

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