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

After you verify your identity, Companies House sends you an 11-character personal code. The code belongs to you rather than to one company. You can use the same code for every UK company where you act as a director or PSC. However, you must connect it separately to each role.

Quick Answer for Portuguese Directors and PSCs

Most Portuguese nationals have several strong identity document options.

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

• a valid Portuguese biometric passport;
• a Portuguese Citizen Card, known as a Cartão de Cidadão;
• a Portuguese EU photocard driving licence, known as a Carta de Condução;
• an eligible UK-issued photographic 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 documents or one Group A photographic document and one Group B supporting document. Anyone who lives outside the UK must provide at least one government-issued document.

For most Portuguese directors and PSCs, the strongest combinations are:

• Portuguese passport and Citizen Card;
• Portuguese passport and EU photocard driving licence; or
• Portuguese passport and a suitable bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement or other Group B document.

Important Point About the Portuguese Citizen Card

The Portuguese Citizen Card is one of the strongest identity documents available to Portuguese nationals.

Portugal introduced its current Citizen Card model on 11 June 2024. PRADO lists it under reference PRT-BO-04001. The card uses bank-card format, contains a photograph and includes a contactless chip with identification, authentication, signature, travel and biometric-verification functions. It also acts as a travel document within the European Union and associated Schengen countries.

The current card normally remains valid for:

• five years where the holder is under 25; or
• ten years where the holder is aged 25 or over.

Older Citizen Card models remain valid until the expiry date printed on the document. Portuguese nationals do not need to replace a valid earlier card simply because Portugal introduced a newer design.

Practical answer: A valid Portuguese Citizen Card can provide Group A photographic identity evidence. The current biometric model may also work as the single document under a technology-led Option 1 check where the ACSP’s system can validate all required electronic and physical security features.

Who Must Complete Companies House Identity Verification?

The requirement applies to Portuguese 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 Portuguese Nationals Verify Their Identity?

Portuguese nationals can use one of two main routes.

1. Verify Through GOV.UK One Login

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

Depending on your documents, device and personal 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 method you can use based on your documents, device and access to relevant UK records.

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

A Portuguese 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.

The app does not accept an expired passport.

PRADO lists the current Portuguese ordinary passport under reference PRT-AO-04001. Portugal first issued this version on 10 July 2017. The passport contains a contactless microchip and physical security features.

A current Portuguese biometric passport will therefore provide the clearest direct online route for many Portuguese directors and PSCs.

Can You Use a Portuguese Citizen Card in the One Login App?

The GOV.UK One Login app does not currently list foreign national identity cards among the documents accepted through the mobile app.

You should therefore not assume that a Portuguese Citizen Card will work through the app, even though the current card contains biometric and electronic information. The published app route accepts a non-UK biometric passport but not an EU national identity card.

However, the Post Office route accepts a national identity photocard from an EU country. A Portuguese Citizen Card may therefore work where the online service directs the applicant to a participating UK Post Office.

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

Can You Use a Portuguese Driving Licence in the App?

Not as the driving-licence document in the mobile app.

The GOV.UK One Login app currently accepts a UK photocard driving licence. It does not list foreign driving licences for the app route.

However, the Post Office route accepts EU photocard driving licences. A current Portuguese EU photocard driving licence may therefore work at a participating Post Office or through an ACSP.

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. The ACSP must follow the full Companies House identity verification standard and keep the verification evidence for seven years.

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

• lives in Portugal or another country outside the UK;
• cannot use GOV.UK One Login;
• cannot scan the Portuguese passport chip;
• wants to use a Citizen Card or Portuguese driving licence;
• holds an older Citizen Card;
• has several Portuguese forenames or surnames;
• uses surname particles such as de, da, do, dos or das;
• added a spouse’s surname after marriage;
• has different names on Portuguese 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 completes the check.

Option 1: Technology-Led Verification

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

The technology must validate all relevant 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 if the technology can still validate its security features.

For Portuguese nationals, suitable Option 1 documents may include:

• a Portuguese biometric passport;
• the current biometric Portuguese Citizen Card;
• a Portuguese EU photocard driving licence; or
• an eligible UK-issued immigration document.

Option 2: Person-Led Remote or In-Person Verification

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

Under this route, 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 by a newer passport. Other documents normally need to remain current unless Companies House provides a specific exception.

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

Group A Photographic ID for Portuguese Nationals

1. Portuguese Passport

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

PRADO lists the current Portuguese ordinary passport as:

• PRT-AO-04001;
• Passaporte;
• first issued on 10 July 2017; and
• a valid biometric travel document issued to Portuguese nationals.

The current model contains a contactless microchip and several visible and electronic security features. It normally has a maximum validity of five years for holders aged five or over and two years for children under five.

For a person-led Option 2 check, Companies House may accept a passport that expired within the previous 18 months.

You cannot use a passport that:

• has been cancelled;
• has been replaced by a newer passport;
• contains cancellation marks;
• has a clipped or cut corner; or
• cannot be validated satisfactorily.

A current Portuguese passport will usually make the process easier.

2. Current Portuguese Citizen Card

The Portuguese national identity card is called the Cartão de Cidadão, or Citizen Card.

PRADO records the current model under reference PRT-BO-04001. Portugal first issued it on 11 June 2024.

The card:

• uses bank-card format;
• displays the holder’s photograph;
• contains a contactless chip;
• supports biometric verification;
• confirms Portuguese identity and nationality;
• supports authentication and qualified electronic signatures; and
• acts as a travel document within the EU and Schengen area.

A current Citizen Card can provide strong Group A evidence.

Technology may also accept it under Option 1 where the ACSP’s system can validate the chip and all required security features.

Send clear images of both sides of the card before the video appointment. You must also have the original physical card available during the video call.

Does the Citizen Card Prove Your Current Address?

Do not rely on the Citizen Card alone to establish your full current address and previous 12 months of address history.

The current card protects access to address information with a separate PIN. A verifier may not be able to confirm the complete address history from the visible card alone. Companies House also requires the ACSP to collect the applicant’s current home address and address history for the previous 12 months.

The ACSP may therefore request a:

• bank statement;
• utility bill;
• mortgage statement;
• insurance policy; or
• another reliable address document.

3. Earlier Portuguese Citizen Cards

PRADO lists several earlier Portuguese Citizen Card models, including versions first issued in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2015.

Portugal confirms that earlier Citizen Cards remain valid until their individual expiry dates. Applicants do not need to replace a valid older card simply because Portugal introduced the 2024 design.

An earlier Citizen Card may provide Group A evidence for a person-led check where:

• the card remains valid;
• PRADO lists the exact model;
• the photograph clearly matches the applicant;
• the card remains in good condition;
• Portugal has not cancelled or replaced it; and
• the verifier can inspect its security features.

The exact card version matters. Some early Citizen Cards do not contain the same machine-readable features as newer models. A current passport or current Citizen Card will normally provide a simpler route.

4. Portuguese Bilhete de Identidade

Before Portugal introduced the Citizen Card, it issued a national identity document known as the Bilhete de Identidade.

PRADO still lists older Bilhete de Identidade models, including PRT-BO-02004 and PRT-BO-01001. Portuguese government guidance also recognises that some Portuguese nationals may still hold a lifetime identity card.

A valid photographic Bilhete de Identidade may potentially qualify under the Option 2 category for another type of photographic ID listed on PRADO.

However, do not rely on an old identity card without a preliminary review. The ACSP must check:

• whether the document remains legally valid;
• whether it has lifetime validity;
• whether Portugal has replaced it with a Citizen Card;
• whether the photograph still provides a reliable likeness;
• whether the card remains undamaged; and
• whether the verifier can examine its security features.

An old Bilhete de Identidade will not normally provide the same strength as a current biometric Citizen Card or passport.

5. Portuguese Driving Licence

A valid Portuguese 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.

Portugal calls the driving licence a Carta de Condução.

PRADO records the current Portuguese model under reference PRT-FO-06001. Portugal first issued this version on 2 January 2013.

The current licence:

• uses bank-card format;
• contains the holder’s photograph;
• includes physical security features;
• establishes the holder’s identity within Portugal; and
• does not, by itself, prove Portuguese nationality.

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

Older Portuguese Driving Licences

PRADO also lists Portuguese driving licence models first issued in 1999, 1994, 1990 and earlier.

A valid earlier photocard licence may still work where it falls within the EU photocard category and passes the required checks. Older paper or folded documents require individual review.

Do not assume that every historic Portuguese licence remains suitable. The verifier must confirm:

• the exact document model;
• its present validity;
• whether the holder should already have renewed it;
• whether a newer licence replaced it;
• whether the photograph still matches; and
• whether its security features can be checked remotely.

A current card-format licence, passport or Citizen Card will usually provide a clearer route.

6. Eligible UK-Issued Photographic Documents

Portuguese 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.

Portuguese Documents and Numbers You Should Not Rely On Alone

NIF

The Número de Identificação Fiscal, or NIF, is a Portuguese tax identification number.

The number may appear on the Citizen Card, but the NIF alone is not a photographic identity document.

Do not rely only on:

• a written NIF;
• a tax letter;
• a screenshot from the Portuguese tax portal;
• a NIF confirmation page; or
• a tax registration certificate.

Use the physical passport, Citizen Card, driving licence or another accepted document combination instead.

NISS

The Número de Identificação da Segurança Social, or NISS, is a Portuguese social security number.

Portuguese authorities normally assign it when a Portuguese citizen applies for a Citizen Card. However, the number itself does not replace a photographic identity document or Group B supporting document.

SNS User Number

The Portuguese National Health Service user number does not provide the required Companies House identity evidence by itself.

The Citizen Card combines several official identifiers, including civil identification, tax, social security and health-service information. Those individual numbers do not become separate Group A documents simply because they appear on or connect to the Citizen Card.

Chave Móvel Digital

The Chave Móvel Digital, or Digital Mobile Key, allows people to authenticate themselves when using Portuguese online public services.

It does not replace the physical identity documents required by the Companies House standard. A successful Portuguese digital login does not automatically satisfy a Companies House ACSP check.

Gov.pt or ID.Gov Digital Documents

Portugal’s gov.pt application can display digital versions of official documents, including the Citizen Card and driving licence, with legal validity for permitted uses in Portugal.

However, do not rely on a digital wallet screen, screenshot or QR code as the only evidence for a person-led Companies House check.

The ACSP must inspect the document, assess its security features and compare the applicant with the photograph. In practice, applicants should prepare the original physical Citizen Card, passport or driving licence for the video call.

Portuguese-Issued Citizen Card for Brazilian Nationals

Portugal may issue a similar-looking Citizen Card to certain Brazilian nationals under the Porto Seguro Treaty.

That card is not the same as a Portuguese national Citizen Card. The Brazilian version shows Brazilian nationality and does not act as an electronic travel document. PRADO also lists it separately from the Portuguese national identity card.

Check the nationality field carefully. A Portuguese-issued card does not automatically prove that the holder is a Portuguese national.

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 Portuguese 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 ACSP may request an English translation where important information appears only in Portuguese.

Portuguese Bank Statements

A Portuguese 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 the applicant relies on it as address evidence.

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

Portuguese 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
• another genuine household utility account.

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

Portuguese Birth Certificates

A Portuguese birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

Portuguese authorities issue birth certificates in paper or online form. An online birth certificate uses an access code, and Portuguese authorities treat that code as equivalent to providing the paper certificate.

For identity verification, the ACSP must still confirm that the certificate:

• relates to the applicant;
• comes from the Portuguese civil registry;
• remains accessible and valid;
• clearly shows the relevant personal details; and
• provides enough information to support the identity.

Portuguese records include different birth-certificate formats. The cópia integral and narrative certificate provide fuller information than a brief extract.

Portuguese Marriage Certificates

A Portuguese marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence. It can also explain a difference between birth, married and current surnames.

Portugal calls a marriage record an Assento de Casamento. Civil and religious marriages can appear in the Portuguese civil-registration system.

Where different documents show different names, send the full official marriage certificate or civil-registry record for review.

Recommended Document Combinations

Portuguese Passport and Citizen Card

This combination provides two strong Group A photographic documents.

A current biometric passport and current Citizen Card will often give a Portuguese director or PSC the strongest document set for a person-led remote check.

Portuguese Passport and EU Photocard Driving Licence

This combination also provides two Group A documents.

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

Both documents should show consistent names and dates of birth.

Citizen Card and Portuguese Driving Licence

A valid Citizen 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 nationality evidence or stronger evidence of identity activity.

Portuguese Passport and Bank Statement

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

It may suit a Portuguese applicant who does not hold a current Citizen Card or driving licence.

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

Portuguese 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.

Portuguese Passport and Mortgage Statement

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

Portuguese Passport and Birth Certificate

A Portuguese birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

This combination can also help where the passport does not fully explain the applicant’s complete registered name.

Portuguese Passport and Marriage Certificate

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

This combination may help where:

• the applicant added a spouse’s surname;
• a UK bank account uses a married surname;
• Companies House records a shortened surname; or
• Portuguese and UK documents show different versions of the name.

Portuguese Names, Multiple Surnames and Name Particles

Portuguese names require careful review.

Multiple Forenames and Surnames

A Portuguese passport can show up to two forenames and four surnames.

Portuguese surnames traditionally place the mother’s surname before the father’s surname. Connecting words such as de, da, do and similar particles do not count towards the normal surname-word limit.

For example, one person may appear as:

• MARIA JOÃO DA SILVA SANTOS;
• MARIA JOAO SILVA SANTOS;
• MARIA JOÃO SANTOS;
• MARIA J. SANTOS; or
• SANTOS, MARIA JOÃO DA SILVA.

A UK company record may omit one surname, join several surnames into one field or remove accents.

A small formatting difference does not automatically mean that the records belong to different people. However, the complete document set must support one consistent identity.

Surname Particles

Portuguese surnames commonly include particles such as:

• de;
• da;
• do;
• das;
• dos;
• e; or
• combinations of these words.

Examples include:

• DA SILVA;
• DOS SANTOS;
• DE SOUSA;
• DO CARMO;
• COSTA E SILVA; or
• DA CONCEIÇÃO.

Do not remove, join or change a surname particle without checking the passport, Citizen Card and civil-registry record.

Married Names

A Portuguese national does not lose their existing surnames simply because they marry.

Someone who chooses to take a partner’s surname normally adds it to the existing name. The Portuguese civil registry must record the change before Portugal issues a passport in the updated name.

This can create differences where:

• an older passport shows the birth surnames;
• a newer bank account includes a spouse’s surname;
• Companies House records only the final surname;
• a UK document uses a shortened married name; or
• the Citizen Card and passport do not yet match.

A marriage certificate or updated civil-registry document may help connect the different versions.

Accents and Special Characters

Portuguese names may contain:

• Á;
• Â;
• Ã;
• Ç;
• É;
• Ê;
• Í;
• Ó;
• Ô;
• Õ;
• Ú; or
• other marks.

Examples include:

• JOÃO and JOAO;
• GONÇALVES and GONCALVES;
• CONCEIÇÃO and CONCEICAO;
• ANTÓNIO and ANTONIO; or
• ARAÚJO and ARAUJO.

UK systems may remove accents or display the machine-readable version of the name.

The verifier should compare:

• the printed passport name;
• the passport’s machine-readable information;
• the Citizen Card;
• the Companies House record;
• bank and address documents; and
• any former or married-name evidence.

Before verification, check:

• every forename;
• all surnames;
• the order of the surnames;
• surname particles;
• spaces and hyphens;
• accents;
• former and married names;
• the full date of birth; and
• the details recorded at Companies House.

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 identity documents contain inconsistent details.

A mismatch may prevent the personal code from connecting to a director or PSC role. Companies House states that a date-of-birth correction may take up to 20 working days during periods of high demand.

Check the register early and correct any error before the compliance deadline.

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

No.

A NIF is a Portuguese tax identification number.

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

Do not enter your NIF, Citizen Card number, NISS or passport number 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 Portuguese directors and PSCs.

Same-day verification and ACSP submission may be available where:

• we review and approve the documents in advance;
• the applicant supplies all required personal information;
• the document combination meets the Companies House standard;
• the applicant has the original documents during the call;
• the verifier can validate the documents;
• the applicant appears clearly on camera;
• the Companies House information matches; and
• no unresolved identity or document concerns arise.

Same-day service covers the identity check and ACSP submission. Companies House controls the later processing and delivery of the personal code.

After an ACSP submits a successful verification, Companies House normally sends the personal code to the applicant’s email address within a few hours. This is not a guaranteed processing time.

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 a Citizen 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 Portuguese passport model;
• the Citizen Card version;
• whether the card contains usable biometric information;
• whether an older identity card remains valid;
• whether the driving licence uses an EU photocard format;
• the printed expiry dates;
• the physical condition of each document;
• forenames and multiple surnames;
• surname particles;
• accents and special characters;
• former and married names;
• the current home address; and
• the previous 12 months of address history.

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

Step 3: Attend the Video Call

During the call, you must:

• appear clearly on camera;
• show the original documents;
• move or tilt 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 retain the documents, supporting evidence and verification records for seven years.

Step 5: Receive Your Personal Code

Companies House sends the personal code to the individual 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 Portuguese 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.

A company cannot file its confirmation statement unless all its directors have verified their identities and the filing includes their personal codes.

How Portuguese 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 personal code can cover several companies and roles. You must still connect it separately to every relevant director and PSC position.

How Our Legal Consultant Can Help

Our Legal Consultant and partner solicitor can help Portuguese nationals by:

• reviewing Portuguese passports;
• checking current and earlier Citizen Card models;
• reviewing old Bilhete de Identidade documents;
• checking Portuguese EU photocard driving licences;
• matching document models against PRADO;
• confirming the correct Group A and Group B combination;
• reviewing Portuguese bank statements and address documents;
• checking Portuguese birth and marriage certificates;
• explaining why a NIF, NISS or Digital Mobile Key does not replace an accepted document;
• checking several forenames and surnames;
• reviewing surname particles and spacing;
• identifying married, former and birth-surname differences;
• reviewing accents and special characters;
• 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 Portuguese passport?

Yes.

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

Can I use an expired Portuguese 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. The passport must not have been cancelled or replaced.

Can I use my Portuguese Citizen Card?

Yes.

A valid Portuguese Citizen Card can provide strong Group A evidence. The current 2024 model contains biometric and electronic security features and may also work under Option 1 where suitable technology can validate it.

Can I use an older Citizen Card?

Possibly.

Portugal confirms that previous Citizen Card models remain valid until their individual expiry dates. The ACSP must still inspect the exact card, its photograph, condition and security features.

Can I use my Citizen Card in the GOV.UK One Login app?

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

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

Can I use a lifetime Bilhete de Identidade?

Potentially, but send it for review first.

PRADO lists older Portuguese identity cards, and Portuguese government guidance recognises that some nationals still hold lifetime identity cards. The exact document must remain valid and pass the required checks.

Can I use my Portuguese driving licence?

Yes.

A valid Portuguese EU photocard driving licence can provide Group A evidence. Send clear images of both sides before the appointment.

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

Not as the app’s driving-licence document.

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

Can I use an old Portuguese paper driving licence?

Possibly, but do not rely on it without a document review.

An older paper or folded licence does not fall as clearly within the EU photocard category. The ACSP must check its PRADO model, present validity, photograph and security features.

Can I use my NIF?

Not by itself.

A NIF is a tax identification number. It does not provide photographic identity evidence and is not the same as a Companies House personal code.

Can I use my NISS?

Not by itself.

A NISS is a social security number. It does not replace a passport, Citizen Card, driving licence or Group B document.

Can I use Chave Móvel Digital?

Not as one of the required documents.

The Digital Mobile Key is a Portuguese authentication method. It does not replace the evidence required under the Companies House identity verification standard.

Can I use the digital Citizen Card in the gov.pt app?

Do not rely on the digital version alone for a person-led ACSP check.

Prepare the original physical Citizen Card so the verifier can inspect its visible and physical security features.

Can I use a Portuguese bank statement?

Potentially.

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

Can I use a Portuguese utility bill?

Potentially.

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

Can I use a Portuguese birth certificate?

Potentially.

A birth certificate falls within Group B. Send the complete official certificate or valid online certificate details for review so the verifier can check the issuer and personal information.

Can I use a Portuguese marriage certificate?

Potentially.

A marriage or civil partnership certificate falls within Group B. It may also connect birth and married surnames.

Does my Citizen Card prove my current address?

It may help, but do not rely on it as the only address evidence.

Address information on the Citizen Card receives separate electronic protection, and the card may not establish the applicant’s full previous 12 months of address history. The ACSP may request a bank statement, utility bill or mortgage statement.

Do Portuguese documents need an English translation?

Portuguese passports, Citizen Cards and EU driving licences use standard fields that a trained verifier may understand.

However, Portuguese bank statements, utility bills and civil-status documents may require an English translation or explanation where important information is unclear.

What if Companies House shows only one of my surnames?

Send the complete document set for review.

The verifier should compare the passport, Citizen Card, supporting documents and Companies House record. Additional evidence may be needed where the register omits, reverses or shortens a surname.

What if my name contains João, Gonçalves or Conceição?

Accents may disappear in the Companies House system or the machine-readable part of a passport.

The verifier should compare the complete printed and machine-readable names. Differences such as JOÃO and JOAO may be explainable, but the document set must support one identity.

What if I added my spouse’s surname after marriage?

Provide your Portuguese passport or Citizen Card together with a marriage certificate or other official linking evidence.

Portuguese nationals normally retain their existing surnames and add a spouse’s surname rather than replacing the original name.

Can I verify my identity while living in Portugal?

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 the applicant’s identity.

Do I always need two documents?

You need two documents for a person-led remote or in-person Option 2 check.

One eligible document may be enough under Option 1 where suitable technology validates all required security features.

Must I post my original Portuguese 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 personal code belongs to you. However, you must connect it separately to your director role and 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 Portuguese Director or PSC?

Portuguese nationals usually have several suitable identity document options, including a biometric passport, Citizen Card and EU photocard driving licence.

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

• an older Citizen Card;
• a lifetime Bilhete de Identidade;
• an old paper driving licence;
• several forenames and surnames;
• surname particles such as de, da, do, dos or das;
• a spouse’s surname added after marriage;
• accents or special characters;
• only a NIF, NISS or digital identity screen;
• a Brazilian Citizen Card issued under the Porto Seguro Treaty;
• an incorrect date of birth; or
• information that does not match the Companies House register.

Our Legal Consultant and partner solicitor can review your documents, confirm the most suitable route and arrange remote Companies House identity verification by video call.

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