The GOV.UK identity verification guide, an Arab director's reading

The official GOV.UK guide tells you what to do. It doesn't tell you what it feels like to be sitting in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, or Kuwait City trying to figure out how to comply with a UK government process you've never heard of before. Here's what it actually means for you.

From 8 April 2025, identity verification opened voluntarily. From 18 November 2025, it became mandatory. If you were already a director before that date, you provide your personal code with the company's next confirmation statement during the transition. The relevant date is role-specific, not one universal calendar deadline.

The most common question we hear from Arab clients: do I have to fly to the UK? No. The entire process can be done remotely through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) like Fileminder. You need a valid travel document, UAE or GCC passport, Saudi national ID (هوية وطنية), or Emirates ID, and to complete a short biometric video check. It takes under 15 minutes, end to end.

The GOV.UK guide provides two routes. One Login accepts a current biometric passport from any country, as well as certain UK documents. An authorised ACSP offers a separate agent-assisted route for people who prefer support or need to use other approved evidence.

What happens if you don't verify? You'll be unable to file anything with Companies House, not your confirmation statement, not your annual accounts. Your accountant won't be able to submit filings on your behalf either. Companies House will also annotate your company's public register entry, visible to anyone looking up your company, including banks and potential business partners, marking your identity as unverified.