What Is a ‘Certificate of Good Standing’ and How Do I Get One?

What Is a Certificate of Good Standing?

A Certificate of Good Standing is an official document issued by Companies House, the UK’s registrar of companies. It confirms that your company is active, compliant, and up to date with all statutory filing requirements.

But what does “good standing” actually mean, how do you obtain this certificate, and when might you need one? This guide answers those key questions.

Key Takeaways

• A Certificate of Good Standing confirms that a UK company is active, compliant, and has met all statutory filing obligations.

• It is commonly required when trading internationally, opening an overseas bank account, or proving legitimacy to clients, investors, or partners.

• The certificate includes company details such as incorporation date, directors, registered office address, and filing status, but does not include shareholder information.

• You can request the certificate directly from Companies House or through Companies MadeSimple, which offers express and apostilled options.

• For international use, the certificate can be apostilled by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for recognition in Hague Convention countries.

• Although not legally required for UK companies, maintaining good standing strengthens credibility and ensures compliance.

What Does “Good Standing” Mean?

A company is considered to be in good standing when it has no outstanding compliance issues with Companies House. This means:

• All confirmation statements and annual accounts have been filed on time

• Required fees have been paid

• The company is active and not subject to strike-off action

A Certificate of Good Standing acts as formal proof that your business is legitimate, fully operational, and compliant with UK company law.

Why Might You Need a Certificate of Good Standing?

While UK companies are not legally required to hold a Certificate of Good Standing, there are several situations where one is commonly requested.

Trading Overseas

If you plan to trade internationally, open a foreign branch, or establish an overseas office, you may be asked to provide a notarised or apostilled Certificate of Good Standing. Overseas regulators often require this document to verify your company’s legal status.

The certificate may also be needed to open an international business bank account for your UK company.

Requests from Clients, Partners, or Investors

Banks, investors, suppliers, and business partners may ask to see your Certificate of Good Standing before working with you. This allows them to assess risk and confirm that your company is reputable and compliant.

Much like a credit check, the certificate helps third parties verify your legitimacy before entering into a professional relationship. Likewise, you may request the same documentation from another company before collaborating with them.

What Information Is Included?

A Certificate of Good Standing typically includes:

• Company name and registered office address

• Date of incorporation

• Names of directors

• Names of secretaries (if applicable)

• Confirmation that statutory filings are up to date

• Company objects (if applicable)

Note: Shareholder information is not included on a Certificate of Good Standing.

How to Request a Certificate of Good Standing

There are two main ways to obtain your certificate.

Requesting Directly from Companies House

You can apply online via Companies House or contact them by phone on 0303 1234 500 to request a Certificate of Good Standing.

Requesting Through Companies MadeSimple

Companies MadeSimple can handle the entire process for you, removing the hassle of dealing with paperwork and administration.

With multiple service options available, you can choose:

• Standard or express delivery

• Apostilled certificates for international use

• Combined express and apostille services

Depending on the package selected, a digital scan of your certificate may be available within 24 hours, with the physical copy sent by post shortly after.

Delivery times exclude weekends, bank holidays, and any delays at Companies House.

How to Get a Certificate of Good Standing Apostilled

If your certificate is required for overseas use, it may need to be apostilled.

This involves:

1. Certification by a solicitor

2. Apostille stamping by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Once completed, your Certificate of Good Standing will be legally recognised in all countries that are part of the Hague Convention. A scanned copy is usually provided first, followed by the original document by post.

Companies MadeSimple can arrange the full process as part of a bundled service.

What Is an Apostilled Document?

An apostille is an official government-issued certificate attached to documents—such as a Certificate of Good Standing—to confirm their authenticity for international use.

Once apostilled by the FCDO, the document is recognised in Hague Convention countries without further legalisation.

Companies MadeSimple also offers apostille services for other business documents, including solicitor certification and FCDO fees.

FAQs

What is a Certificate of Good Standing?

It is an official document issued by Companies House confirming that a company is compliant with UK company law, has filed all required documents, and is actively trading.

Why would a company need one?

It is commonly required for international trade, opening overseas bank accounts, or providing proof of legitimacy to investors, clients, or partners.

What details does it include?

The certificate shows the company’s registered office address, incorporation date, directors, secretaries (if applicable), filing status, and company objects. Shareholder information is not included.

How long does it take to receive?

Standard Companies House requests may take several days. Express services can provide a digital scan within 24 hours, subject to availability and processing times.

What does apostilled mean?

An apostilled certificate has been certified by the FCDO, allowing it to be legally recognised in other countries under the Hague Convention.

Is it legally required?

No, UK companies are not required to hold a Certificate of Good Standing. However, maintaining good standing is essential for compliance and protecting your company’s reputation.