Where can you get a Certificate of Good Standing for your limited company?
A Certificate of Good Standing from Companies House can be obtained for any UK-registered private limited company that has remained in continuous existence since incorporation and has met all statutory filing requirements.
To qualify for a Certificate of Good Standing, your company must have no overdue fees or charges at Companies House or HMRC, and there must be no ongoing actions to strike the company off the register.
When applying for a Certificate of Good Standing for a private company limited by shares or guarantee, ensure the following:
- The company has at least one natural director (a human being, not a corporate entity) over the age of 16.
- The annual confirmation statement (formerly known as the annual return) and annual accounts are filed with Companies House by their statutory deadlines.
- Any changes to your company’s registered details are promptly reported to Companies House and/or HMRC.
If your company meets all these requirements, you can obtain a Certificate of Good Standing at any time after incorporation.
Why would you require a Certificate of Good Standing?
There are various reasons why a UK-registered company might require a Certificate of Good Standing.
Trading overseas
The primary reason to apply for a Certificate of Good Standing is to conduct business in another country or establish an overseas branch or office. In these cases, you may need to present the certificate to relevant authorities, such as the registrar of companies in the country where you plan to operate.
Opening an overseas bank account
Furthermore, if you wish to open an overseas bank account for a UK company, you will typically need to demonstrate your company’s good standing status.
However, it’s important to note that the certificate does not confirm your company’s financial health. Financial institutions will require additional documentation and perform credit checks to verify this.
Running a UK company with non-resident directors
Obtaining a certificate is not just for international trading. You might also need one when opening a UK business bank account for a company with directors who are non-UK residents.
This is not unusual, as many overseas citizens and residents choose to establish limited companies in the UK.
Meeting the requirements of third parties in the UK
Third parties in the UK may also request a Certificate of Good Standing in various situations, such as:
- Applying for a business loan
- Leasing commercial property
- Opening a new business bank account
- Engaging with new suppliers
- Applying for trade credit
- Attracting new business partners or investors
- Bidding on high-value contracts
By showing that your company complies with all regulatory obligations, you reassure third parties that your business is credible, professional, and well-organized.
What details are displayed on the certificate?
A Certificate of Good Standing displays the following details:
- Registered name of the company
- Company registration number (CRN)
- Date of incorporation at Companies House
- Names of all current company directors
- Name of the company secretary (if applicable)
- Registered office address
- Date of issue
The certificate also includes a good standing statement confirming that the company is up to date with its filings, has at least one natural director over the age of 16, has been in “continuous, unbroken” existence since incorporation, and is not subject to any actions related to dissolution, liquidation, or administration.
These certificates are valid for only 3 months from the date of issue. After that period, you will need to apply for a new certificate if required.
Using the Certificate of Good Standing overseas
A primary use of a Certificate of Good Standing is to prove to foreign authorities, regulators, and organizations that your UK limited company is in good standing with Companies House. However, many of these third parties will require you to “legalize” the certificate for use in their respective countries.
To legalize a certificate or any official UK document for overseas use, you will need an apostille. This is an official stamped certificate issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, making certain documents legally valid in 122 different countries.
Do you have any other questions?
You can request a Certificate of Good Standing for your limited company by applying directly to Companies House. This document shows that your company is compliant with all legal requirements, including filing obligations. It’s often needed for business dealings like international trade, securing loans, or opening bank accounts abroad.
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