0207 608 5500
Search ideas, news and case studies
Blog Categories
What Is a Certificate of Good Standing, and How Do I Get One?
A Certificate of Good Standing is confirmation from Companies House that your company is compliant, active, and up to date with its statutory filing obligations. It's not a legal requirement for UK companies, but it comes up often enough in specific situations that it's worth knowing how to get one.
Key Takeaways
- A Certificate of Good Standing is an official document from Companies House confirming a UK company is compliant, active, and up to date with its filings.
- Businesses often need one when trading overseas, opening an international bank account, or proving legitimacy to clients, investors, or partners.
- It includes details like incorporation date, directors, registered office, and filing status, but doesn't include shareholder information.
- You can request one directly from Companies House, or through a formation agent's express service if you need it quickly.
- For international use, it can be apostilled by the FCDO, making it legally recognised in countries within the Hague Convention.
What Is a Certificate of Good Standing?
It's a document issued by Companies House confirming your company is in "good standing," meaning it's reputable, fully operational, compliant with UK company law, and has no open issues like a missing Confirmation Statement.
Why Might I Need One?
It isn't a legal requirement for UK companies, but a few situations commonly call for it.
Trading overseas. If you're setting up a branch or office abroad, you're typically expected to present a notarised Certificate of Good Standing to that country's equivalent of Companies House. The same applies if you want to open an overseas business bank account.
When a client, partner, supplier, or investor asks for one. Before entering into a business relationship, they may want to see it as proof you're legitimate and properly up to date, similar to how a company credit check works. You're equally entitled to ask to see one from a company you're considering working with.
What Information Does It Include?
- Names of your director(s)
- Names of your secretaries, if applicable
- Your company's registered office address
- Your date of incorporation
- Confirmation you're up to date with statutory filing requirements
- Your company's objects, if applicable
It doesn't include shareholder information, so it's not the right document if that's specifically what's being requested of you.
How Do I Request One?
Directly from Companies House. You can place a request online, or by calling 0303 1234 500.
Through a formation agent. Services like ours can handle the request for you, including apostilled or express delivery options if you need it quickly, sometimes within 24 hours, excluding weekends, bank holidays, or any delay at Companies House itself.
What Does It Mean to Have It Apostilled?
An apostille is an official government-issued certification added to a document so it's recognised abroad. For a Certificate of Good Standing, this means having it certified by a solicitor and then apostilled by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), after which it's recognised in every country within the Hague Convention.
FAQs
What is a Certificate of Good Standing?
An official document from Companies House confirming your company is compliant with UK company law, has filed everything required, and is fully operational.
Why might I need a Certificate of Good Standing?
Most commonly for trading overseas, opening a foreign business bank account, or providing proof of legitimacy to a client, partner, or investor.
What information is included on the certificate?
Your registered office, incorporation date, directors and secretaries, confirmation of up-to-date filings, and your company's objects if applicable. It doesn't include shareholder details.
How long does it take to get one?
Standard requests from Companies House may take several days. Express services through a formation agent can often provide a scanned copy within 24 hours, excluding weekends and bank holidays.
What does it mean for a certificate to be apostilled?
It's certified by the FCDO so it's recognised internationally under the Hague Convention, often required by overseas regulators, banks, or government authorities.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Companies House processes and fees can change, so it's worth checking current guidance on GOV.UK or Companies House before relying on the details above.
