Purpose
This guidance, published on 18 November 2025 by Companies House, explains legal requirements for identifying, reporting, and maintaining information on People with Significant Control (PSCs) for UK companies, UK Societas (UKS), Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), and eligible Scottish partnerships (SLPs and SQPs). It supports compliance with the Companies Act 2006 and related regulations.
Key Changes
- Central PSC Register: From 18 November 2025, Companies House will maintain the PSC register; companies no longer need a local PSC register.
- Identity Verification: All PSCs must verify their identity within 14 days of appointment. Verification can be done directly with Companies House or via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
- Public Transparency: Most PSC details are publicly available, except residential addresses and full dates of birth. Protection is possible in exceptional cases (e.g., risk of violence).
Who Must Comply
- UK incorporated companies (limited by shares or guarantee, unlimited companies).
- LLPs and UK Societas.
- Eligible Scottish partnerships.
- Exemptions: Certain listed companies, overseas companies, mutuals, CIOs, and FCA-registered investment vehicles.
PSC Definition
An individual is a PSC if they meet any of these conditions:
- Hold > 25% of shares.
- Hold > 25% of voting rights.
- Have the right to appoint/remove a majority of directors.
- Exercise significant influence or control.
- Control a trust or firm that meets any of the above conditions.
Legal entities may be reported as Registrable Relevant Legal Entities (RLEs) if they meet PSC conditions and are the first relevant entity in the ownership chain.
Information Required
For PSCs:
- Name, DOB, nationality, usual residential address, service address, date became PSC, and condition(s) met.
For RLEs:
- Name, principal office, legal form, governing law, registration details, date became registrable, and condition(s) met.
Company Duties
The PSC register held by Companies House for your company must never be empty.
Identify PSCs and Registrable Relevant Legal Entities (RLEs):
- Take reasonable steps to determine who meets PSC conditions.
- Serve notices if information is missing or unclear.
- Report to Companies House even if no PSC exists.
Report PSC Information:
- File confirmed PSC details (name, DOB, nationality, address, nature of control) within 14 days of confirmation.
- If information cannot be confirmed, report status to Companies House.
Keep Information Updated:
- Notify Companies House of any changes within 14 days of confirmation.
- Includes when someone becomes or ceases to be a PSC, or when details change.
Identity Verification:
- PSCs must verify identity within 14 days of appointment or relevant deadline.
- Companies should ensure PSCs understand their obligations, though liability rests with the PSC.
Compliance with Notices:
- Respond to PSC-related notices within one month.
- Failure to respond can lead to restrictions on shares or rights.
Report Non-Compliance:
- If PSC information cannot be obtained, companies must inform Companies House and consider imposing restrictions.
Enforcement
- Failure to comply is a criminal offence and may result in fines or imprisonment.
- Companies House can impose restrictions on shares or rights if information is withheld.
- PSCs also have a duty to inform companies of their status.
Bottom Line
From the 18 November 2025, all companies will be required to comply with identity verification requirements for PSCs and / or RLEs.
- Existing companies - immediately on or after 18th November 2025 and to any changes to PSCs and / or RLEs thereafter.
- All new PSCs and / or RLEs immediately upon incorporation of a new company – and those who become PSCs and / or RLEs thereafter.
When the PSC and / or RLE information is required:
PSCs and / or RLEs have a 14-day window to submit verification after their appointed date. You can check when this 14 day period begins by reviewing the company’s details via the Companies House website (under the People tab): Get information about a company - GOV.UK
Compliance with PSC requirements is mandatory. Accurate, timely reporting and identity verification are essential to maintain transparency and prevent economic crime.
More info: Register of People with Significant Control