The year 2026 marks a turning point for UK company administration. Companies House is implementing the most significant reforms in decades, affecting every limited company in the United Kingdom. From mandatory identity verification to increased filing fees and stricter compliance requirements, these changes will impact how you run your business.

If you are a company director, shareholder, or manage UK companies in any capacity, understanding these changes is not optional. The penalties for non-compliance are severe, and ignorance of the new rules will not be accepted as an excuse.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Companies House changes coming in 2026 and shows you how to stay compliant without the stress.

Identity Verification: The Biggest Change in Company Registration History

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 has transformed how Companies House operates. The most significant change is mandatory identity verification for anyone connected to UK companies.

Who Must Verify Their Identity

Every company director, regardless of when they were appointed, must complete identity verification. People with significant control over companies must also verify their identities. This includes anyone who owns more than 25% of company shares or has substantial influence over company decisions.

Additionally, anyone filing documents with Companies House on behalf of a company, such as company secretaries and authorized agents, must undergo verification.

The November 2026 Deadline

Existing directors who were appointed before the verification system launched face a hard deadline of November 2026. Missing this deadline means you cannot file any documents with Companies House, effectively freezing your company’s ability to remain compliant with other legal requirements.

New directors appointed after the system launch must verify their identity immediately upon appointment. There is no grace period.

The Verification Process

Identity verification is completed online through the Companies House website. You will need a valid passport, driving license, or other government-issued photo identification. The system uses sophisticated technology to verify your documents against official databases.

The process includes biometric verification, where you take a selfie or short video to confirm you are the person in your identity document. Once verified, you receive a unique verification code that must be used for all future Companies House filings.

Verification is a one-time requirement per person, not per company. If you are a director of multiple companies, you only need to verify once, and your verification code works across all your directorships.

Fee Increases: What You Will Pay from February 2026

Companies House is increasing its fees from February 2026 to cover the cost of new systems and enhanced services.

Company Incorporation Costs

Standard online incorporation, currently £12, will increase to approximately £18 to £20. Same-day incorporation services will rise from £100 to an estimated £120 to £150. Paper incorporation will jump from £71 to around £85 to £90.

These increases represent significant percentage changes, particularly for company formation agents and accountants who register multiple companies.

Annual Filing Fees

The confirmation statement fee will increase from £34 to approximately £40 to £45. While this may seem modest, it affects every UK company annually and adds up quickly for those managing multiple entities.

Other common filings will also see price adjustments. Changes to company details, director appointments, and share capital statements may incur new or increased fees where they were previously free or inexpensive.

New Compliance Requirements and Stricter Enforcement

Beyond verification and fees, 2026 brings enhanced scrutiny and tougher penalties.

Registered Office Address Rules

Companies House is cracking down on inappropriate registered office addresses. Your registered office must be a real location where official documents can be served during business hours. Post office boxes and virtual office addresses face increased restrictions.

Enhanced Due Diligence

Companies House has new powers to query information that appears incorrect or suspicious. They can demand additional evidence and reject filings that do not meet their standards.

Accelerated Strike-Off Procedures

Companies that fail to meet their filing obligations face faster strike-off proceedings. What once took months can now happen in weeks, giving directors less time to rectify compliance failures.

Director Disqualification

The government has expanded grounds for director disqualification. Repeated compliance failures, even minor ones, can now lead to bans from acting as a company director.

The Challenge of Managing Multiple Changes Simultaneously

The difficulty with these 2026 changes is not any single requirement. It is managing multiple deadlines, new processes, and increased costs simultaneously while running your actual business.

Consider what you need to track:

Your identity verification deadline of November 2026. Your confirmation statement deadline, which is unique to each company. Your annual accounts deadline, which depends on your financial year end. The new fee structure from February 2026. Any changes to registered office requirements. Updates to director and shareholder information. Person with significant control notifications.

For directors managing multiple companies, multiply these obligations by the number of entities you oversee. It quickly becomes overwhelming.

The Solution: UK Companies House On The Go App

The UK Companies House On The Go mobile app is purpose-built for the 2026 compliance landscape. It consolidates every obligation, deadline, and requirement into one intuitive platform.

Comprehensive Deadline Tracking

The app automatically tracks all your Companies House deadlines including identity verification, annual accounts, confirmation statements, and every other filing obligation. You receive smart push notifications well in advance, so you always have time to prepare.

Identity Verification Reminders

Do not miss the crucial November 2026 identity verification deadline. The app sends escalating reminders ensuring you complete this critical requirement before time runs out.

Fee Calculator

Stay informed about the new fee structure with built-in calculators showing exactly what each filing will cost under the 2026 pricing. Budget accurately and avoid surprises.

Real-Time Company Information

Access complete, up-to-date information about any UK company instantly. Check filing histories, verify director details, and ensure your own company records are accurate and current.

Multi-Company Dashboard

Manage all your companies in one place. See which entities need immediate attention and which are safely compliant. Perfect for directors, accountants, and company secretaries juggling multiple clients or portfolios.

Compliance Status Overview

Get a clear visual overview of your compliance status across all verification, filing, and reporting requirements. Know exactly where you stand at any moment.

Download the UK Companies House On The Go App Today

Take control of the 2026 changes before they overwhelm you. The app is your complete compliance solution.

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/uk-companies-house-on-the-go/id6743302358

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.companiesonthe.go

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The Companies House changes in 2026 represent a fundamental shift in how UK companies operate. Identity verification, increased fees, and stricter compliance requirements are here to stay.

You can either scramble to keep up, risking penalties and compliance failures, or you can embrace these changes with the right tools and support. The UK Companies House On The Go app transforms complex compliance obligations into simple, manageable tasks.

Download the app now and navigate 2026 with confidence, clarity, and complete peace of mind.