Swiss 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 gives you an 11-character personal code. The code belongs to you rather than to one company.

You can use the same personal code for every UK company where you act as a director or PSC. However, you must connect it separately to each appointment and role.

Quick Answer for Swiss Directors and PSCs

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

A current Swiss national identity card may also provide Group A evidence under a person-led check because Swiss identity cards appear on PRADO.

The Swiss identity card may be called:

• Identitätskarte in German;
• carte d’identité in French;
• carta d’identità in Italian; or
• carta d’identitad in Romansh.

However, the current Swiss identity card is not biometric. Switzerland plans to introduce a separate biometric identity card, but it had not launched as of 31 July 2026.

A valid physical Swiss photocard driving licence may also provide Group A evidence under a person-led check because Swiss driving licences appear on PRADO.

For a person-led remote check through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, known as an ACSP, you normally need either:

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

For many Swiss directors and PSCs, the most practical combinations are:

• Swiss passport and Swiss national identity card;
• Swiss passport and Swiss photocard driving licence;
• Swiss identity card and Swiss photocard driving licence;
• Swiss passport and bank statement;
• Swiss passport and utility bill;
• Swiss passport and mortgage statement;
• Swiss passport and insurance policy;
• Swiss passport and birth certificate;
• Swiss passport and marriage certificate;
• Swiss passport and UK photocard driving licence; or
• Swiss passport and an eligible UK immigration document.

Direct answer: The strongest person-led route will usually use a Swiss passport together with a current Swiss identity card or physical Swiss driving licence. If you only have one suitable photographic document, you can normally combine the passport with an accepted Group B supporting document.

Important Point About the Swiss Identity Card

Switzerland issues a national identity card to Swiss citizens.

The card confirms the holder’s identity and Swiss nationality. It can also be used as a travel document for travel to many European destinations.

PRADO lists Swiss identity cards as photographic identity documents. This means that a current physical Swiss identity card may provide Group A evidence under the person-led Option 2 route.

The practical conclusion is:

A current Swiss identity card can normally provide Group A evidence under a person-led Companies House identity check.

The card must still:

• remain valid;
• belong to the applicant;
• contain a clear facial image;
• show no sign of alteration or serious damage;
• match the applicant’s current legal details;
• not have been reported lost or stolen;
• not have been cancelled or replaced; and
• pass the checks completed by the ACSP.

Current Swiss Identity-Card Models

PRADO lists several Swiss identity-card models.

The most relevant models are:

• CHE-BO-02001, first issued on 3 March 2023; and
• CHE-BO-01003, first issued on 1 November 2005, where the individual card remains current.

CHE-BO-02001

The current Swiss identity-card model is CHE-BO-02001.

It is:

• issued to Swiss nationals;
• a physical card-format identity document;
• listed on PRADO;
• valid as evidence of Swiss identity and nationality;
• issued for up to ten years to adults;
• issued for up to five years to applicants under 18;
• made from polycarbonate;
• personalised by laser engraving; and
• protected by visible and ultraviolet security features.

The current card does not contain the biometric chip required for the Companies House Option 1 identity-card category.

It may nevertheless provide Group A evidence under person-led Option 2 because it is a photographic identity document listed on PRADO.

Older CHE-BO-01003 Cards

The previous Swiss identity-card model CHE-BO-01003 was issued before the introduction of the current 2023 model.

A card under this design may still be valid where:

• its printed expiry date has not passed;
• it was issued sufficiently recently;
• it has not been cancelled;
• it has not been replaced;
• it was not reported lost or stolen;
• the photograph remains suitable for comparison;
• the card remains in good condition; and
• the ACSP can inspect its security features.

Do not rely only on the year when the card design was first introduced. The ACSP must review the individual card and its expiry date.

Can a Swiss Identity Card Qualify Under Option 1?

Not under the current Companies House document categories.

Option 1 accepts an identity card containing biometric information from:

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

Switzerland is not included in that identity-card category. The current Swiss identity card is also not biometric.

Therefore, do not rely on the current Swiss identity card as the single document for an Option 1 technology-led check.

The card may instead qualify under person-led Option 2 as another photographic identity document listed on PRADO.

What About the Planned Biometric Swiss Identity Card?

Switzerland plans to introduce a new physical biometric identity card.

The planned card is expected to contain:

• an electronic chip;
• personal information;
• a facial image;
• two digital fingerprints; and
• digitally signed security data.

However, the biometric card had not launched as of 31 July 2026.

Even after its launch, the current wording of the Companies House Option 1 identity-card category does not expressly include Switzerland. The Companies House guidance will therefore need to be checked again before relying on a future biometric Swiss identity card under Option 1.

Can You Use an Expired Swiss Identity Card?

Normally no.

Companies House provides specific expiry exceptions for passports and certain UK biometric immigration documents. It does not provide a general expiry exception for Swiss identity cards.

Use a current card or choose another accepted document combination.

Can You Use a Swiss Identity Card That Has Been Replaced?

No.

Do not use an old Swiss identity card after a replacement card has been issued.

This applies even where:

• the printed expiry date has not passed;
• the old card still appears undamaged;
• the applicant retained the old card;
• the replacement followed a name change;
• the replacement followed a change to personal information;
• the original card was reported lost or stolen; or
• the applicant later recovered the old card.

A cancelled, blocked or replaced document cannot provide Companies House identity evidence.

Swiss e-ID, SwissID and AGOV

Swiss applicants should distinguish between:

• the planned Swiss state e-ID;
• SwissID;
• AGOV; and
• the physical Swiss identity card.

These are different products.

Swiss State e-ID

The Swiss state e-ID is intended to provide an official digital means of identification through the swiyu Wallet.

However, the Swiss state e-ID had not launched as of 31 July 2026.

Its introduction was delayed, and the underlying trust infrastructure is now expected to become operational during the first half of 2027.

The planned e-ID is:

• digital;
• voluntary;
• issued by the Swiss Confederation;
• stored through the swiyu Wallet;
• intended for electronic identity checks; and
• separate from the physical Swiss identity card.

Even after launch, the Swiss e-ID will not automatically become a Companies House Group A document. Companies House would need to include it within an accepted document category or approve its use through suitable technology.

SwissID

SwissID is a private commercial login and digital identity service.

It is not:

• a Swiss passport;
• a Swiss national identity card;
• the future state-issued Swiss e-ID;
• a driving licence;
• a birth certificate;
• a marriage certificate; or
• a Companies House personal code.

Do not rely only on:

• a SwissID account;
• SwissID login;
• SwissID profile;
• SwissID electronic-signature result;
• screenshot;
• QR code; or
• confirmation that a SwissID login succeeded.

An ACSP may examine SwissID information as supplementary evidence. However, it does not replace the required document combination.

AGOV

AGOV is the central authentication service used for access to Swiss government portals.

It is a government login system rather than a photographic identity document.

Do not rely only on:

• an AGOV account;
• AGOV access application;
• successful AGOV login;
• government portal profile;
• deposited identity-document record; or
• authentication confirmation.

A formal document obtained through a Swiss government portal may be useful where the document itself falls within Group A or Group B. The login account alone does not qualify.

Swiss OASI, AHV and AVS Numbers

The Swiss social-security number is commonly called:

• the OASI number in English;
• AHV-Nummer in German;
• numéro AVS in French;
• numero AVS in Italian; or
• the Swiss social-security number.

The number contains 13 digits and normally begins with 756.

The remaining digits are randomly allocated and do not encode the holder’s date of birth.

An OASI number may appear on:

• Swiss health-insurance card;
• employment records;
• pension records;
• social-security documents;
• salary documentation;
• tax records; or
• insurance records.

The OASI number is a personal identifier rather than a photographic identity document.

Do not submit only:

• OASI number;
• AHV or AVS number;
• written Swiss social-security number;
• screenshot displaying the number;
• health-insurance card;
• payslip;
• pension statement;
• tax document;
• social-security account page; or
• employer letter showing only the number.

The number may help an ACSP compare records. However, it does not replace the passport, identity card, driving licence or Group B supporting document.

Is an OASI Number the Companies House Personal Code?

No.

The Swiss OASI number belongs to Switzerland’s social-security system.

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

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

• OASI number;
• AHV number;
• AVS number;
• Swiss passport number;
• Swiss identity-card number;
• Swiss driving-licence number;
• UK National Insurance number;
• company authentication code;
• Swiss tax number;
• Swiss business identification number; or
• immigration application reference.

Swiss Biometric Passports

The Swiss ordinary passport may be called:

• Schweizer Pass in German;
• passeport suisse in French;
• passaporto svizzero in Italian; or
• passaport svizzer in Romansh.

The current ordinary Swiss passport is biometric and machine-readable.

Current Swiss Passport Model

The current Swiss ordinary passport model is CHE-AO-04001.

It was first issued on 31 October 2022.

The document is:

• issued to Swiss nationals;
• biometric;
• machine-readable;
• constructed as a passport booklet;
• issued with an integrated polycarbonate personal-details card;
• issued for up to ten years to adults;
• issued for up to five years to applicants under 18; and
• protected by electronic and physical security features.

A current Swiss biometric passport normally provides the strongest Group A identity document.

Swiss Passport Validity

A standard Swiss passport is normally valid for:

• ten years for a person aged 18 or over; or
• five years for a person under 18.

The passport cannot normally be extended.

Check the printed expiry date carefully.

A passport may also become unusable before the printed expiry date where:

• it has been reported lost or stolen;
• it has been cancelled;
• a newer passport has replaced it;
• the personal-details page is seriously damaged;
• the electronic chip is damaged;
• its security features cannot be inspected;
• the photograph no longer supports reliable comparison; or
• the holder’s legal identity has changed.

Using a Swiss Passport With GOV.UK One Login

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

The applicant must usually:

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

The applicant must use the original physical passport.

The app does not accept:

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

Previous Swiss Passport Models

PRADO lists earlier Swiss ordinary passport models.

The most relevant previous model is CHE-AO-03002, first issued on 1 March 2010.

Some individual passports under this design may remain current because the model continued to be issued before the introduction of the 2022 passport.

An older Swiss passport may provide Group A evidence where the individual document:

• remains current or falls within a Companies House passport expiry exception;
• has not been cancelled;
• has not been replaced;
• remains in good physical condition;
• contains a clear photograph;
• belongs to the applicant; and
• matches the applicant’s current legal identity.

Do not rely only on the date when the passport model was first introduced.

The ACSP must inspect the individual document, printed expiry date and current status.

Swiss Passports Issued Through an Embassy

Swiss citizens living in the United Kingdom or another country may apply for or renew their passport through a passport-issuing Swiss diplomatic or consular representation.

The applicant normally attends in person.

The Swiss authority may capture or verify:

• facial image;
• fingerprints where required;
• signature;
• identity information;
• Swiss citizenship; and
• relevant civil-status records.

A passport obtained through the Swiss Embassy is not a lower-status or non-biometric passport merely because the applicant applied abroad.

It can still be a standard Swiss biometric passport.

The verifier should check:

• biometric-passport symbol;
• exact PRADO model;
• passport number;
• issue date;
• expiry date;
• chip functionality;
• complete personal-details page;
• document condition;
• official observations;
• any amendment information; and
• whether another passport has replaced it.

Swiss Temporary Passports

Switzerland may issue a temporary passport called:

• provisorischer Schweizer Pass in German;
• passeport provisoire suisse in French;
• passaporto provvisorio svizzero in Italian; or
• passaport provisori svizzer in Romansh.

PRADO lists the Swiss temporary passport under reference CHE-AP-01001.

The document:

• is issued to Swiss nationals;
• has a maximum validity of 12 months;
• cannot be extended;
• may be issued in urgent and justified circumstances;
• may not be accepted by every country;
• may have fewer electronic features than an ordinary passport; and
• requires individual review.

A current physical Swiss temporary passport may potentially provide Group A evidence.

However, the ACSP must check:

• exact document model;
• reason for issue;
• holder’s Swiss nationality;
• facial image;
• issue date;
• expiry date;
• travel restrictions;
• whether an ordinary passport later replaced it;
• whether the document has been cancelled; and
• whether its physical security features can be validated.

A current ordinary Swiss biometric passport will normally provide a clearer route.

Can a Swiss Temporary Passport Work in the One Login App?

Do not assume that it will.

The GOV.UK One Login app requires a compatible biometric chip in a non-UK passport.

A temporary passport without a compatible chip will not work through the app.

It may still be considered by an ACSP under person-led Option 2 where the document remains current and can be validated satisfactorily.

Who Must Complete Companies House Identity Verification?

The requirement applies to Swiss 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 of existing companies;
• forming UK companies in which they will act as directors or PSCs; or
• applying to register as Companies House authorised agents.

Identity verification became a legal requirement on 18 November 2025.

This date began a transitional process. It was not one universal deadline for every existing director and PSC.

Existing directors normally provide their personal codes through their companies’ next confirmation statements.

A new company must provide a personal code for each proposed director during incorporation.

A person appointed as a new director must provide the code as part of the appointment process.

PSCs follow separate 14-day compliance periods. The relevant period depends on whether the PSC also acts as a director and when Companies House first recorded the PSC.

How Can Swiss Nationals Verify Their Identity?

Swiss nationals can use one of two main routes.

1. Verify Through GOV.UK One Login

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

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

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

The available route depends on the applicant’s documents, device and access to relevant UK information.

Using a Swiss Biometric Passport

A Swiss national can normally try the app route with a current biometric passport.

The app accepts a non-UK passport containing a biometric chip.

The applicant must use the original passport and successfully complete the chip and facial checks.

Can You Use a Swiss Identity Card in the One Login App?

Not under the currently published app document list.

The app accepts documents such as:

• a UK passport;
• a non-UK passport containing a biometric chip;
• a UK photocard driving licence;
• certain UK biometric immigration documents; or
• a UK Frontier Worker permit.

The current Swiss identity card is not biometric and is not listed as an app document.

It may still work through an ACSP under person-led Option 2.

Can You Use a Swiss Driving Licence in the One Login App?

No.

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

A current physical Swiss driving licence may still provide Group A evidence under person-led Option 2 because the document appears on PRADO.

Can You Use SwissID, AGOV or the Planned Swiss e-ID?

No.

SwissID and AGOV are digital login services rather than accepted app documents.

The state-issued Swiss e-ID had not launched as of 31 July 2026.

Answering Security Questions

Some Swiss nationals who live in the United Kingdom may receive the option to answer security questions online.

The system may use information connected with:

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

The details must match closely.

The applicant may also need specified UK evidence such as:

• UK passport;
• UK photocard driving licence; or
• current account with a UK bank or building society.

A Swiss director who lives outside the United Kingdom or has little UK financial history may find this route less practical.

Name differences can also cause problems. For example, the system may not immediately connect:

• Ä with AE or A;
• Ö with OE or O;
• Ü with UE or U;
• an accented name against a simplified UK spelling;
• a complete name against an account showing only one given name;
• a Swiss alliance name against the registered legal surname;
• a hyphenated surname against two separate surname elements; or
• a Swiss passport name against a differently formatted UK banking record.

Verification at a UK Post Office

GOV.UK One Login may direct some applicants to a participating Post Office.

The applicant must first:

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

A Swiss passport will normally provide the clearest Post Office document route.

Do not assume that the Post Office will accept:

• current non-biometric Swiss identity card;
• Swiss driving licence;
• SwissID;
• AGOV;
• health-insurance card;
• OASI number; or
• digital copy of a document.

The customer letter or online instructions will identify the document that the applicant must present.

Post Office staff scan the original identity document and take the applicant’s photograph.

The applicant cannot replace the original with:

• photocopy;
• scanned image;
• screenshot;
• SwissID profile;
• AGOV screen;
• electronic-signature result; or
• photograph displayed on a phone.

This route may suit a Swiss national who lives in the United Kingdom. It usually provides less convenience to someone living in Switzerland or another country.

2. Verify Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider can verify a person’s identity for Companies House.

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

The ACSP can complete checks:

• remotely;
• by video call;
• in person; or
• through approved identity-checking technology.

The ACSP must remain registered with Companies House and supervised by a recognised UK anti-money laundering supervisory body.

This route may suit a Swiss director or PSC who:

• lives in Switzerland;
• lives elsewhere outside the United Kingdom;
• cannot complete GOV.UK One Login;
• cannot scan the Swiss passport chip;
• wants to use a Swiss identity card;
• wants to use a Swiss driving licence;
• only has one qualifying photographic document;
• needs help selecting a Group B document;
• has Swiss accents or umlauts missing from the Companies House record;
• has different visible and machine-readable versions of their name;
• has a registered surname and a separate alliance name;
• has a married, former or double surname;
• has several given names;
• has a Swiss and foreign version of the same name;
• has an incorrect date of birth at Companies House; 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 identity document validation technology.

The technology must validate all relevant cryptographic and physical security features.

Companies House permits:

• 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.

For a Swiss national, the most relevant Option 1 documents will normally be:

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

A biometric or machine-readable passport may be up to six months expired under Option 1 where the identity-checking technology can still validate its cryptographic security features.

Does a Swiss Identity Card Qualify Under Option 1?

No, not under the current document categories.

The current Swiss identity card is not biometric, and Switzerland is not included in the specified Option 1 identity-card countries.

Does a Swiss Driving Licence Qualify Under Option 1?

Do not assume that it qualifies.

The Option 1 driving-licence category refers to photocard licences issued by:

• the United Kingdom;
• Channel Islands;
• Isle of Man; or
• an EU country.

Switzerland is not an EU Member State.

A Swiss driving licence is more appropriately considered through the person-led Option 2 PRADO route.

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.

The applicant must provide either:

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

An applicant who lives outside the United Kingdom must provide at least one government-issued document.

A passport may be up to 18 months expired under Option 2. However, the issuing authority must not have cancelled or replaced it.

Other documents normally need to remain current unless Companies House provides a specific exception.

Group A Photographic ID for Swiss Nationals

1. Swiss Biometric Passport

A current Swiss biometric passport normally provides the strongest Group A document.

Relevant passport models include:

• CHE-AO-04001; and
• CHE-AO-03002 where the individual passport remains valid.

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

However, you cannot use a passport that:

• has been cancelled;
• has been replaced by a newer passport;
• contains cancellation marks;
• has a cut or clipped corner;
• was reported lost or stolen;
• contains serious damage;
• has an unreadable personal-details page;
• no longer matches the holder’s legal identity; or
• cannot be validated satisfactorily.

A current passport will normally make the process easier.

2. Swiss National Identity Card

A current physical Swiss identity card may provide Group A evidence under person-led Option 2.

Relevant models include:

• CHE-BO-02001; and
• CHE-BO-01003 where the individual card remains valid.

The ACSP should review:

• exact card model;
• document number;
• issue date;
• expiry date;
• holder’s Swiss nationality;
• photograph;
• full name;
• date of birth;
• place or canton of origin where shown;
• visible security features;
• physical condition; and
• consistency with the passport and Companies House record.

Send clear images of both sides before the video appointment.

You must also show the original physical card during the call.

Does Every Swiss Identity Card Qualify?

No.

A card may fail where it:

• has expired;
• has been cancelled;
• has been replaced;
• has been reported lost or stolen;
• is seriously damaged;
• contains unreadable personal details;
• shows former details that have not been connected to the current identity;
• does not match the applicant;
• does not match a valid PRADO model; or
• does not allow a trained person to inspect its security features properly.

Can You Use a Digital Copy of the Swiss Identity Card?

Do not rely on a digital copy alone.

Prepare the original physical card.

A scanned PDF, mobile photograph, SwissID profile or government portal record does not replace the physical card for a person-led check.

3. Swiss Photocard Driving Licence

A valid physical Swiss photocard driving licence may provide Group A evidence under person-led Option 2.

Swiss driving licences appear on PRADO and can therefore potentially fall within the category of another photographic identity document listed on PRADO.

The most relevant models are:

• CHE-FO-03001, first issued on 15 April 2023; and
• CHE-FO-02001, issued from 1 April 2003 to 14 April 2023.

The current CHE-FO-03001 model normally provides the clearest route.

The licence:

• uses card format;
• contains a black-and-white facial image;
• contains visible and ultraviolet security features;
• includes a variable laser image;
• includes a QR code;
• may have indefinite overall validity;
• establishes the holder’s identity within Switzerland; and
• does not prove Swiss nationality.

Swiss Driving Licences May Have No Overall Expiry Date

A Swiss driving licence may show no overall expiry date.

This does not necessarily mean that every driving entitlement remains valid indefinitely.

Individual categories, medical permissions or professional entitlements may have separate expiry dates.

The ACSP should review:

• field showing overall expiry;
• category expiry dates;
• medical restrictions;
• licence status;
• whether a replacement was issued; and
• whether the photograph remains suitable.

Does Every Swiss Driving Licence Qualify?

No.

A licence may fail where it:

• is an invalid paper licence;
• has been replaced;
• was reported lost or stolen;
• has been withdrawn;
• has been cancelled;
• contains a photograph that no longer supports reliable comparison;
• is seriously damaged;
• belongs to another person;
• is temporary;
• does not match a valid PRADO model; or
• cannot be validated.

The ACSP should review:

• exact card model;
• licence number;
• issue date;
• expiry date or indefinite-validity mark;
• photograph;
• driving categories;
• category expiry dates;
• visible security features;
• QR code;
• physical condition; and
• consistency with the passport, identity card and other evidence.

Can You Use the Previous CHE-FO-02001 Licence?

Potentially.

The previous Swiss credit-card driving licence remains a PRADO-listed document.

A card may provide Group A evidence where:

• it remains legally valid;
• it has not been replaced;
• it was not reported lost or stolen;
• the photograph remains suitable;
• the card remains in good condition; and
• the ACSP can validate it.

Can You Use an Old Blue Swiss Paper Driving Licence?

No.

Swiss paper driving licences lost their validity on 1 November 2024.

An old blue paper licence should not be used as current Companies House identity evidence.

The holder should obtain the current credit-card-format licence.

Can You Use a Temporary Swiss Driving Authorisation?

Do not rely on it as the formal Group A document without individual review.

A temporary paper authorisation may allow the person to drive while waiting for a replacement licence. However, it may not contain the photographic and security features required for Companies House verification.

Use the permanent physical photocard wherever possible.

Can You Use a Digital Swiss Driving Licence?

Switzerland has tested digital credentials, including electronic learner-driving documentation, through the swiyu infrastructure.

However, a digital screen or pilot credential should not replace the original physical Swiss driving licence for Companies House identity verification under the current standard.

Do not rely only on:

• digital learner licence;
• swiyu Wallet credential;
• QR code;
• screenshot;
• online driving record;
• electronic extract; or
• photograph of the licence.

Prepare the original physical driving licence.

4. Swiss Temporary Passport

A current Swiss temporary passport may potentially provide Group A evidence.

However, it requires individual review because it may have limited validity, restricted use or fewer electronic security features.

A current ordinary Swiss biometric passport or identity card will normally provide a clearer route.

5. Eligible UK-Issued Photographic Documents

A Swiss national living in the United Kingdom may also hold another Group A document.

Examples include:

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

The ACSP must review the exact document and apply the current Companies House expiry rules.

A Swiss passport combined with a valid UK photocard driving licence can provide two strong Group A documents.

Swiss-Issued Documents for Foreign Nationals

Switzerland issues travel and residence documents to people who are not Swiss citizens.

These may include:

• Swiss residence permit;
• refugee travel document;
• passport for a foreign national;
• travel document for stateless persons;
• diplomatic residence card; or
• another Swiss-issued immigration document.

Do not describe these documents as evidence that the holder is a Swiss national.

A qualifying document may still provide photographic evidence under another Companies House category or through the PRADO route.

The ACSP must accurately record:

• holder’s nationality;
• immigration status;
• exact document category;
• issuing authority;
• PRADO model;
• issue date;
• expiry date;
• photograph;
• document purpose; and
• whether another document has replaced it.

Swiss Documents You Should Not Rely On as Required Evidence

OASI, AHV or AVS Number

A Swiss social-security number does not provide photographic identity evidence.

It may help compare records, but the number alone does not replace an accepted document.

Swiss Health-Insurance Card

A Swiss health-insurance card may show:

• name;
• date of birth;
• insurance information; and
• OASI number.

However, it is not:

• a passport;
• national identity card;
• driving licence;
• birth certificate;
• marriage certificate; or
• insurance policy showing the current address in the Companies House sense.

Do not rely on the health-insurance card as one of the two required documents.

SwissID

SwissID is a private login and identity service rather than a physical government-issued identity document.

AGOV

An AGOV login does not replace the required identity documents.

Future Swiss e-ID

The state e-ID had not launched as of 31 July 2026.

Do not rely on a beta credential, test credential or swiyu Wallet screen.

Swiss Population or Register Extract

A Swiss population-register, residents-register or civil-status extract may help confirm:

• full name;
• former name;
• date of birth;
• current address;
• nationality;
• marital status;
• family relationships; or
• place of origin.

However, Companies House does not expressly include a foreign population-register extract in Group B.

Use it as supplementary evidence unless it clearly constitutes an accepted birth or marriage certificate.

Swiss Certificate of Residence

A Swiss certificate of residence may be called:

• Wohnsitzbestätigung;
• attestation de domicile;
• certificato di domicilio; or
• another cantonal or communal residence certificate.

It may provide useful additional address evidence.

However, a foreign certificate of residence is not expressly included in the Companies House Group B list.

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

Swiss Family Certificate or Family Record

A Swiss family certificate or family record may contain useful information about:

• marriage;
• parents;
• children;
• surnames;
• civil status; or
• family relationships.

However, it should not automatically be treated as a birth or marriage certificate.

The ACSP must review the exact document and determine whether it clearly performs the function of one of the accepted Group B documents.

Swiss Citizenship Certificate

A Swiss citizenship certificate may provide strong evidence of nationality.

However, Companies House does not expressly include a foreign citizenship certificate in Group B.

Use it as supplementary evidence rather than as the formal second document unless the ACSP confirms another valid basis.

It may be particularly useful where:

• applicant was born outside Switzerland;
• passport is unavailable;
• nationality is unclear from another document;
• applicant holds several nationalities;
• civil-status records use different names; or
• a Swiss representation required citizenship evidence before issuing a passport.

Swiss Criminal-Record Extract

A Swiss criminal-record extract may contain personal information.

However, it is not included in the Companies House Group A or Group B document lists.

Do not use it as the required second document.

Swiss Tax and Social-Security Documents

A Swiss tax document, pension statement, salary certificate or social-security document may support additional checks.

However, it does not automatically provide the required Group A or Group B evidence.

Student, Employment and Membership Cards

Do not rely on:

• student card;
• employee card;
• professional membership card;
• public-transport card;
• library card;
• payment card;
• health card; or
• private club card

as one of the required documents.

Group B Supporting Documents

Where you only have one suitable Group A photographic document, you can provide one Group B document.

Companies House Group B documents include:

• birth or adoption certificate;
• marriage or 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 local-authority or social-housing rental agreement.

A Swiss bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement, insurance policy, birth certificate or marriage certificate may work where the ACSP can confirm that it:

• belongs to the applicant;
• comes from a genuine issuer;
• remains complete and legible;
• clearly shows the relevant personal details;
• contains no sign of alteration;
• supports the claimed identity or current address; and
• provides credible evidence of genuine activity.

Swiss Bank Statements

A Swiss bank statement may 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;
• remain legible;
• contain no sign of editing; and
• show the current address where the applicant relies on it as address evidence.

A complete PDF downloaded directly from online banking will normally provide stronger evidence than a cropped mobile-banking screenshot.

The statement may:

• omit accents;
• replace Ä, Ö or Ü with AE, OE or UE;
• replace an accented letter with the unaccented equivalent;
• use only one given name;
• omit a hyphen;
• use an alliance name;
• show a shortened version of the applicant’s name; or
• use a former address.

This does not automatically make the statement unacceptable. However, the ACSP must connect the statement to the passport or identity card.

A SwissID or online-banking login without the underlying statement is not enough.

Swiss Utility Bills

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

Examples may include:

• electricity bill;
• gas bill;
• water bill;
• district-heating bill;
• fixed-line telephone bill;
• internet service bill where treated as a household utility; or
• another genuine household utility account.

The verifier must be able to identify the provider and connect the account to the applicant.

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

A payment notification, QR invoice or banking transaction does not necessarily amount to the complete utility bill.

Swiss Mortgage Statements

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

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

A property purchase agreement, Land Register extract, tax valuation or ownership certificate is not necessarily the same as a mortgage statement.

Swiss Insurance Policies

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

Examples may include:

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

A health-insurance card alone is not the insurance policy.

A quotation, renewal advertisement, premium reminder or marketing email may not amount to the policy itself.

Swiss Birth Certificates

A Swiss birth certificate may be called:

• Geburtsurkunde in German;
• acte de naissance in French;
• atto di nascita in Italian; or
• a corresponding Romansh term.

An official Swiss birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

Swiss civil-status certificates can normally be requested from the appropriate civil register office.

For Companies House verification, provide the complete official certificate rather than:

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

The ACSP should be able to identify:

• applicant’s complete registered name;
• date of birth;
• place of birth;
• parents’ details where shown;
• issuing authority;
• date of issue; and
• any later correction or civil-status amendment.

Swiss Nationals Born Abroad

A Swiss national born outside Switzerland may have:

• foreign birth certificate;
• Swiss passport;
• Swiss identity card;
• Swiss citizenship evidence;
• Swiss civil-status registration;
• family certificate; or
• other evidence connecting the foreign birth to the Swiss identity.

The ACSP may need to connect:

• foreign birth record;
• Swiss nationality;
• Swiss place of origin;
• foreign place of birth;
• Swiss and foreign name spellings;
• parents’ details; and
• current passport information.

Useful evidence may include:

• current Swiss passport;
• current Swiss identity card;
• original foreign birth certificate;
• Swiss civil-status extract;
• Swiss citizenship certificate;
• former passport; or
• official name-concordance evidence.

The foreign certificate may require:

• apostille;
• legalisation;
• certified translation; or
• another form of authentication

where the ACSP cannot validate it satisfactorily.

Swiss Marriage Certificates

A Swiss marriage certificate may be called:

• Eheschein or Heiratsurkunde in German;
• acte de mariage in French;
• atto di matrimonio in Italian; or
• a corresponding Romansh term.

An official Swiss marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

The certificate may help connect:

• birth surname;
• married surname;
• common family surname;
• alliance name;
• former surname;
• double surname;
• foreign-law surname; or
• another name used in UK records.

Provide the complete official certificate rather than:

• wedding photograph;
• ceremonial document;
• partial scan;
• religious record without formal civil registration;
• informal translation; or
• online screenshot.

Swiss Citizens Married Abroad

A Swiss citizen who marries abroad may have:

• foreign marriage certificate;
• apostille or legalisation;
• certified translation;
• updated Swiss civil-status records;
• current Swiss passport;
• former Swiss passport;
• current Swiss identity card;
• family certificate; or
• evidence of a registered name change.

An official foreign marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

The ACSP may ask for documents connecting the overseas marriage to the applicant’s current Swiss identity.

Swiss Civil-Status Certificates and Extracts

Swiss civil-register offices can issue several types of certificate.

These may include:

• birth certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• registered partnership certificate;
• family certificate;
• certificate of civil status;
• confirmation of personal civil-status information; or
• another civil-register extract.

Not every civil-status document performs the same function.

If the applicant relies on the Group B birth-certificate category, the document should clearly establish the applicant’s birth.

If the applicant relies on the Group B marriage-certificate category, the document should clearly establish the marriage.

A generic civil-status extract should not automatically be treated as a birth or marriage certificate merely because it comes from an official Swiss authority.

English Translations

Swiss passports, identity cards and driving licences use multilingual standard fields and Latin script.

However, Swiss birth certificates, marriage certificates, bank statements, utility bills, insurance policies and court records may contain important information only in:

• German;
• French;
• Italian; or
• Romansh.

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

• document type;
• issuing authority;
• applicant’s name;
• former surname;
• current address;
• date of issue;
• birth information;
• marriage information;
• name-change information; or
• another material entry.

A multilingual civil-status form may reduce the need for a full translation. However, the ACSP may still request one where material information remains unclear.

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

Recommended Document Combinations

Swiss Passport and Swiss Identity Card

This combination normally provides two strong Group A photographic documents under person-led Option 2.

The passport confirms identity and Swiss nationality.

The identity card provides a second government-issued photographic identity document listed on PRADO.

Both documents should show consistent:

• names;
• dates of birth;
• photographs;
• Swiss nationality;
• place or canton of origin where shown;
• document status; and
• other personal information.

This will often provide the strongest remote combination for a Swiss citizen.

Swiss Passport and Swiss Driving Licence

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

The passport provides identity and Swiss nationality evidence.

The physical Swiss driving licence may provide the second Group A document through the PRADO-listed photographic identity-document route.

The ACSP must confirm:

• exact driving-licence model;
• current validity;
• photograph;
• security features;
• physical condition;
• whether the licence was replaced; and
• consistency with the passport.

This combination should not be treated as an Option 1 combination because a Swiss driving licence is not an EU driving licence.

Swiss Identity Card and Swiss Driving Licence

A current Swiss identity card and current physical Swiss driving licence may provide two Group A documents under person-led Option 2 without using a passport.

This can be practical where the applicant:

• does not currently possess a passport;
• has submitted the passport for renewal;
• has lost the passport but still holds two valid cards; or
• prefers to use two card-format documents.

The ACSP must confirm that both physical cards remain current and have not been replaced.

Swiss Passport and UK Photocard Driving Licence

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

This combination provides two strong photographic identity documents.

Swiss Passport and UK Immigration Document

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

An eVisa may qualify under the technology-led route.

The ACSP must review the exact status and available evidence.

Swiss Passport and Bank Statement

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

It often provides a clear route where the applicant:

• does not drive;
• does not have a current identity card;
• lives in Switzerland;
• wants to show genuine financial activity;
• needs to establish a Swiss or UK address; or
• has a name-format difference across documents.

Swiss Passport and Utility Bill

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

Swiss Passport and Mortgage Statement

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

Swiss Passport and Insurance Policy

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

Swiss Passport and Birth Certificate

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

This combination can help where:

• Companies House omits one of several given names;
• Swiss accents or umlauts are missing from the company record;
• the applicant uses different surname forms;
• the applicant changed their name;
• place or date of birth needs clarification;
• applicant was born abroad;
• place of origin is confused with place of birth; or
• verifier requires stronger civil-registration evidence.

Swiss Passport and Marriage Certificate

An official Swiss or foreign marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

It can also help connect:

• birth and married surnames;
• common family surname;
• alliance name;
• single and hyphenated surnames;
• former Companies House name;
• Swiss and foreign versions of the name; or
• a name adopted following marriage.

Swiss Names and Multilingual Records

Swiss identity records require careful name checks.

They may contain information in:

• German;
• French;
• Italian;
• Romansh; and
• English.

The language of the document does not change the holder’s identity.

Swiss Umlauts, Accents and Special Characters

Swiss names may contain:

• Ä;
• Ö;
• Ü;
• é;
• è;
• ê;
• ë;
• à;
• â;
• ç;
• ï;
• ô;
• apostrophes;
• hyphens; and
• other language-specific characters.

A UK company record, banking system, email address or older database may omit or change these characters.

For example, separate records may show:

• Müller and Mueller;
• Müller and Muller;
• Zürcher and Zuercher;
• Bühler and Buehler;
• Chloé and Chloe;
• François and Francois; or
• Gmür and Gmuer.

The absence of Swiss characters does not automatically mean that the records belong to different people.

However, the ACSP must determine whether the complete evidence supports one identity.

Machine-Readable Passport Spellings

The visible name on a Swiss passport may contain the original spelling.

The machine-readable zone may:

• convert Ä to AE;
• convert Ö to OE;
• convert Ü to UE;
• remove accents;
• remove apostrophes;
• remove hyphens;
• remove punctuation; or
• alter spacing.

This can create several versions of the same name:

• original Swiss spelling;
• simplified UK spelling;
• machine-readable passport spelling;
• banking spelling; and
• spelling used in another nationality’s passport.

The ACSP should compare:

• visible passport name;
• machine-readable zone;
• identity card;
• driving licence;
• bank statement;
• birth certificate;
• marriage certificate; and
• Companies House record.

Several Given Names

A Swiss passport or identity card may show more than one given name.

A person may use only one of them in everyday life.

Separate records may:

• include all given names;
• show only the first given name;
• use an initial;
• omit a second or third given name;
• use a familiar version;
• display names in a different order; or
• combine two given names with a hyphen.

A shortened name does not automatically mean that the documents belong to different people.

However, the complete evidence must support one identity.

Swiss Surname Particles, Apostrophes and Hyphens

Swiss surnames may contain:

• von;
• von der;
• de;
• du;
• della;
• di;
• d’;
• apostrophes;
• spaces;
• hyphens; or
• several surname elements.

A UK system may:

• remove an apostrophe;
• join several words;
• separate a joined surname;
• change capitalisation;
• remove a hyphen; or
• record only one surname element.

The ACSP should compare the complete passport and identity-card fields rather than relying only on the simplified UK record.

Swiss Place of Origin and Place of Birth

Swiss identity documents may show the holder’s place of origin or canton of origin.

The place of origin may be called:

• Heimatort;
• lieu d’origine;
• luogo d’origine; or
• a corresponding Romansh term.

The Swiss place of origin is not necessarily:

• the holder’s place of birth;
• current address;
• former address;
• place where the passport was issued; or
• country of residence.

A person may have been:

• born in Zurich;
• resident in Geneva;
• issued a passport in London; and
• have a place of origin in a different Swiss municipality.

These differences do not indicate an identity mismatch.

The ACSP should not record the Swiss place of origin as the person’s current address or assume that it is the place of birth.

For Companies House verification, the most important matching information normally includes the person’s name and date of birth.

Marriage and Swiss Surnames

Swiss spouses do not necessarily change their surnames when they marry.

Depending on the circumstances, spouses may:

• retain their existing surnames;
• choose the unmarried surname of one spouse as a common family surname;
• use an alliance name in everyday life;
• use a hyphenated combination socially;
• use a foreign-law surname; or
• have different surname forms in Swiss and foreign records.

A hyphenated alliance name may be used in everyday life and may, in appropriate circumstances, be shown in a passport or another identity document.

However, it may not be the surname recorded as the person’s formal civil-status surname.

This can create differences where:

• Swiss passport shows the registered legal surname;
• bank statement uses an alliance name;
• Companies House uses a hyphenated name;
• foreign passport uses a married surname;
• marriage certificate records a common family surname;
• professional records use both spouses’ surnames; or
• older documents show the birth surname.

Provide:

• current passport;
• current identity card;
• marriage certificate;
• former passport where available;
• official name-change evidence;
• foreign passport where relevant;
• civil-status extract; and
• documents showing the name used at Companies House.

Formal Swiss Name Changes

A formal change of name may require the person to update:

• passport;
• identity card;
• driving licence;
• bank records;
• insurance policies;
• social-security information;
• tax records;
• professional records; and
• Companies House information.

Where Companies House records the former name, useful evidence may include:

• current passport;
• former passport;
• current identity card;
• former identity card;
• official name-change decision;
• birth certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• divorce judgment;
• civil-status extract; or
• another official document connecting the former and current names.

Swiss and Foreign Versions of a Name

A Swiss national with dual nationality may hold a foreign passport showing a different version of the same name.

Differences may result from:

• omission of umlauts or accents;
• use of AE, OE or UE;
• different treatment of surname particles;
• different surname following marriage;
• different use of an alliance name;
• different spacing or hyphenation;
• different name order;
• transliteration from another alphabet;
• different national naming laws; or
• an earlier legal name.

Provide all relevant passports and civil-status documents so the ACSP can connect the versions.

Check Your Date of Birth Before Verification

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

Problems can arise where:

• Companies House holds the wrong date;
• someone made an error during incorporation;
• passport and company record differ;
• civil-status information contains an error;
• place of origin is confused with place of birth;
• the ACSP submits incorrect information;
• someone enters the personal code incorrectly; or
• a social-security number is incorrectly treated as evidence of birth.

Do not infer the applicant’s date of birth from the OASI number. The modern Swiss OASI number does not encode the date of birth.

Use the passport, identity card and official birth certificate.

Companies House may prevent the personal code from connecting to a director or PSC role where the details do not match.

Correct an inaccurate date of birth before the compliance deadline.

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 Swiss directors and PSCs.

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

• we review and approve the documents in advance;
• the applicant provides 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, document or compliance concern arises.

For many person-led Swiss cases, the applicant should prepare one of the following:

• Swiss passport and Swiss identity card;
• Swiss passport and physical Swiss driving licence;
• Swiss identity card and physical Swiss driving licence;
• Swiss passport and UK photocard driving licence;
• Swiss passport and eligible UK immigration document; or
• Swiss passport and a suitable Group B supporting document.

SwissID, AGOV, the future Swiss e-ID and an OASI number should not be treated as the formal second document.

Same-day service covers the identity check and ACSP submission.

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

After the ACSP completes the verification, Companies House sends the personal code to the applicant’s individual email address.

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:

• complete personal-details page;
• signature page where separate;
• any official-observations page;
• any page showing a name amendment; and
• any relevant endorsement.

For a Swiss identity card or driving licence, send both the front and reverse.

Regarding a bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement, insurance policy, birth certificate or marriage certificate, send the complete document rather than a cropped screenshot.

You must also provide:

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

Companies House requires ACSPs to collect this information and retain the required verification evidence for seven years.

Step 2: Confirm the Document Combination

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

The review may cover:

• whether the Swiss passport is biometric and machine-readable;
• whether the passport chip works;
• whether the passport matches CHE-AO-04001, CHE-AO-03002 or another relevant model;
• whether the identity card matches CHE-BO-02001, CHE-BO-01003 or another relevant model;
• whether the applicant proposes to use the identity card under Option 1;
• whether the driving licence matches CHE-FO-03001 or CHE-FO-02001;
• whether an old paper driving licence is being proposed;
• whether any document has expired;
• whether any document has been cancelled or replaced;
• physical condition of each document;
• whether the applicant proposes SwissID, AGOV or a digital credential;
• Ä, Ö and Ü spelling differences;
• accents and apostrophes;
• machine-readable transliteration;
• several given names;
• surname particles;
• alliance names;
• former and married surnames;
• Swiss and foreign versions of the name;
• place of origin;
• current residential address; and
• previous 12 months of address history.

Where the proposed evidence does not meet the standard, we identify a stronger document 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 them when requested;
• display their 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 appear genuine;
• the identity belongs to you; and
• the evidence meets the Companies House standard.

Step 4: Complete the ACSP Submission

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

The ACSP does not normally send copies of the identity documents to Companies House.

However, it must keep:

• copies of documents;
• supporting evidence;
• records of checks;
• details of failed verification attempts; and
• other required verification information.

The ACSP must retain these records for seven years from the date it completes the identity verification.

Step 5: Receive Your Personal Code

Companies House sends the 11-character personal code to the individual email address supplied during the ACSP submission.

Make sure that:

• the email address is correct;
• you can access the email account;
• you check the spam or junk folder; and
• you keep the code securely.

You may share the code with a trusted solicitor, accountant or company administrator who needs to file on your behalf.

How Swiss Directors Use the Personal Code

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

A director of more than one company must connect the code separately to each company.

A new director provides the code as part of the appointment filing.

When forming a new company, the incorporation application must include a personal code for each proposed director.

You normally verify your identity only once.

However, you must connect the same code to every separate director appointment.

How Swiss PSCs Use the Personal Code

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

This applies even where the same person has already provided the code as a director.

The deadline depends on the circumstances.

Director and PSC of the Same Company

A person who acts as both director and PSC must provide the code separately for each role.

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

As a PSC, the person provides it during the applicable 14-day period beginning on the day after the company’s confirmation statement date.

PSC Who Is Not a Director of the Same Company

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.

New PSC

A person who became a PSC after 18 November 2025 can provide the code when first added to the register or within 14 days of being added.

The same personal code can cover several companies and roles.

However, the person must connect it separately to every relevant director and PSC position.

How Our Legal Consultant Can Help

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

• reviewing current Swiss biometric passports;
• checking older Swiss passport models;
• assessing whether a passport should work through GOV.UK One Login;
• reviewing Swiss national identity cards;
• checking whether an identity card matches a valid PRADO model;
• explaining why the current Swiss identity card does not qualify under Option 1;
• monitoring the future introduction of biometric Swiss identity cards;
• reviewing physical Swiss driving licences;
• checking whether a driving licence matches a valid PRADO model;
• explaining why a Swiss driving licence is not an EU driving licence;
• checking indefinite-validity driving licences;
• identifying invalid Swiss paper driving licences;
• explaining why a digital driving credential does not replace the physical card;
• reviewing Swiss temporary passports;
• explaining why SwissID and AGOV do not replace accepted documents;
• explaining why an OASI, AHV or AVS number is not the Companies House personal code;
• reviewing Swiss register evidence as supplementary material;
• confirming the correct Group A and Group B combination;
• reviewing Swiss bank statements and address documents;
• checking Swiss birth and marriage certificates;
• reviewing civil-status and family certificates;
• reviewing foreign certificates for Swiss nationals born or married abroad;
• comparing names with and without umlauts and accents;
• reviewing machine-readable passport spellings;
• checking several given names;
• reviewing surname particles, apostrophes and hyphens;
• connecting legal surnames and alliance names;
• comparing Swiss and foreign versions of names;
• distinguishing place of origin from place of birth and current address;
• identifying date-of-birth and address differences;
• 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 Swiss Passport?

Yes.

A Swiss passport provides Group A photographic identity evidence.

The current CHE-AO-04001 model may also work through the GOV.UK One Login app where its biometric chip can be read successfully.

How Long Is a Swiss Passport Valid?

A Swiss passport is normally valid for:

• ten years for a person aged 18 or over; or
• five years for a person under 18.

Check the printed expiry date.

Can I Use an Expired Swiss Passport?

Potentially, depending 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 the Previous Swiss Passport Model?

Potentially.

The ACSP must check:

• exact PRADO model;
• printed expiry date;
• document condition;
• whether another passport replaced it;
• whether it was reported lost or stolen; and
• whether it falls within the relevant Companies House expiry exception.

How Do I Know Whether My Swiss Passport Is Biometric?

Check the front cover for the international biometric-passport symbol.

A biometric passport contains an electronic chip that a compatible phone or identity-checking device can read.

Can I Use a Swiss Passport Issued Through the London Embassy?

Yes, subject to the normal checks.

A passport applied for through a Swiss representation can still be a standard Swiss biometric passport.

Can I Use a Swiss Temporary Passport?

Potentially, but it requires individual review.

A temporary passport may have limited validity and may not contain a compatible biometric chip.

A current ordinary passport will normally provide a clearer route.

Can I Use My Swiss Identity Card?

Yes, potentially under person-led Option 2.

A current physical Swiss identity card is a photographic identity document listed on PRADO.

Is the Current Swiss Identity Card Biometric?

No.

The current 2023 Swiss identity card does not contain a biometric chip.

Switzerland plans to introduce a separate biometric identity card, but it had not launched as of 31 July 2026.

Can I Use My Swiss Identity Card Under Option 1?

Not under the current Companies House document categories.

The current card is not biometric, and the Option 1 identity-card category does not include Switzerland.

Can I Use My Swiss Identity Card Under Option 2?

Yes, potentially.

A current physical Swiss identity card may provide Group A evidence through the PRADO-listed photographic identity-document route.

Can I Use an Expired Swiss Identity Card?

Normally no.

Use a current card or select another accepted document combination.

Can I Use a Swiss Identity Card That Has Been Replaced?

No.

A replaced, cancelled or blocked identity card cannot provide Companies House identity evidence.

Can I Use My Swiss Identity Card in the GOV.UK One Login App?

No.

Use a Swiss biometric passport for the app.

The identity card may still qualify through an ACSP under person-led Option 2.

Can I Use the Future Swiss Biometric Identity Card?

The biometric card had not launched as of 31 July 2026.

After launch, the current Companies House guidance will need to be checked before relying on it.

Can I Use the Swiss e-ID?

Not currently.

The state Swiss e-ID had not launched as of 31 July 2026.

Even after launch, it will need to fall within an accepted Companies House category.

Can I Use SwissID?

Do not rely on SwissID as the required identity document.

SwissID is a private digital login and identity service. It does not replace an accepted passport, physical identity card, driving licence or Group B document.

Can I Use AGOV?

Do not rely on an AGOV account alone.

AGOV is a government authentication service rather than a photographic identity document.

Can I Use My OASI, AHV or AVS Number?

No.

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

It is also different from the Companies House personal code.

Can I Use My Swiss Health-Insurance Card?

Do not rely on it as one of the required documents.

The card may contain the OASI number and insurance information, but it does not replace the accepted Group A or Group B document combination.

Can I Use My Swiss Driving Licence?

Yes, potentially under person-led Option 2.

A current physical Swiss photocard driving licence may provide Group A evidence through the PRADO-listed photographic identity-document route.

Relevant models include:

• CHE-FO-03001; and
• CHE-FO-02001.

Is a Swiss Driving Licence an EU Driving Licence?

No.

Switzerland is not an EU Member State.

A Swiss licence should not automatically be treated as an EU photocard driving licence for Option 1.

Does Every Swiss Driving Licence Qualify?

No.

The physical licence must remain valid, belong to the applicant, contain a suitable photograph and pass the required checks.

Why Does My Swiss Driving Licence Have No Expiry Date?

Swiss driving licences may have indefinite overall validity.

However, individual driving categories or medical entitlements may have separate expiry dates.

Can I Use the Previous Swiss Driving-Licence Model?

Potentially.

A valid CHE-FO-02001 physical licence may provide Group A evidence where it has not been replaced and passes the required checks.

Can I Use an Old Blue Swiss Paper Driving Licence?

No.

Swiss paper driving licences lost their validity on 1 November 2024.

Can I Use a Digital Swiss Driving Licence?

Do not rely on a digital version or pilot credential alone.

Prepare the original physical driving licence.

Can I Use My Swiss Driving Licence Through GOV.UK One Login?

Not in the GOV.UK One Login app.

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

A Swiss driving licence may still qualify under person-led Option 2 through an ACSP.

Can I Use My Swiss Identity Card or Driving Licence at a Post Office?

Do not assume that either document will be accepted.

The applicant must first start the GOV.UK One Login process and follow the document instructions generated for their case.

A Swiss biometric passport will normally provide the clearest direct route.

Can I Use a Swiss Bank Statement?

Potentially.

A bank statement falls within Group B.

The statement must be genuine, complete, clear and capable of validation.

Can I Use a Swiss Utility Bill?

Potentially.

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

Can I Use a Swiss Mortgage Statement?

Potentially.

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

Can I Use a Swiss Insurance Policy?

Potentially.

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

A health-insurance card alone is not the policy.

Can I Use a Swiss Birth Certificate?

Potentially.

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

Can I Use a Foreign Birth Certificate?

Potentially.

Provide the complete official certificate together with any relevant translation, authentication and Swiss linking evidence.

Can I Use a Swiss Marriage Certificate?

Potentially.

An official Swiss marriage certificate falls within the Group B marriage-certificate category.

Can I Use a Swiss Family Certificate?

It may provide useful supplementary evidence.

However, the ACSP must determine whether it clearly performs the function of an accepted birth or marriage certificate.

Can I Use a Foreign Marriage Certificate?

Potentially.

Provide the complete official certificate together with any required translation, apostille, legalisation and Swiss linking evidence.

Do Swiss Documents Need an English Translation?

Some documents may need a translation.

Swiss passports, identity cards and driving licences use multilingual standard fields.

Birth certificates, marriage certificates, bank statements, utility bills and court records may still require translation where the material information is unclear.

What If My Name Contains Ä, Ö or Ü?

Send the complete document set for review.

UK records may omit the umlaut or replace it with AE, OE or UE.

The ACSP should compare the passport, identity card, machine-readable zone, supporting documents and Companies House record.

Why Does My Passport Show AE, OE or UE?

The machine-readable zone may convert:

• Ä to AE;
• Ö to OE; and
• Ü to UE.

This is a standard machine-readable spelling and does not necessarily indicate a different identity.

What If My Name Contains an Accent or Apostrophe?

Provide all relevant documents.

A UK system may remove the accent or apostrophe, alter spacing or simplify the surname.

The ACSP should confirm that the versions relate to the same person.

What If Companies House Omits One of My Given Names?

Provide the passport or identity card and supporting documents.

A shortened company record may still relate to the same person.

What If I Use Only One of Several Given Names?

Provide evidence showing your complete registered name.

The ACSP must connect the everyday name to the full passport identity.

What Is a Swiss Place of Origin?

The Swiss place of origin is a municipality connected with the person’s Swiss citizenship.

It is not necessarily the place of birth, current address or place of residence.

What If Companies House Records My Place of Birth Differently From My Swiss Place of Origin?

The place of origin and place of birth are different concepts.

Provide the birth certificate and identity documents so the correct information can be established.

Does Marriage Automatically Change a Swiss Surname?

No.

Spouses may retain their surnames or choose an authorised common family surname.

An alliance name may be used socially and may appear in an identity document, but it may differ from the registered legal surname.

What If I Use an Alliance Name?

Provide:

• current passport;
• current identity card;
• marriage certificate;
• civil-status evidence;
• former passport where available; and
• documents showing the name used at Companies House.

The ACSP must connect the alliance name to the registered legal identity.

What If I Changed My Surname After Marriage?

Provide:

• current passport;
• current identity card;
• marriage certificate;
• official name-change evidence;
• former passport where available;
• current driving licence; and
• documents showing the surname used at Companies House.

What If My Overseas Marriage Has Not Been Registered in Switzerland?

Provide the original foreign marriage certificate and any relevant authentication or translation.

The ACSP may also ask for documents connecting the foreign marriage to the applicant’s Swiss identity.

What If I Changed My Name Formally?

Provide the official name-change evidence and current identity documents.

The ACSP should be able to connect the former and current names.

Can I Verify My Identity While Living in Switzerland?

Yes.

An ACSP can complete the check remotely from any country 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 and completes the required identity checks.

Must I Post My Original Swiss Passport or Identity Card?

Usually not for an approved remote video process.

You send clear images for preliminary review 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 identity checks and ACSP submission may be available where:

• we approve the document set in advance;
• the applicant provides all required information;
• the documents pass the necessary checks;
• the Companies House record matches;
• the applicant completes the video call; and
• no unresolved identity or compliance concern remains.

Companies House controls when it issues and delivers the personal code.

Need Companies House Identity Verification for a Swiss Director or PSC?

Swiss nationals will usually have one of these practical document routes:

• Swiss biometric passport plus current Swiss identity card under person-led Option 2;
• Swiss passport plus current physical Swiss driving licence under person-led Option 2;
• current Swiss identity card plus physical Swiss driving licence under person-led Option 2;
• Swiss passport or identity card plus an accepted Group B supporting document;
• Swiss passport plus valid UK photocard driving licence;
• Swiss passport plus eligible UK immigration document; or
• one eligible Swiss biometric passport under a suitable technology-led Option 1 process.

Swiss applicants have several strong document options because Switzerland issues:

• biometric passports;
• PRADO-listed national identity cards;
• PRADO-listed photocard driving licences;
• official birth certificates; and
• official marriage certificates.

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

• expired or replaced identity card;
• current non-biometric identity card proposed for Option 1;
• future biometric identity card;
• passport or card that the chosen technology cannot read;
• only SwissID or AGOV;
• only an OASI, AHV or AVS number;
• health-insurance card proposed as the second document;
• Swiss driving licence proposed for Option 1;
• old blue paper driving licence;
• indefinite-validity driving licence;
• digital or pilot driving credential;
• older Swiss passport;
• Swiss temporary passport;
• Swiss-issued residence document for a non-national;
• umlauts or accents missing from Companies House;
• machine-readable AE, OE or UE spelling;
• several given names;
• surname particles or apostrophes;
• alliance name;
• legal surname and married name;
• Swiss and foreign versions of the same name;
• place of origin confused with place of birth or address;
• overseas birth or marriage;
• formal name change;
• 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 identity checks and ACSP submission may be available where the applicant provides a complete and suitable document set.