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

The deadline depends on the person’s role and when Companies House 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 company appointment and role. (GOV.UK)

Quick Answer for Saudi Directors and PSCs

For most Saudi nationals, a valid Saudi biometric passport provides the clearest Group A identity document.

Saudi Arabia also issues:

• a physical national identity card;
• a digital identity through Absher and Tawakkalna;
• a family register;
• a physical and digital driving licence;
• official birth certificates;
• electronic marriage contracts;
• bank and address documents; and
• other digital government records.

However, PRADO currently lists only Saudi passports. It does not list the Saudi national identity card or Saudi driving licence.

Therefore, neither the Saudi national ID nor the Saudi driving licence should automatically replace the formal Companies House document combination.

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

• two Group A photographic identity documents; or
• one Group A photographic identity document and one Group B supporting document. (GOV.UK)

The most practical combinations for Saudi directors and PSCs are usually:

• Saudi passport and bank statement;
• Saudi passport and utility bill;
• Saudi passport and mortgage statement;
• Saudi passport and insurance policy;
• Saudi passport and birth certificate;
• Saudi passport and marriage certificate;
• Saudi passport and UK photocard driving licence;
• Saudi passport and eligible UK immigration document; or
• one Saudi biometric or machine-readable passport through a suitable technology-led Option 1 process.

Direct answer: The clearest person-led route will usually use a Saudi passport together with an accepted Group B supporting document.

A Saudi national identity card, digital identity, family register or driving licence may strengthen the wider review. Nevertheless, these documents should not replace the accepted formal combination under the current published standard.

Saudi Identity Documents at a Glance

The correct treatment depends on the document.

Saudi Passport

A current Saudi passport:

• provides Group A evidence;
• confirms Saudi nationality;
• may work through GOV.UK One Login;
• may qualify under technology-led Option 1; and
• may be used under person-led Option 2.

Saudi National Identity Card

A Saudi national ID:

• is a central government identity document;
• contains the holder’s photograph and civil information;
• is used widely within Saudi Arabia;
• has a digital version;
• does not currently appear on PRADO; and
• should not automatically replace the formal Companies House evidence combination.

Saudi Driving Licence

A Saudi driving licence:

• is an official photographic document;
• can be issued for different renewal periods;
• has a digital version;
• does not currently appear on PRADO;
• is not a UK or EU driving licence; and
• should normally be used as supplementary evidence only.

Saudi Digital Identity

The digital identity available through Absher and Tawakkalna:

• is officially accepted for many Saudi domestic transactions;
• includes a QR code;
• can help confirm control of the identity;
• does not appear separately in the Companies House document lists; and
• should not replace the physical documents used for the formal check.

Saudi Birth and Marriage Documents

An official Saudi birth certificate or marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

Electronic certificates and contracts may also work where:

• the original electronic document is supplied;
• the issuer is identifiable;
• its electronic verification remains intact; and
• the ACSP can confirm its authenticity.

Saudi Biometric Passports

The Saudi ordinary passport is a biometric and machine-readable travel document.

PRADO currently lists the ordinary Saudi passport under:

SAU-AO-02001

PRADO records that this passport:

• was first issued as a document model on 1 January 2021;
• is issued to Saudi Arabian nationals;
• remains a valid document model;
• contains 48 pages;
• has maximum validity of ten years;
• has a green cover;
• contains an integrated personal-details card;
• contains a black-and-white primary photograph;
• contains a secondary facial image;
• contains a transparent window;
• contains a hologram;
• contains a variable laser image;
• contains ultraviolet security features; and
• uses a secure booklet format. (Council of the European Union)

A current SAU-AO-02001 passport normally provides the strongest Group A evidence for a Saudi director or PSC.

Saudi Passport Validity

Saudi citizens aged 21 or over can normally choose a passport validity period of:

• five years; or
• ten years.

For younger applicants, the passport is generally issued for five years.

The actual expiry date printed in the passport must always be checked. (Absher)

A passport may become unsuitable before its printed expiry date where:

• it has been cancelled;
• another passport has replaced it;
• it was reported lost or stolen;
• its chip is damaged;
• its personal-details card is seriously damaged;
• the photograph no longer supports reliable comparison;
• the holder’s legal name has changed; or
• its security features cannot be validated.

Does a Saudi Passport Show the Place of Birth?

Official UK country guidance states that Saudi passports do not show the holder’s place of birth.

Therefore, the passport may confirm the applicant’s name, date of birth and nationality without displaying the birthplace.

Where the birthplace becomes relevant to a wider identity review, the applicant may need to provide:

• birth certificate;
• national identity card;
• family register;
• civil-status record; or
• another official document. (GOV.UK)

Using a Saudi Passport With GOV.UK One Login

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

The process usually requires the applicant to:

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

The original physical passport must be used.

The app does not accept:

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

GOV.UK One Login accepts a biometric passport from any country where its chip is compatible with the service. (GOV.UK)

What If the Passport Chip Cannot Be Read?

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

First, the applicant may try to:

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

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

For example, the passport may work:

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

Saudi Passports Issued Abroad

Saudi nationals living outside the Kingdom can apply for passport services through a Saudi diplomatic mission.

A passport issued after an overseas application remains a Saudi passport.

It is not a lower-status document merely because the holder applied outside Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs may require documents such as:

• current or previous passport;
• national identity card;
• explanation where the national ID is unavailable;
• personal photograph;
• supporting family evidence;
• guardian consent for a minor; or
• custody documents where relevant.

When a new passport is issued, the previous passport must be returned for cancellation, including puncturing and a cancellation stamp. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

The ACSP should review:

• exact passport model;
• passport number;
• date of issue;
• expiry date;
• biometric symbol;
• electronic chip;
• personal-details page;
• machine-readable zone;
• photograph;
• physical condition;
• observations;
• name information; and
• whether another passport has replaced it.

Expired Saudi Passports

An expired Saudi passport may still work in limited ACSP cases.

Technology-Led Option 1

A biometric or machine-readable passport may be up to six months expired where the identity-checking technology can still validate its cryptographic and physical security features.

Person-Led Option 2

A passport may be up to 18 months expired.

However, the passport must not have been:

• cancelled;
• replaced;
• reported lost or stolen;
• cut or perforated;
• physically invalidated;
• seriously damaged; or
• altered. (GOV.UK)

A current passport will normally provide the simpler route.

Cancelled and Replaced Saudi Passports

A Saudi passport cannot be used after a newer passport has replaced it.

This remains the case even where the earlier passport:

• has not reached its printed expiry date;
• remains physically intact;
• still contains valid visas;
• contains a readable chip;
• has been returned to the holder; or
• shows a former name that remains in professional use.

A cancelled passport may help connect:

• former name;
• old passport number;
• previous photograph;
• earlier Romanised spelling;
• previous visas; or
• travel history.

However, it cannot provide current formal identity evidence.

Lost and Stolen Saudi Passports

A passport reported lost or stolen should not be used.

This remains the case even where the applicant 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 Saudi Passports

Damage requires careful review, especially where it affects:

• the integrated personal-details card;
• primary photograph;
• secondary image;
• passport number;
• machine-readable zone;
• transparent window;
• expiry date;
• biometric chip;
• binding; or
• security printing.

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 personal information remains readable;
• the physical security features can be inspected;
• the applicant matches the photograph; and
• there is no sign of alteration.

Saudi Diplomatic and Special Passports

PRADO also lists:

• SAU-AD-01001, Saudi diplomatic passport; and
• SAU-AS-01001, Saudi special or official passport.

Both are passport-category documents.

The diplomatic passport has maximum validity of five years. The special passport also has maximum validity of five years. (Council of the European Union)

A current diplomatic or special passport may potentially provide Group A evidence.

However, the ACSP must check:

• exact passport category;
• current entitlement to use the passport;
• issue and expiry dates;
• whether it has been cancelled;
• whether an ordinary passport also exists;
• whether another passport replaced it; and
• whether the document’s security features can be validated.

A current ordinary Saudi biometric passport will normally provide the clearest route for a private UK company director or PSC.

Saudi Emergency and One-Way Travel Documents

Saudi diplomatic missions may issue a temporary travel document or laissez-passer in limited circumstances.

For example, a mission may consider a temporary return document where:

• a passport has been lost;
• a passport has been stolen;
• a passport has been expired for a long period;
• an urgent return journey is required; or
• the applicant cannot obtain an ordinary passport before travel.

A restricted return document should not be used as the routine Companies House passport document.

It may have:

• short validity;
• one-way travel use;
• limited territorial acceptance;
• no biometric chip;
• fewer security features; or
• no continuing validity after the journey.

A current ordinary Saudi passport provides the clearer route.

Saudi National Identity Card

The Saudi national identity card is commonly called:

• Saudi National ID;
• national identity card;
• Saudi identity card;
• الهوية الوطنية; or
• بطاقة الهوية الوطنية.

It is a central government identity document for Saudi citizens.

The card is used for:

• government services;
• banking;
• healthcare;
• employment;
• travel within certain regional arrangements;
• digital identity;
• family services;
• vehicle services;
• property matters; and
• other official transactions.

However, domestic Saudi acceptance does not automatically place the card within the Companies House document categories.

Can a Saudi National ID Provide Group A Evidence?

Do not rely on it as one of the two formal documents under the current person-led Companies House route.

Companies House permits another photographic identity document listed on PRADO as Group A evidence.

However, PRADO’s current Saudi Arabia page contains only:

• an ordinary passport;
• a diplomatic passport; and
• a special or official passport.

It does not contain a Saudi national identity-card category. (Council of the European Union)

Therefore:

The Saudi national ID may provide strong supplementary evidence, but it should not automatically replace the formal passport and Group B document combination.

How the National ID Can Support the Review

Although it is not automatically Group A, the physical card may help confirm:

• current photograph;
• Arabic name;
• date of birth;
• national ID number;
• civil-status information;
• current government identity;
• issue and expiry information;
• consistency with the passport;
• consistency with the family register; and
• consistency with Saudi digital identity records.

Where requested, applicants should send clear images of the front and reverse.

They may also need to show the original card during the video call.

Age for a Saudi National ID

Saudi citizens generally obtain a national identity card when they reach 15 Hijri years.

Before that age, a child may appear in a parent’s family register and use a birth certificate or passport for relevant purposes.

Saudi banking rules also refer to the requirement for a minor to provide a valid national ID on reaching 15 Hijri years. (SAMA Rulebook)

A UK company director must be at least 16.

Therefore, a young Saudi director may hold:

• Saudi passport;
• recently issued national ID;
• birth certificate;
• family register; and
• no driving licence.

The clearest person-led combination will normally be:

• Saudi passport; and
• accepted Group B document.

Saudi National ID Validity

The translated Implementing Regulations of the Saudi Civil Status Law set age-based validity periods.

The national ID is generally valid for:

• five years for a holder aged 15 to 30;
• ten years for a holder aged 31 to 50; and
• 20 years for a holder aged 51 or over.

The applicant should still check the expiry date shown on the individual card and its official electronic status. (NCAR)

A card may become unsuitable earlier where:

• it has been replaced;
• it was reported lost or stolen;
• it has been cancelled;
• it is seriously damaged;
• its photograph no longer supports reliable comparison;
• the legal name has changed; or
• its information no longer matches the holder’s current civil record.

National ID Renewal

Saudi citizens can renew the national ID electronically through Absher.

The service uses facial-recognition technology and can normally be accessed when 180 days or less remain before the card expires. (My Government)

Once a replacement card has been issued, the earlier card should not be used as the current identity document.

Why the Saudi National ID Does Not Qualify Under Option 1

Option 1 accepts biometric identity cards issued by:

• an EU country;
• Norway;
• Iceland; or
• Liechtenstein.

Saudi Arabia is not included.

Therefore, a Saudi national ID does not qualify through this category merely because it:

• contains a photograph;
• is government issued;
• is connected with biometric information;
• has a digital version;
• can be checked electronically;
• is accepted by Saudi banks; or
• is linked to Absher and Tawakkalna. (GOV.UK)

A Saudi national can instead use a qualifying biometric or machine-readable passport under Option 1.

Digital Saudi National Identity

Saudi Arabia provides an electronic version of the national identity through Absher and Tawakkalna.

The digital identity:

• displays national identity information;
• includes a QR code;
• is recognised for many domestic Saudi transactions;
• allows the holder to present identity details electronically; and
• is accepted by Saudi financial institutions for transactions that do not require retention of a physical copy. (SAMA Rulebook)

Can the Digital Identity Replace the Physical ID?

Do not rely on the digital identity as the formal Companies House Group A or Group B document.

The digital credential:

• does not appear separately on PRADO;
• is not a passport;
• is not a UK or EU driving licence;
• is not a birth certificate;
• is not a marriage certificate; and
• is outside the specified Option 1 identity-card countries.

An ACSP may still review the live digital identity as supplementary evidence.

For example, it may help confirm:

• control of the Absher account;
• current identity information;
• digital government activity;
• current photograph;
• national ID status;
• QR-code validation; and
• consistency with the physical national ID.

Do Not Rely on a Screenshot

A screenshot does not provide the same security as the live Absher or Tawakkalna credential.

Do not rely only on:

• screenshot;
• screen recording;
• photograph of another phone;
• printed digital identity;
• copied QR code;
• exported image;
• typed national ID details; or
• successful login screen.

Where the digital identity supports the review, the applicant should open the live official application during the video call.

Saudi National ID Number

The Saudi citizen identification number is normally:

• ten digits;
• numeric; and
• beginning with the digit 1.

The tenth digit acts as a verification digit. (SAMA Rulebook)

The national ID number is a personal identifier rather than photographic identity evidence by itself.

Is the Saudi National ID Number the Companies House Personal Code?

No.

The Saudi national ID number belongs to the Saudi civil-status system.

The Companies House personal code is a separate 11-character code issued after successful Companies House identity verification.

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

• Saudi national ID number;
• passport number;
• driving-licence number;
• Absher username;
• Nafath information;
• digital identity QR code;
• Saudi tax number;
• UK National Insurance number;
• company authentication code; or
• immigration application number.

Saudi Family Register

Saudi Arabia issues a family register for citizens.

It can contain information relating to:

• husband;
• wife or wives;
• children;
• family relationships;
• national identity details;
• civil-status records; and
• household information.

A digital family register is also available through Absher and Tawakkalna.

Saudi financial institutions are required to accept the digital family register for transactions that do not require retention of a physical copy. (SAMA Rulebook)

Can the Family Register Provide Group B Evidence?

Do not assume that a family register automatically qualifies as Group B.

Companies House expressly lists:

• birth certificate;
• adoption certificate;
• marriage certificate; and
• civil partnership certificate.

It does not separately list a foreign family register.

Therefore, use the actual birth or marriage certificate where the applicant relies on one of those Group B categories.

The family register may still provide useful supplementary evidence of:

• parentage;
• spouse;
• children;
• family relationships;
• former civil status;
• name structure;
• birth information; or
• consistency with a birth or marriage certificate.

Saudi Driving Licence

Saudi Arabia issues physical driving licences to citizens and qualifying residents.

A Saudi driving licence may show:

• photograph;
• full name;
• licence number;
• date of birth;
• licence type;
• driving categories;
• issue information;
• expiry date; and
• government driving entitlement.

However, PRADO does not currently list Saudi driving licences.

Therefore:

Do not rely on a Saudi driving licence as the formal second Group A document under the current published Companies House route.

Saudi Arabia is also outside the Option 1 category for UK and EU photocard driving licences.

Driving-Licence Renewal Periods

Saudi driving licences may be renewed for:

• two years;
• five years; or
• ten years.

The applicant chooses the available renewal period through the official service, subject to the applicable requirements. (My Government)

The ACSP should check:

• expiry date;
• licence category;
• current validity;
• whether another licence replaced it;
• whether it was reported lost;
• whether it has been suspended or cancelled; and
• whether the photograph matches the applicant.

How the Driving Licence Can Support the Review

Although it is not automatically Group A, the physical licence may help confirm:

• current photograph;
• name;
• date of birth;
• licence number;
• recent government activity;
• current driving status;
• consistency with the passport;
• consistency with the national ID; and
• consistency with Saudi digital documents.

Applicants should provide clear images of the front and reverse where requested.

They may also need to show the original licence during the video call.

Digital Saudi Driving Licence

Absher allows users to display their driving-licence information electronically.

The Saudi digital-government framework also allows important documents, including driving licences, to be displayed within official applications. (My Government)

However, the digital driving licence should not replace the formal Companies House document combination.

Do not rely only on:

• Absher driving-licence screen;
• Tawakkalna display;
• screenshot;
• screen recording;
• QR-code photograph;
• printed electronic licence;
• online driving record; or
• typed licence number.

The live digital document may provide supplementary evidence of the physical licence’s status.

Saudi Iqama and Residence Documents

An Iqama is a residence permit issued to a foreign national living in Saudi Arabia.

It does not prove Saudi citizenship.

Therefore, a Saudi citizen should not describe an Iqama as a Saudi national identity card.

A non-Saudi applicant may potentially use an Iqama or another residence document under a different Companies House category, such as a photographic immigration document, subject to individual review.

However, that is a verification route for the holder’s actual nationality and immigration status. It is not the standard route for a Saudi Arabian national.

Saudi National Address

Saudi Arabia uses a unified National Address system.

The National Address can include:

• building number;
• street;
• district;
• city;
• postal code;
• secondary number;
• unit number; and
• a short address code.

Saudi Post describes the National Address as the Kingdom’s unified and accredited addressing system. (Narg)

Can National Address Proof Provide Group B Evidence?

Do not assume that a Saudi National Address certificate automatically qualifies as Group B.

Companies House does not separately list a foreign national-address certificate.

Therefore, National Address proof should normally provide supplementary address evidence.

Where possible, use an accepted Group B document such as:

• bank statement;
• utility bill;
• mortgage statement; or
• insurance policy.

The National Address record can then help confirm that the address shown in English and Arabic refers to the same residence.

Saudi Birth Certificates

An official Saudi birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

All births in Saudi Arabia must be registered with the Civil Affairs Department of the Ministry of Interior.

Official UK country guidance states that births should be registered within one month. Where an error is found, the birth certificate can be reissued with corrected information. (GOV.UK)

Saudi Arabia also provides an electronic service that allows the beneficiary to:

• view the birth certificate;
• print it electronically; and
• verify its validity. (My Government)

Information on a Saudi Birth Certificate

The certificate may include:

• child’s full registered name;
• date of birth;
• place of birth;
• sex;
• father’s name;
• mother’s name;
• national identity information;
• registration details;
• issuing authority;
• date of issue; and
• later corrections where relevant.

Provide the complete official certificate rather than:

• hospital birth notification;
• vaccination record;
• family-register screenshot;
• application receipt;
• cropped photograph;
• translation without the original; or
• informal family record.

Electronic Saudi Birth Certificates

An electronic Saudi birth certificate may provide Group B evidence where:

• it is the complete official electronic document;
• the issuer can be identified;
• its electronic verification remains intact;
• it has not been altered;
• it clearly relates to the applicant; and
• the ACSP can validate its authenticity.

Provide the original electronic document rather than:

• screenshot;
• converted image;
• copied text;
• cropped page; or
• printout that removes its verification information.

Birth Registration and Marriage Evidence

Saudi authorities may require the parents’ marriage certificate before issuing a birth certificate.

This is particularly relevant where a person was born in Saudi Arabia to foreign parents or where the family record is incomplete. (GOV.UK)

Saudi Nationals Born Abroad

A Saudi national born outside Saudi Arabia may hold:

• foreign birth certificate;
• Saudi consular birth registration;
• Saudi passport;
• Saudi national ID;
• family register;
• parents’ Saudi identity documents; or
• another Saudi civil-status record.

Useful evidence may include:

• complete foreign birth certificate;
• Saudi civil-registration evidence;
• current Saudi passport;
• current national ID;
• family register;
• official English translation; and
• documents connecting different name versions.

The ACSP may need to connect:

• foreign place of birth;
• Saudi nationality;
• Arabic and English names;
• parents’ identities;
• Hijri and Gregorian dates; and
• current passport information.

Saudi Marriage Certificates

An official Saudi marriage certificate or marriage contract may provide Group B evidence.

Saudi marriages are conducted and registered under the applicable Saudi legal framework.

Official UK country guidance states that Saudi marriages are registered through the relevant court process and that a certificate or marriage booklet is issued. (GOV.UK)

Saudi Arabia also provides electronic marriage-contract services through Najiz.

These services allow users to:

• submit a marriage contract for electronic notarisation;
• certify paper marriage contracts;
• notarise a marriage involving a non-Saudi spouse;
• verify a marriage contract; and
• obtain electronically documented marriage records. (Ministry of Justice)

Information on a Marriage Contract

The document may show:

• names of both spouses;
• Saudi national ID or passport details;
• date of marriage;
• place of marriage;
• marriage registrar;
• guardian information where applicable;
• witnesses;
• agreed terms;
• court or electronic notarisation details;
• contract number; and
• verification information.

Provide the complete official document rather than:

• wedding photograph;
• ceremonial document;
• informal religious letter;
• cropped scan;
• application receipt;
• Najiz login screen;
• translation without the original; or
• unverified digital image.

Electronic Marriage Contracts

An electronic marriage contract may provide Group B evidence where:

• it is the complete official document;
• the issuing authority is clear;
• its contract number can be checked;
• electronic notarisation can be verified;
• the file has not been altered; and
• the document clearly relates to the applicant.

Provide the original electronic file rather than a screenshot or image conversion.

Saudi Nationals Married Abroad

A Saudi national married outside Saudi Arabia may hold:

• foreign marriage certificate;
• Saudi registration or recognition of the marriage;
• Saudi marriage contract;
• apostille or legalisation where relevant;
• certified translation;
• updated family register;
• updated national ID;
• current passport;
• former passport; or
• court name-change evidence.

An official foreign marriage certificate may itself provide Group B evidence.

However, the ACSP may request Saudi linking evidence where:

• the names differ;
• the foreign certificate uses a spouse’s surname;
• the Saudi passport uses the registered family surname;
• the marriage has not yet appeared in Saudi records;
• Companies House records an earlier name; or
• another passport uses a different surname.

Saudi Bank Statements

A Saudi 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 relied on 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;
• transfer confirmation;
• account balance shown on a phone; or
• copied IBAN details.

Name Differences on Saudi Bank Statements

A Saudi bank statement may:

• show the name only in Arabic;
• show the name in English;
• omit one paternal name;
• show initials;
• shorten a four-part name;
• remove Al or Al-;
• join a compound name;
• use another Romanisation;
• omit a former name; or
• show an older address.

These differences do not automatically make the statement unacceptable.

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

Saudi Utility Bills

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

Examples may include:

• electricity bill;
• water bill;
• gas 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, SADAD reference, mobile-payment record or bank transaction 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.

Saudi Mortgage Statements

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

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

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

• property deed;
• electronic title deed;
• purchase agreement;
• land-registration record;
• property valuation;
• loan approval letter;
• repayment illustration; or
• property-tax record.

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

Saudi Insurance Policies

A Saudi 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 policy.

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

Who Must Complete Companies House Verification?

The requirement applies to Saudi Arabian nationals who are:

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

Identity verification became a legal requirement on 18 November 2025.

However, that date began a phased transition rather than creating one identical deadline for every person. (GOV.UK)

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. (Companies House Blog)

Verification Routes for Saudi Arabian Nationals

Saudi 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 Saudi director does not need to travel to the United Kingdom solely for a remote ACSP identity check. (GOV.UK)

Can You Use a Saudi National ID in GOV.UK One Login?

No published GOV.UK One Login app route currently lists the Saudi national identity card as an accepted app document.

The app route accepts documents such as:

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

The Saudi national ID does not become an accepted app document merely because it contains a photograph or has a digital version.

Can You Use a Saudi Driving Licence in the App?

No.

The GOV.UK One Login app accepts a UK photocard driving licence rather than a Saudi driving licence.

A Saudi driving licence also falls outside the Companies House Option 1 category for UK and EU photocard licences.

Can You Use Absher or Tawakkalna in GOV.UK One Login?

No.

Absher and Tawakkalna are Saudi digital-government systems.

They do not replace the identity document required by GOV.UK One Login.

A Saudi digital identity may support an ACSP’s wider review, but it does not become a GOV.UK One Login document.

Answering Security Questions

Some Saudi nationals living in the United Kingdom may receive the option to answer security questions online.

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.

A Saudi director living outside the UK or with limited UK financial history may find this route less practical.

Name differences can also cause automatic matching problems.

For example, records may differ because of:

• Arabic and Latin-script spellings;
• omitted father’s or grandfather’s name;
• Mohammed, Mohamed and Muhammad;
• Abdulrahman and Abd al-Rahman;
• Al, Al- and El;
• bin, ibn or bint;
• a compound family name;
• removed spaces or hyphens;
• a former name;
• a professional name; or
• a shortened bank-account 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 identity-verification service online;
2. enter the requested identity information;
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.

A Saudi biometric passport will normally provide the clearest Post Office route.

Do not assume that the Post Office will accept:

• Saudi national ID;
• digital Saudi identity;
• Saudi driving licence;
• digital driving licence;
• family register;
• National Address certificate;
• electronic birth certificate displayed on a phone; or
• Absher screenshot.

The applicant must follow the exact 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 biometric immigration documents;
• UK Frontier Worker permit; or
• eVisa.

For a Saudi national, the strongest Option 1 document is usually:

• Saudi biometric passport.

Other possible Option 1 documents include:

• UK photocard driving licence;
• eligible UK immigration document; or
• eVisa.

The Saudi national ID and Saudi driving licence do not fall within the current Option 1 country categories. (GOV.UK)

Option 2: Person-Led Check

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

The applicant must provide either:

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

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

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

Other documents normally need to remain current.

Group A Documents for Saudi Arabian Nationals

Saudi Biometric Passport

A current Saudi passport normally provides the strongest Group A evidence.

The current PRADO-listed ordinary model is:

SAU-AO-02001

Saudi Diplomatic Passport

A current SAU-AD-01001 diplomatic passport may provide Group A evidence following individual review.

Saudi Special Passport

A current SAU-AS-01001 special or official passport may provide Group A evidence following individual review.

UK Photocard Driving Licence

A Saudi national living in the United Kingdom may use a valid UK photocard driving licence as another Group A document.

A Saudi passport and UK driving licence can provide two strong photographic identity documents.

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 relevant technology-led route.

Documents That Should Not Replace Formal Evidence

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

• Saudi national identity card;
• digital identity in Absher;
• digital identity in Tawakkalna;
• Saudi national ID number;
• Saudi driving licence;
• digital driving licence;
• family register;
• digital family register;
• National Address certificate;
• Saudi criminal-record report;
• government-service screenshot;
• health-insurance card;
• professional membership card;
• student card;
• employee card;
• bank payment card;
• property deed; or
• tax record.

Group B Supporting Documents

Where the applicant has only one suitable Group A photographic 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. (GOV.UK)

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

Recommended Document Combinations

Saudi 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 UK driving licence;
• has only a Saudi national ID as another photographic document;
• does not have another accepted Group A document;
• wants to show genuine financial activity;
• needs to establish a Saudi or UK address; or
• has a name difference across records.

Saudi Passport and Utility Bill

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

Saudi Passport and Mortgage Statement

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

Saudi Passport and Insurance Policy

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

Saudi Passport and Birth Certificate

An official Saudi or foreign birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

This combination can help where:

• Companies House omits the father’s or grandfather’s name;
• Arabic and Latin spellings differ;
• the passport does not show place of birth;
• Hijri and Gregorian dates require comparison;
• the applicant was born abroad;
• the applicant changed their name;
• the passport and national ID differ; or
• the verifier needs stronger civil-registration evidence.

Saudi Passport and Marriage Certificate

An official Saudi electronic marriage contract, paper marriage certificate or foreign marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

It can help connect:

• former and current names;
• Saudi and foreign identity documents;
• spouse information;
• family-register details;
• passport and civil records; or
• an earlier Companies House appointment.

Saudi Passport and UK Photocard Driving Licence

A Saudi national living in the United Kingdom may use a valid UK photocard driving licence as the second Group A document.

Saudi Passport and UK Immigration Document

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

An eVisa may qualify through the technology-led route.

Saudi Names and Name Structure

Official UK country guidance describes Saudi names as consisting of:

• forename;
• father’s forename;
• grandfather’s forename; and
• surname. (GOV.UK)

This structure can create difficulties in UK systems that expect only:

• first name;
• optional middle name; and
• one surname.

The ACSP should not assume that:

• every name between the first and final word is optional;
• the father’s name is a British-style middle name;
• the grandfather’s name can always be omitted;
• the final word is the only legally relevant family element; or
• a shorter UK record automatically belongs to another person.

Arabic and Latin-Script Names

Saudi civil documents may show the name in Arabic.

The passport also shows the name in Latin letters for international use.

Different authorities may produce different English spellings because of:

• transliteration method;
• family preference;
• earlier passport spelling;
• pronunciation;
• spacing;
• hyphenation;
• abbreviations; or
• data-entry limits.

The current passport’s labelled Latin-script fields normally provide the clearest starting point.

Common Transliteration Differences

The same Arabic name may appear in several legitimate English forms.

Examples include:

• Mohammed, Mohamed and Muhammad;
• Ahmed and Ahmad;
• Abdulrahman, Abdul Rahman and Abd al-Rahman;
• Abdullah and Abd Allah;
• Abdulaziz and Abd al-Aziz;
• Hussein and Husain;
• Youssef, Yousef and Yusuf;
• Al Saud and Al-Saud;
• Al Harbi and Al-Harbi; or
• bin, ibn and ben.

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

The ACSP must compare:

• Arabic spelling;
• passport spelling;
• machine-readable zone;
• national ID;
• birth certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• family register;
• bank statement; and
• Companies House record.

Al, Al- and El

Saudi names may contain the Arabic article Al.

Different records may show it as:

• Al;
• Al-;
• al;
• El;
• one joined word; or
• a separate word.

For example, a surname may appear as:

• Al Harbi;
• Al-Harbi;
• Alharbi; or
• El Harbi.

These differences do not automatically establish a different identity.

However, the complete evidence must support the connection.

Bin, Ibn and Bint

Saudi names may contain words showing family descent.

Common examples include:

• bin;
• ibn; and
• bint.

A UK system may:

• treat the word as a middle name;
• omit it;
• join it to the next name;
• place the father’s name in the surname field; or
• shorten the complete name.

The ACSP should compare the passport’s labelled fields and the Arabic civil records.

Compound Religious Names

Some Saudi names contain compound elements such as:

• Abdul Rahman;
• Abdul Aziz;
• Abdul Latif;
• Abdul Majid;
• Abd Allah; or
• Nur al-Din.

Separate records may:

• join the words;
• separate them;
• insert a hyphen;
• use al;
• omit al;
• abbreviate one element; or
• use a different Romanisation.

For example:

• Abdulrahman;
• Abdul Rahman;
• Abd Alrahman; and
• Abd al-Rahman

may need to be reviewed as possible versions of the same Arabic name.

Several Name Elements

A Saudi passport may contain several names in its given-name fields.

Meanwhile, a UK bank or Companies House record may show only:

• first name and surname;
• first and final name;
• initials;
• professional name;
• one shortened compound name; or
• an English everyday name.

A shorter record may still belong to the same person.

Nevertheless, the applicant must provide reliable evidence connecting the shorter form to the complete passport identity.

Titles and Honorifics

Titles such as:

• Dr;
• Professor;
• Engineer;
• Sheikh;
• Prince;
• Mr;
• Mrs; or
• another professional or social title

do not automatically form part of the legal name.

They should not be entered as a given name or surname unless the current official identity document clearly treats the wording as part of the registered name.

The verifier should compare the underlying legal names rather than the title.

Passport Machine-Readable Name

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

It may:

• remove Arabic punctuation;
• remove hyphens;
• merge spaces;
• shorten a very long name;
• omit certain separators;
• divide the surname and given names differently; or
• use a simplified Romanisation.

The ACSP should compare:

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

Marriage and Saudi Names

Do not assume that marriage automatically changed a Saudi national’s legal surname.

The current passport and Saudi civil records provide the main reference.

Differences may arise where:

• the person uses a spouse’s surname in the UK;
• a foreign marriage certificate shows a different surname;
• bank records use a married name;
• the Saudi passport remains in the registered family name;
• a professional record uses another name; or
• Companies House contains a former name.

Provide:

• current passport;
• national ID;
• marriage certificate;
• family register;
• former passport where available;
• court name-change evidence; and
• documents showing the Companies House name.

Formal Name Changes

Official UK country guidance states that name changes are allowed in Saudi Arabia and are completed through a court process. (GOV.UK)

After a formal name change, the person may need to update:

• passport;
• national identity card;
• driving licence;
• bank accounts;
• Absher information;
• family register;
• insurance policies;
• professional records; and
• Companies House information.

Useful linking evidence may include:

• court judgment;
• current passport;
• former passport;
• current national ID;
• former national ID;
• updated birth certificate;
• marriage certificate; or
• another official record connecting the former and current names.

Dual Nationality and Second Passports

Official UK country guidance states that dual nationality is illegal in Saudi Arabia.

FCDO travel advice also warns that carrying two passports in the same name in Saudi Arabia is illegal and that Saudi immigration authorities may take an additional passport. (GOV.UK)

Therefore, a second foreign passport should not be presented as a routine second Group A document without careful review.

Where a Saudi applicant presents two passports, the ACSP should establish:

• whether both passports remain legally valid;
• whether the person remains a Saudi citizen;
• whether official permission exists;
• whether either passport has been cancelled;
• why the names or nationalities differ;
• which passport the person uses for Saudi travel; and
• whether both documents genuinely belong to the same individual.

Hijri and Gregorian Dates

Saudi civil records may use Hijri dates.

Other documents, including international records, may use the Gregorian calendar.

Official UK country guidance specifically notes that Saudi documents use Hijri dates, which differ from Gregorian dates. (GOV.UK)

A direct comparison can therefore create an apparent mismatch.

The ACSP should compare:

• passport;
• national ID;
• birth certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• court order;
• family register;
• bank record; and
• Companies House date of birth.

A reliable calendar conversion must be used.

The verifier should not make a rough year-only adjustment.

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;
• one document shows a Hijri date;
• another document shows a Gregorian date;
• a birth certificate was corrected;
• a conversion error occurred;
• the ACSP submitted incorrect details; or
• the applicant entered the wrong personal code.

Use:

• current passport;
• birth certificate;
• national ID as supplementary evidence;
• family register;
• court correction where relevant; and
• other official civil records.

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

Saudi Addresses and Address History

The ACSP must collect:

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

A Saudi applicant’s documents may show different addresses because:

• the passport does not show a home address;
• the national ID contains older civil information;
• the applicant lives permanently outside Saudi Arabia;
• the bank uses a correspondence address;
• the National Address uses a short code;
• the utility account is in another household member’s name;
• the applicant recently moved;
• the Arabic and English address order differs; or
• the applicant has both Saudi and UK homes.

The actual current residential address must be provided.

Where one Saudi record shows an earlier address, use a current Group B document.

Arabic and English Address Formats

Saudi addresses may appear in different orders in Arabic and English.

One version may include:

• building number;
• street;
• district;
• city;
• postal code;
• secondary number; and
• unit number.

Another version may begin with the unit, building or short address code.

This does not automatically create an address mismatch.

However, the ACSP must be satisfied that both versions 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 Saudi Arabian 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:

• Saudi passport and bank statement;
• Saudi passport and utility bill;
• Saudi passport and mortgage statement;
• Saudi passport and insurance policy;
• Saudi passport and birth certificate;
• Saudi passport and marriage certificate;
• Saudi passport and UK photocard driving licence; or
• Saudi passport and eligible UK immigration document.

The national ID, digital identity, family register and Saudi driving licence may support the review. However, they should not replace the accepted formal combination.

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:

• Saudi national ID;
• Saudi driving licence; or
• another supplementary photographic 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:

• passport model;
• passport page count;
• passport chip;
• passport expiry date;
• five-year or ten-year validity;
• whether the passport was cancelled or replaced;
• national identity card;
• national ID expiry;
• digital identity;
• family register;
• driving licence;
• Group B document;
• Arabic and Latin-script names;
• father’s and grandfather’s names;
• Al and Al- variations;
• bin, ibn and bint;
• compound religious names;
• married and former names;
• Hijri and Gregorian dates;
• dual-nationality concerns;
• 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. (GOV.UK)

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 states that the email should normally arrive within a few hours after the ACSP completes the submission. (GOV.UK)

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. (Companies House Blog)

How Ginkgo Advisory Can Help

Ginkgo Advisory can help Saudi Arabian nationals by:

• reviewing current Saudi biometric passports;
• checking whether a passport matches SAU-AO-02001;
• reviewing five-year and ten-year passports;
• assessing whether a passport should work through GOV.UK One Login;
• checking passport-chip problems;
• reviewing expired Saudi passports;
• checking whether a passport has been cancelled or replaced;
• reviewing Saudi diplomatic and special passports;
• reviewing Saudi national identity cards as supplementary evidence;
• checking age-based national ID validity;
• reviewing lost, damaged or replaced national IDs;
• explaining why the national ID does not automatically qualify as Group A;
• reviewing live digital identity through Absher or Tawakkalna;
• explaining why a screenshot does not replace the live digital credential;
• distinguishing the national ID number from the Companies House personal code;
• reviewing Saudi family registers;
• reviewing digital family registers;
• reviewing Saudi driving licences as supplementary evidence;
• checking two-year, five-year and ten-year driving-licence validity;
• reviewing digital driving licences;
• confirming the correct Group A and Group B combination;
• reviewing Saudi bank statements and address documents;
• reviewing National Address evidence;
• checking Saudi birth certificates;
• validating electronic birth certificates;
• reviewing Saudi marriage contracts;
• validating electronic Najiz marriage contracts;
• reviewing foreign certificates for Saudis born or married abroad;
• comparing Arabic and Latin-script names;
• reviewing father’s and grandfather’s names;
• checking Al, Al- and El variations;
• reviewing bin, ibn and bint;
• checking compound Arabic names;
• connecting married and former names;
• reviewing court-approved name changes;
• comparing Hijri and Gregorian dates;
• reviewing second-passport and nationality concerns;
• identifying date-of-birth and address differences;
• arranging the video call;
• completing the ACSP checks; and
• submitting the verification to Companies House.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use My Saudi Passport?

Yes.

A current Saudi passport provides strong Group A evidence.

The current PRADO-listed ordinary model is SAU-AO-02001.

Is the Saudi Passport Biometric?

Yes.

The current model contains an integrated personal-details card and modern electronic and physical security features.

What Colour Is the Saudi Passport?

The current ordinary passport has a green cover.

How Many Pages Does the Saudi Passport Have?

The current ordinary PRADO-listed passport contains 48 pages.

How Long Is a Saudi Passport Valid?

A Saudi citizen aged 21 or over can normally choose:

• five-year validity; or
• ten-year validity.

Younger applicants generally receive a five-year passport.

Always check the printed expiry date.

Can I Use My Saudi Passport in the GOV.UK One Login App?

Potentially.

The passport chip, document 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 Saudi Passport?

Potentially.

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

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

The passport must not have been cancelled or replaced.

Can I Use a Cancelled Saudi 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 a Saudi Passport Issued in London?

Yes.

A passport issued following an application through a Saudi diplomatic mission remains a Saudi passport, subject to the normal checks.

Can I Use a Saudi Diplomatic Passport?

Potentially.

A current diplomatic passport may provide Group A evidence following individual review.

Can I Use a Saudi Special Passport?

Potentially.

A current special or official passport may provide Group A evidence following individual review.

Can I Use a Saudi Laissez-Passer?

Do not rely on it as the routine passport document.

A temporary return document may have short validity and restricted travel use.

Can I Use My Saudi National ID?

The national ID may provide strong supplementary evidence.

However, it should not automatically replace the formal Companies House document combination because PRADO does not currently list Saudi identity cards.

Is the Saudi National ID Group A?

Not automatically.

It does not fall within the current Option 1 identity-card countries and does not appear on PRADO.

Is the Saudi National ID Group B?

No.

A foreign national identity card is not included in the published Group B list.

At What Age Is a Saudi National ID Issued?

Saudi citizens generally obtain a national identity card at around 15 Hijri years.

How Long Is a Saudi National ID Valid?

The current age-based periods are generally:

• five years from age 15 to 30;
• ten years from age 31 to 50; and
• 20 years from age 51.

Always check the individual card and its official status.

Can I Use an Expired Saudi National ID?

Do not rely on it as current identity evidence.

Use a current passport and accepted second document.

Can I Use an Old National ID After Renewal?

No.

Use the current replacement card.

Can I Use a Lost National ID That I Later Recovered?

Do not use it where the card was reported lost, invalidated or replaced.

Can I Use My Digital Saudi Identity?

Do not rely on it as the formal Companies House document.

It may provide supplementary live identity evidence.

Can I Use a Screenshot From Absher?

No.

A screenshot does not provide the same security or live verification as the official digital credential.

Can I Use Tawakkalna Digital ID?

It may support the wider review.

However, it does not replace the physical documents used for the formal Companies House combination.

Can I Use My Saudi National ID Number?

No.

The number is a personal identifier rather than photographic identity evidence.

It is also different from the Companies House personal code.

How Many Digits Are in a Saudi National ID Number?

The citizen ID is normally ten digits and starts with 1.

Can I Use My Saudi Driving Licence?

Do not rely on it as the formal second Group A document.

Saudi driving licences do not currently appear on PRADO, and Saudi Arabia is outside the UK and EU driving-licence categories.

Can My Saudi Driving Licence Support the Review?

Potentially.

It may help confirm the photograph, name, date of birth, licence number and current government activity.

How Long Is a Saudi Driving Licence Valid?

A Saudi driving licence may be renewed for:

• two years;
• five years; or
• ten years.

Check the individual licence.

Can I Use a Digital Saudi Driving Licence?

Do not rely on the digital licence as the formal document.

It may provide supplementary evidence when shown live through an official application.

Can I Send a Screenshot of My Digital Driving Licence?

No.

A screenshot should not replace the original physical licence or live digital record.

Can I Use an Expired Saudi Driving Licence?

Do not rely on an expired licence as current supporting evidence.

Use a current document or another evidence combination.

Can I Use My Saudi Family Register?

A family register may provide useful supplementary family and civil-status evidence.

However, it should not automatically replace an official birth or marriage certificate.

Can I Use the Digital Family Register?

It may support the review when displayed live through Absher or Tawakkalna.

However, it is not automatically a Companies House Group B document.

Can I Use an Iqama?

An Iqama is issued to a foreign resident.

It does not prove Saudi citizenship.

A Saudi citizen will normally use a Saudi passport and national ID.

Can I Use a Saudi National Address Certificate?

It may provide useful supplementary address evidence.

However, a foreign national-address certificate is not expressly listed as Group B.

Use a bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement or insurance policy where possible.

Can I Use a Saudi Bank Statement?

Potentially.

A bank statement falls within Group B.

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

Can I Use a Saudi Utility Bill?

Potentially.

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

Can I Use a Saudi Mortgage Statement?

Potentially.

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

Can I Use a Saudi Insurance Policy?

Potentially.

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

Can I Use a Saudi Birth Certificate?

Potentially.

An official Saudi birth certificate falls within the Group B birth-certificate category.

Can I Use an Electronic Saudi Birth Certificate?

Potentially.

Provide the complete original electronic document with its verification information intact.

Can I Use a Birth Certificate Displayed in Absher?

Provide the original electronic certificate rather than only a screenshot or account display.

Can I Use a Foreign Birth Certificate?

Potentially.

Provide the complete official certificate together with any required translation, authentication and Saudi linking evidence.

Can I Use a Saudi Marriage Contract?

Potentially.

An official Saudi marriage certificate or electronically notarised marriage contract may provide Group B evidence.

Can I Use a Najiz Electronic Marriage Contract?

Potentially.

Provide the complete electronic document and its verification details rather than a screenshot.

Can I Use a Foreign Marriage Certificate?

Potentially.

Provide the complete official certificate together with any required translation, authentication and Saudi linking evidence.

Do Saudi Documents Need an English Translation?

Some documents may require translation.

The passport contains Latin-script identity fields. However, national IDs, birth certificates, marriage contracts, bank statements and civil documents may contain important information only in Arabic.

What If My Arabic and English Names Are Different?

Provide the complete document set.

Different transliterations may be legitimate, but the ACSP must connect them through reliable records.

What If Companies House Omits My Father’s Name?

Provide the passport, national ID and civil documents.

Saudi names commonly contain the forename, father’s forename, grandfather’s forename and surname.

What If One Record Shows Mohammed and Another Shows Muhammad?

The difference may arise from Arabic transliteration.

Provide all relevant identity documents so the ACSP can connect the versions.

What If My Name Uses Al, Al- or El?

Provide the complete document set.

A UK system may join, separate or change the article.

What If My Name Contains Bin or Bint?

Provide the complete passport and civil records.

These elements may describe family descent and should not automatically be omitted.

What If Abdulrahman Is Written as Two Words?

Joined and separated forms may relate to the same compound Arabic name.

The ACSP should compare the Arabic spelling and complete identity details.

What If Companies House Shows Only My First and Final Names?

A shortened record may still relate to the same person.

However, the complete passport identity must be connected to the Companies House record.

What If My Passport Does Not Show My Place of Birth?

Saudi passports do not normally show place of birth.

Provide a birth certificate or another official civil document where the birthplace is relevant.

Can I Change My Name in Saudi Arabia?

Yes.

Official guidance states that Saudi name changes are completed through a court process.

What If I Use a Married Name in the UK?

Provide:

• current passport;
• national ID;
• marriage certificate;
• family register;
• former passport where available;
• court order where relevant; and
• documents showing the Companies House name.

Does Marriage Automatically Change a Saudi Surname?

Do not assume that it does.

The current passport and Saudi civil records provide the main guide.

Can I Use Two Passports?

The case requires careful review.

Official UK guidance states that dual nationality is illegal in Saudi Arabia, and carrying two passports in the same name can cause problems with Saudi authorities.

What If My Saudi and British Passports Show Different Names?

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

The ACSP must also review the legal status of both passports.

What If One Document Uses a Hijri Date?

Provide all relevant documents.

The Hijri date must be converted carefully and compared with the Gregorian date.

Can I Simply Subtract a Number of Years From a Hijri Date?

No.

A reliable calendar conversion should be used.

A rough year-only adjustment can produce the wrong date.

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 My Saudi Records Show an Old Address?

Use a current Group B address document.

The applicant must provide the actual home address and the previous 12 months of address history.

Can I Verify My Identity While Living in Saudi Arabia?

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 Saudi 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 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 Saudi Arabian Director or PSC?

Saudi Arabian nationals will usually have one of these practical routes:

• Saudi biometric passport and accepted Group B supporting document;
• Saudi passport and UK photocard driving licence;
• Saudi passport and eligible UK immigration document; or
• one eligible Saudi biometric or machine-readable passport under Option 1.

Applicants should not currently rely on:

• Saudi national ID as the formal second Group A document;
• digital identity as the formal document;
• national ID number;
• Saudi driving licence as formal Group A evidence;
• digital driving licence;
• family register as an automatic Group B document;
• National Address certificate as automatic Group B evidence;
• Absher screenshot;
• Tawakkalna screenshot; or
• government-service profile alone.

Some cases need extra care, including those involving:

• unreadable passport chips;
• five-year and ten-year passports;
• expired passports;
• cancelled or replaced passports;
• lost or stolen documents;
• diplomatic or special passports;
• temporary travel documents;
• national IDs with age-based validity;
• lost or replaced national IDs;
• digital ID screenshots;
• Saudi driving licences;
• digital family registers;
• father’s and grandfather’s names;
• Al, Al- and El differences;
• bin, ibn and bint;
• joined and separated compound names;
• Arabic and Latin-script differences;
• formal name changes;
• married or former names;
• second-passport concerns;
• Hijri and Gregorian dates;
• foreign birth or marriage records;
• electronic Saudi certificates;
• incorrect Companies House date of birth;
• old Saudi 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.