1. Introduction: What a Certificate of Good Standing Really Proves
When banks, overseas authorities, investors, or partners ask for a Certificate of Good Standing, they are asking one simple question:
Is this UK company legitimate, compliant, and safe to deal with right now?
A Certificate of Good Standing is official proof from Companies House that your company is active, properly maintained, and not facing strike-off or dissolution. While not required for everyday UK trading, it becomes essential the moment your business steps into international, financial, or regulated territory. And we’ll handle it all for you, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
2. What Is a Certificate of Good Standing UK?
A Certificate of Good Standing is an official document issued by Companies House, the UK’s registrar of companies.
It confirms that:
- Your company has existed continuously since incorporation
- All statutory filings are up to date
- All required fees and penalties have been paid
- No action is being taken to strike the company off the register
You may also hear it referred to as:
- Certificate of Existence
- Certificate of Authorisation
- Summary Statement
In practice, all these terms point to the same concept: legal and compliance health.
3. How to Get a Certificate of Good Standing in the UK
At FormationsHunt, we make getting a Certificate of Good Standing straightforward and hassle-free. Our managed service takes care of the entire process for you, ensuring your request is handled correctly and without delays, so you get a compliant, ready-to-use certificate when you need it.
Certification of Good Standing – £79.99
Includes:
- Date of incorporation
- Director(s) name(s)
- Company secretary name (if relevant)
- Registered office address
- Company objects (if relevant)
- Verification that your company is fully up to date with filings
You also benefit from:
- Compliance checks before ordering
- Faster handling
- Digital copy availability (where applicable)
And all that you get for £79.99
4. When Do You Need a Certificate of Good Standing?
Although not legally mandatory, many organisations will not proceed without one.
4.1. Opening UK or Overseas Bank Accounts
Banks, especially when directors are non-UK residents, frequently require a Certificate of Good Standing before approving business accounts.
4.2. Trading Overseas or Setting Up a Foreign Branch
Most overseas company registrars require proof that your UK company is compliant before recognising it locally.
4.3. Dealing With Investors or Lenders
Venture capital firms, private lenders, and even traditional banks often request this certificate during due diligence.
4.4. Government Contracts & Regulated Industries
Public sector tenders, grants, and regulatory licences commonly require evidence of good standing.
4.5. Proving Credibility to Clients & Partners
For high-value contracts, a Certificate of Good Standing reassures the other party that your business is reliable and properly managed.
5. What Information Appears on the Certificate (And What Never Does)
Included on a UK Certificate of Good Standing:
- Company name and registration number
- Date of incorporation
- Director(s) name(s)
- Company secretary name (if applicable)
- Registered office address
- Company objects (if relevant)
- Confirmation that filings are fully up to date
- Statement confirming no strike-off action
Not Included (By Design):
- Shareholders
- Shareholdings
- PSC (Persons with Significant Control)
- Statement of capital
If ownership or control details are required, a certified Confirmation Statement must be used alongside the Certificate of Good Standing.
6. Eligibility Rules: Is Your Company in “Good Standing”?
To qualify, your company must meet all of the following:
- At Least One Natural (Human) Director: A company cannot be issued a certificate if all directors are corporate entities.
- All Filings Submitted on Time
This includes:
- No Outstanding Fees or Penalties: Late filing penalties must be fully cleared.
- No Active Strike-Off or Insolvency Action: Companies in liquidation, administration, or strike-off processes are not eligible.
7. How Long Is a Certificate of Good Standing Valid?
A Certificate of Good Standing is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
Why such a short validity?
Because a company’s compliance status can change quickly, late filings or unpaid penalties instantly affect good standing.
Most authorities will reject certificates older than 3 months.
8. Why Companies House May Refuse to Issue One
Companies House will refuse a Certificate of Good Standing if:
- Accounts or confirmation statements are overdue
- Required company information is missing or inconsistent
- The company lacks a natural director
- Penalties remain unpaid
This is why many businesses choose a pre-check service before applying.
9. Using a Certificate of Good Standing Outside the UK
Many countries require the certificate to be apostilled.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official authentication issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), making the document legally valid in over 120 countries under the Hague Convention.
Without an apostille, overseas authorities may reject your certificate outright.
10. Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
- Ordering before filings are up to date
- Assuming shareholder details will be included
- Using an expired certificate
- Forgetting apostille requirements for overseas use
- Applying without checking director’s eligibility
These mistakes can delay banking, licensing, or expansion plans by weeks.
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a Certificate of Good Standing legally required in the UK?
No, but it is frequently required by banks, overseas authorities, and investors.
Can a newly formed company get one?
Yes, as soon as it appears on the Companies House register and filings are compliant.
Does it prove tax compliance?
No. It confirms Companies House compliance only, not HMRC tax filings.
Can I get a digital copy?
Yes, depending on the service used. Many institutions accept scanned copies initially.
12. Conclusion & Final Call to Action
A Certificate of Good Standing is not just a document, it’s trust in writing.
Whether you’re opening a bank account, expanding overseas, or securing funding, having a valid, correctly issued certificate can mean the difference between fast approval and frustrating delays.
Order your Certificate of Good Standing today and ensure your UK company is always ready to move forward with confidence.
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