BIG CHANGES FOR BUSINESS IN THE UK FROM 18 NOVEMBER 2025: NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR DIRECTORS AND COMPANY OWNERS
Important changes for all businesses in the UK will come into effect from 18 November 2025. These changes are being introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and are intended to make British businesses more transparent and protected from fraud.
From November 2025, all company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) will be required to undergo mandatory identity verification through Companies House, the UK’s official corporate registry. This requirement also applies to members of LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships) and certain partners.
The new requirements will help create a safe and secure business environment in the UK. By verifying the identities of directors and owners of companies, the government will be able to combat shell companies, fraud and money laundering more effectively. For entrepreneurs, this means more trust from investors, partners and financial institutions.
PURPOSE OF THE NEW LAW
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 aims to:
increase business transparency in the UK;
fight fraud and shell companies;
to protect real entrepreneurs and honest businesses.
NEW RULES ARE CALLED
increase trust in the UK corporate register
remove fictitious or fraudulent entries from the registry
help banks, investors and suppliers make decisions based on reliable information
make the business environment safer and more transparent
WHO HAS TO BE VERIFIED?
all company directors
persons with significant control (PSC)
LLP members and some partners
IMPORTANT DATES
April 8, 2025 — start of voluntary verification (the verification can be completed if desired from this date)
November 18, 2025 — start of mandatory verification (one-year transition period)
Autumn of 2026 — all current directors and PSCs must be vetted without exception
VERIFICATION: STAGES AND TIMELINESS
At the first stage, you need to provide us with the following documents:
- a notarized scanned copy of your passport
- a document confirming your address (utility bill, bank statement, council tax, tenancy agreement, etc.), translated into English and notarized.
The second stage involves verifying the biometric data of the person being verified. This involves using a special electronic system or application that:
- scans the face through a selfie or video;
- compares it with the photo in the document;
- verifies the authenticity of the document (watermarks, MRZ zones, font, signature, etc.).
This is called digital identity verification (IDV).
The third stage is confirmation of successful verification. Once the verification is complete, we confirm your identity in the Companies House system and assign you a unique identity code. This code is then used when registering new companies or making changes to the register (for example, appointing a director).
In the fourth stage, we send a verification statement to Companies House, indicating that the person has passed the verification according to the standards.
We do not share your documents with you, only the fact that the verification was successful. Companies House keeps a record of who carried out the verification and when.
Validity and renewal
- A one-time verification is valid until your details change (for example, a new passport or address).
- If your documents change or you participate in a new company, you will need to re-confirm your identity.
If you fail verification
- You will not be able to be appointed as a director or registered as a PSC.
- The company will not be able to file or update its details with Companies House.
- Administrative fines or cancellation of the registration may apply.
- Don’t leave it until the last minute – do it easily, securely and with professional support.
Get a free consultation.
WHY YOU SHOULD USE OUR PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
We are an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) registered with Companies House.
We carry out verification quickly, online and without bureaucracy.
We work with clients from the UK and other countries.
We guarantee compliance with all Companies House standards.
We provide support in Ukrainian, English, and Russian.
HOW IT WORKS
1️Send a verification request via Locman ICS.
2️Get instructions and a list of required documents.
3️Pass the check online - without visiting the office.
4️Receive official confirmation of verification from Companies House.
DON'T DELAY!
Start verification today to ensure your business remains completely legal and transparent.
Get a free consultation.
OUR TEAM
Yevhen Sarafanov
Owner and CEO LOCMAN ICS LTD
Ludmila Chilik
Corporate and tax lawyer (Europe, USA, East Asia, UAE)