Companies House is undergoing its biggest transformation in decades. If you are a company director, person with significant control, or planning to register a new business in 2026, you need to understand these sweeping changes right now.

The new rules are not optional. They affect every limited company in the UK, and non-compliance could mean rejection of your filings, delays in company registration, or worse. Let me break down exactly what is changing and how you can stay ahead.

What Is Changing at Companies House in 2026

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act has ushered in a new era of company regulation. Companies House is no longer just a passive registry. It is now an active gatekeeper with enhanced powers to verify, investigate, and reject information.

Here are the major changes you need to know:

Mandatory Identity Verification for All Directors and PSCs

This is the biggest shift. Every company director and person with significant control must now verify their identity with Companies House. This applies whether you are registering a new company or already run an existing one.

The verification process requires you to prove who you are using official documents. You cannot skip this step. No verified identity means no company registration or director appointment. Existing directors have a deadline to complete verification or face potential removal from their positions.

Stricter Requirements for Company Registration

Setting up a new company in 2026 involves more scrutiny than ever before. Companies House now has the power to query and reject information that seems incorrect, inconsistent, or suspicious. Your company name, registered office address, and stated business activities all face closer examination.

Expect longer processing times for new registrations as Companies House conducts these additional checks.

Increased Filing Fees

Running a company is getting more expensive. Companies House has raised its fees across multiple services. Confirmation statement fees, accounts filing fees, and various change notifications now cost more than they did in 2025.

While individual increases might seem small, they add up over time, especially if you manage multiple companies.

Enhanced Powers to Remove False Information

Companies House can now proactively remove or suppress information it believes is fraudulent or incorrect. This means details on the public register could be challenged or removed, affecting your company’s visible information.

New Restrictions on Company Names and Addresses

Certain types of company names now face automatic rejection. Companies House has expanded its list of prohibited words and sensitive expressions. Additionally, there are tighter rules around registered office addresses to combat the use of fake or non-compliant addresses.

Why These Changes Matter to Your Business

These reforms are not bureaucratic box-ticking. They represent a fundamental shift in how company regulation works in the UK.

Protecting Your Business Reputation

The new rules aim to reduce fraud and increase transparency. While this creates extra work for legitimate businesses, it also means the companies you work with are more likely to be genuine and trustworthy. A cleaner register benefits everyone operating in good faith.

Avoiding Compliance Pitfalls

Falling behind on these new requirements could disrupt your business operations. Imagine trying to appoint a new director or file your annual confirmation statement, only to discover your identity verification is incomplete. These delays can affect contracts, banking relationships, and business opportunities.

Financial Planning

Higher fees mean you need to budget differently for company administration in 2026. If you run multiple companies, these costs multiply quickly.

How Directors Are Struggling with the New Rules

I have spoken with many company directors who feel overwhelmed by these changes. Here is what they are dealing with:

Tracking Multiple Verification Deadlines

If you are a director of several companies, you have multiple identity verification requirements to complete. Each one has its own deadline and documentation requirements.

Understanding Complex Requirements

The new rules are detailed and technical. Many directors are unsure whether they have completed everything correctly or if they are missing critical steps.

Managing Increased Administrative Burden

Between identity verification, higher scrutiny of filings, and keeping up with rule changes, company administration is consuming more time than ever.

Staying Updated

Companies House continues to release guidance and updates. Keeping track of the latest requirements while running your business is a real challenge.

Your Solution: UK Companies House On The Go App

This is exactly why the UK Companies House On The Go app has become essential for company directors in 2026.

Track Your Identity Verification Status

The app helps you monitor your identity verification requirements and deadlines. You can see at a glance which directors need to complete verification and when.

Real-Time Updates on Rule Changes

Companies House updates its guidance regularly. The app keeps you informed about new rules, deadline changes, and compliance requirements as they happen.

Manage All Your Companies in One Place

Whether you run one company or twenty, the app gives you a complete overview of all your compliance obligations. No more switching between spreadsheets or trying to remember which company needs what.

Instant Access to Company Information

Need to check your company details while meeting with your accountant or lawyer? The app provides immediate access to all your company information pulled directly from Companies House.

Deadline Alerts and Reminders

With higher fees for late filing and stricter enforcement, missing a deadline is costlier than ever. The app sends you timely alerts so you never miss a filing deadline or verification requirement.

Built for 2026 Compliance

The app is specifically designed to help you navigate the new Companies House landscape. It understands the current rules and requirements, making compliance straightforward rather than stressful.

Take Control Before It Is Too Late

The new Companies House rules are here to stay. You can either struggle to keep up manually or use technology designed specifically for this challenge.

Thousands of UK directors have already downloaded the UK Companies House On The Go app to simplify their compliance management. They are staying ahead of deadlines, tracking verification requirements, and managing their companies with confidence.

Download the App Today

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

Do not let the new Companies House rules catch you off guard. Download the UK Companies House On The Go app now and turn compliance complexity into simple, manageable tasks. Your business deserves better than last-minute scrambles and missed deadlines.

Make 2026 the year you master company compliance.