Companies House Changes Go Live: What You Need to Know

The UK’s company registration framework is undergoing major reform, with the upcoming Companies House rule changes marking a historic shift in how new companies are formed, managed, and verified.

From 18 November 2025, directors, shareholders, and company agents will need to verify their identities before registering or updating a company in the U.K.

This marks the biggest change to company formation rules in decades, and is designed to make the system more transparent and harder to misuse.

For founders and international teams, this means ID checks will now form part of the process, and company filings will be reviewed more closely. Your company records will need to be kept fully up to date.

If you are setting up a company or managing existing filings, now is the time to check your details and confirm your records.

In this practical guide, we’ll cover:

• What are the key changes in the new Companies House rules?
• How do these changes impact the process of company formation in the UK?
• What steps should companies take to prepare for the new regulations?
• Advice for companies planning to set up in the UK

Here’s what you need to know.

What are the key changes in the new Companies House rules?

The latest reforms to Companies House are some of the most substantial updates to the UK’s company registration system in years. Rolling out on November 18 2025, these changes aim to make UK company information more transparent, reliable, and secure.

At their core, the reforms give Companies House stronger powers to verify, question, and, where necessary, reject company filings that appear false, incomplete, or misleading. It’s a major shift away from the old “passive registrar” model, where information was simply recorded, to a more proactive regulatory role.

The changes introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 are being rolled out in stages; some are already in force, while others will arrive in 2025. Below is a practical summary of both timelines, so you can plan ahead.

What’s already in force? 

Several reforms took effect in early 2024, marking the first step in transforming Companies House into a more active gatekeeper for UK corporate data.

• Lawful Purpose Statement: From 4 March 2024, all new companies must confirm that they are being formed for a lawful purpose, and existing companies must reaffirm this annually via their confirmation statement.
• Registered Office and Email Requirements: PO boxes are no longer permitted as registered addresses; every company must provide an “appropriate address” where correspondence can be acknowledged, and must supply a registered email address for official communications.
• Enhanced Powers for Companies House: The registrar can now query, reject, or remove inaccurate or suspicious information from the register, part of its new proactive enforcement role to improve data quality and deter misuse.
• Increased Filing Fees: From 1 May 2024, Companies House raised incorporation and filing fees to fund these expanded powers. Although modest, the changes mean founders should revisit their budgeting for formation and annual filings.

What’s to come?

From 18 November 2025, every new director, Person with Significant Control (PSC), and anyone filing information at Companies House will have to verify their identity before a company can be registered. This measure aims to combat fraud and ensure that individuals behind UK companies are legitimate and traceable.

How do these changes impact the process of company formation in the UK?

These reforms represent the most significant shift in UK company formation in decades. These changes mean the registration process is becoming more transparent, more secure, and more closely monitored than ever before. While the steps for incorporation remain largely the same, the level of scrutiny and the information required are increasing.

In practice, this means founders will need to allow more time to gather identification documents and complete the verification process, particularly if incorporating through an agent or service provider. Those already registered will have 12 months to verify once the system goes live.

Greater administrative precision at incorporation

Since 4 March 2024, every company application must include:

• A lawful purpose statement, confirming the business will operate legitimately;
• A registered email address for official communications; and
• A physical registered office address that is not a P.O. box.

This means applications that previously passed automatically may now be queried if any information appears incomplete or inaccurate. For founders, this adds an extra step, but it also enhances the credibility of the UK corporate register.

A shift in timing and cost

While the online incorporation process remains fast (typically within 24 hours) Companies House can now pause or reject filings that raise red flags. This new power, already in force, means founders should ensure all information (particularly director details and registered addresses) is correct the first time.

Additionally, filing fees increased from 1 May 2024, so start-up budgets should reflect these moderately higher costs. 

Stronger scrutiny for company agents and third parties

Formation agents, known legally as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs), will play a greater role in this new landscape. Only ACSPs that are supervised for anti-money-laundering compliance in the UK will be permitted to file or verify identities on behalf of clients. For founders, this means choosing an experienced, compliant service provider is now more important than ever.

For new businesses, this all means planning ahead:

• Gather all necessary identification documents early;
• Choose an authorised, AML-supervised formation agent;
• Double-check your registered details for accuracy; and
• Build slightly longer lead times into your launch schedule.

Follow these steps, and you can ensure your company starts on the right side of compliance and stays there.

What steps should companies take to prepare for the new regulations?

Whether you’re forming a company or already operating one, preparation now will save you compliance headaches later. Here’s how to get ready.

Review and update your company information

Start with a data audit. Check that your registered office address, company email, director details, and shareholder information are all accurate and up to date. Companies House now has the power to query, reject, or remove information that appears false or inconsistent, so even small discrepancies can cause delays or trigger inquiries.

Prepare for identity verification

Identity checks are coming in November 2025, and they’ll affect directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs), and anyone filing information. For existing companies, there will be a 12-month transition window to get everyone verified.

Founders should start compiling proof of identity (such as a passport or driving licence) and decide whether to verify directly via Companies House or through an authorised agent. For larger businesses, this is also a good time to establish internal policies to ensure all future appointees meet verification requirements before taking office.

Assign responsibility for compliance

Don’t leave compliance to chance. Appoint a dedicated person or team to monitor updates from Companies House and ensure filings are completed correctly. Creating a compliance calendar that aligns with your annual confirmation statement and key deadlines can help keep things organised.

If your company uses a formation agent, ensure they are an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) regulated for anti-money-laundering purposes; only these agents can verify identities or file on your behalf under the new rules.

Review your corporate governance and documentation

The new regulations introduce tighter controls around corporate directors and nominee arrangements. Review your articles of association and shareholder agreements to make sure they remain consistent with the new requirements. If your structure relies on corporate directors, confirm that it meets the forthcoming eligibility conditions.

Engage early with legal and accounting advisors

These changes will affect how you incorporate, manage, and report on your company. A proactive review with your legal or accounting advisors can help you update your governance framework, avoid inadvertent non-compliance, and plan for fee adjustments.

Communicate internally and train your team

Even the best compliance systems fail without awareness. Brief your leadership and admin staff on the new obligations, from verifying identities to maintaining appropriate addresses. Everyone who handles company filings should understand the new standards.

Advice for companies planning to set up in the UK

The UK remains one of the most attractive places in the world to start a business, with fast incorporation, a clear legal system, and strong investor confidence. But the 2024–2025 reforms mean that company formation now requires a little more preparation and attention to detail than before. If you’re planning to set up in the UK, here’s how to do it right under the new rules.

Plan ahead for identity verification

If you’re setting up a business from overseas, this step may take longer due to cross-border verification checks or additional documentation requirements. Gather your proof of identity early - passport, driver’s licence, or approved digital ID - and decide whether to verify directly through Companies House or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

Choose the right formation agent

When choosing a service provider, verify their AML registration status and experience. Reputable agents can streamline your incorporation, assist with ongoing filings, and help you stay compliant once your business is operational.

Prepare accurate company details before applying

Since March 2024, Companies House has adopted a far more proactive role in reviewing applications. It can query, reject, or remove information that appears incomplete or suspicious. 

To avoid delays:

• Make sure your company name complies with the “lawful purpose” requirement.
• Provide a registered office address that meets the new “appropriate address” test (no PO boxes allowed).
• Include a registered email address for official communications.

Budget for increased filing fees

As of 1 May 2024, Companies House fees have risen to fund the new enforcement and verification systems. While still modest compared with other jurisdictions, these fees should be built into your formation budget.

Consider your registered office address carefully

Your registered office is more than an administrative requirement; it can shape how your business is perceived. Since all UK companies must have a verifiable physical address, consider using a professional office or formation agent’s address service in a reputable location. 

This not only ensures compliance but can also enhance your company’s credibility with clients and investors.

Conclusion

The new Companies House reforms mark a turning point for UK business transparency. For the first time in decades, the process of incorporating and managing a company in the UK is being modernised to reflect today’s global standards of accountability and data integrity.

For founders and executives, this goes beyond compliance and ultimately becomes about credibility. Businesses that prepare early, verify correctly, and maintain accurate records will find themselves ahead of the curve, trusted by investors, regulators, and customers alike.

Take a moment to review your company’s governance, update your filings, and strengthen your internal processes. The more proactive you are now, the smoother your path will be when the new rules take full effect.

At Biztech Lawyers, we help founders and international businesses establish and scale in the UK with confidence. Our team can guide you through identity verification, compliance reviews, and the finer details of UK company law so you can focus on what matters most: growing your business.