UK Companies House Identity Verification for Chinese Nationals: Directors and PSCs: A Clear Guide for Chinese Nationals (2026 Guide)

If you are a Chinese national acting as a director or person with significant control (PSC) of a UK company, you will usually need to complete Companies House identity verification. This forms part of the UK’s company law reforms and is designed to make company information more reliable and harder to misuse.

Companies House states that people who set up, run, own, or control a UK company will need to verify their identity. Once you complete your identity verification successfully, Companies House will issue your personal code. You will then use that personal code to link your verified identity to your role within the Companies House system.

Important Point for Chinese Nationals

For Chinese nationals, one point deserves to be highlighted at the outset:

The PRC Resident Identity Card is not listed on PRADO, the Council of the European Union’s Public Register of Authentic Identity and Travel Documents Online, and is therefore not an acceptable ID document for the Companies House identity verification purpose under this route for Chinese nationals.

This point matters because many clients assume that a PRC Resident Identity Card can be used as the main identity document. For this process, that assumption can cause delay. It is better to prepare an acceptable document set from the start.

Who Needs Companies House Identity Verification?

This requirement is especially relevant for Chinese nationals who are:

• appointed as a director of a UK company
• registered as a person with significant control (PSC)
• involved in setting up, owning, running, or controlling a UK company

If you fall within one of these categories, it is important to prepare the correct documents before the verification starts, especially where the check will be completed remotely.

Remote Identity Verification: Two Documents Required

Where identity is checked remotely or in person by an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), the Companies House standard requires the checker to be satisfied that the process used is sufficient to validate the documents provided.

Under this route, the person being verified must provide 2 documents in total. They must provide either:

• 2 photographic identity documents from Group A, or
• 1 photographic identity document from Group A and 1 document from Group B

Preparing the correct combination from the start can make the process smoother and help reduce delay.

Group A Photographic ID for Chinese Nationals

For Chinese nationality cases, the most important point is that Companies House accepts certain photographic identity documents under Group A, including a passport and also another type of photographic ID listed on PRADO, the Council of the European Union’s Public Register of Authentic Identity and Travel Documents Online.

For Chinese nationals, the PRADO China page currently includes only the following relevant photographic documents for this purpose:

1. PRC Passport — First issued on 02/02/2013

2. PRC Driving Licence — First issued on 01/01/2010

Again, this point is worth repeating:

The PRC Resident Identity Card is not listed on PRADO and is therefore not an acceptable form of ID document for the Companies House identity verification purpose for Chinese nationals under this route.

In practice, PRADO is useful because it provides an official reference point for recognised identity documents. This helps support a more structured and reliable remote verification process.

Group B Supporting Documents

If only one Group A photographic document is used, the second document can come from Group B, subject to the Companies House standard.

For this purpose, the relevant examples include:

• birth certificate
• marriage certificate
• bank statement
• mortgage statement
• utility bill
• certain non-photographic immigration, visa, or work permit documents

The correct combination depends on the client’s circumstances and on whether the document set is strong enough for remote checking.

Same Day Remote Verification by Video Call

Our Legal Consultant is registered with Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

Through our partner solicitor, the verification can be arranged remotely by video call, including same day verification where the case is suitable and the document set is ready.

This can be a practical solution for overseas Chinese directors and PSCs who want a clear route, efficient handling, and minimal delay.

How Our Legal Consultant Can Help

Our Legal Consultant can help Chinese nationals with a practical and efficient route for Companies House identity verification by:

• reviewing whether your documents are suitable for remote verification
• confirming the correct document combination for the Companies House standard
• arranging remote verification by video call
• handling the submission through the proper ACSP route
• helping you move efficiently towards issuance of your Companies House personal code

For many overseas clients, this is the most practical route because it combines document review, remote verification, and proper submission through the correct channel.

Ginkgo Advisory’s Role

The identity verification service is provided to you by our Legal Consultant and partner solicitor.

Ginkgo Advisory supports the process through coordination, client communications, and practical case handling.

Why This Route Matters for Chinese Directors and PSCs

For Chinese nationals involved in UK companies, the key issue is not simply having documents available. The key issue is using a document set that fits the Companies House identity verification standard, works for remote checking, and is handled through the proper ACSP route.

A clear structure from the start can reduce delay, avoid document mismatch, and help directors and PSCs complete the process more smoothly.

Need Help With Companies House Identity Verification?

If you are a Chinese national acting as a UK company director or PSC, it is sensible to check your document set before starting the process. Using the correct documents at the outset can save time and reduce the risk of rejection or delay.

Our Legal Consultant and partner solicitor can help arrange a clear and efficient route for Companies House identity verification, including same day remote verification by video call where suitable.