UK Confirmation Statement Explained for Non-Residents: Complete 2026 Guide

What Is a UK Confirmation Statement?

A UK confirmation statement is an annual filing that every UK company must submit to Companies House to confirm that the information held on the public register is accurate and up to date.

It applies to UK limited companies, including companies that are dormant or not currently trading. You must file at least one confirmation statement every 12 months, even if nothing about the company has changed. GOV.UK

For non-resident entrepreneurs, this is an important part of maintaining a UK company after incorporation.

Registering your company is only the beginning. Once your company has been formed, you need to maintain its statutory records, submit required filings and keep Companies House information accurate.

If you operate your UK company from India, UAE, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Singapore, the United States, Canada, Australia or another country, you can generally manage the confirmation statement process remotely.

Do Non-Residents Need to File a UK Confirmation Statement?

Yes.

Being a non-UK resident does not remove the requirement to file a confirmation statement.

The filing obligation applies to the company rather than the residential location of its directors or shareholders.

Companies House states that every company must file a confirmation statement at least once every year, including dormant and non-trading companies. GOV.UK

For example, suppose you incorporated a UK company while living in:

• 🇮🇳 India
• 🇦🇪 UAE
• 🇵🇰 Pakistan
• 🇧🇩 Bangladesh
• 🇳🇬 Nigeria
• 🇸🇬 Singapore
• 🇨🇳 China
• 🇺🇸 USA
• 🇨🇦 Canada
• 🇦🇺 Australia

Your company’s annual Companies House filing obligations still apply.

Your residence outside the UK does not by itself remove the requirement.

How Often Does a UK Company File a Confirmation Statement?

A UK company must review its information and file at least one confirmation statement every 12 months.

For a newly incorporated company, the first review period is generally based on the incorporation date.

After that, the next review period is based on the confirmation statement date.

Companies House allows a confirmation statement to be filed up to 14 days after the review period ends, but waiting until after the deadline can create unnecessary compliance problems. GOV.UK

Example

Imagine your company was incorporated on:

10 October 2026

Your first confirmation statement review period will run for 12 months from incorporation.

You should check the company’s Companies House record for the exact confirmation statement date and filing deadline.

For an international entrepreneur, the simplest approach is to maintain an annual compliance calendar rather than waiting for a reminder.

How Much Does a UK Confirmation Statement Cost in 2026?

From 1 February 2026, the Companies House online confirmation statement fee is:

£50 online

The paper filing fee is:

£110

These are the current Companies House statutory filing fees. GOV.UK

The Companies House fee is separate from any professional fee charged by an accountant, company formation agent or compliance provider for preparing and filing the confirmation statement.

What Information Is Checked in a UK Confirmation Statement?

Before submitting your confirmation statement, you should review the information Companies House holds about your company.

This can include:

1. Company registered office

Your UK company must maintain a valid registered office address.

If your company has changed address, the appropriate Companies House filing should be made rather than simply relying on the confirmation statement.

For non-resident founders, a professional UK Registered Office Address can help maintain a compliant UK address for statutory correspondence.

2. Directors

You should check that the director information held by Companies House is accurate.

If a director has been appointed or resigned, the appropriate Companies House filing should be completed.

3. People with Significant Control

Your company’s PSC information must remain accurate.

Changes to PSC information may require separate notification to Companies House.

4. Shareholders

Your shareholder information should be reviewed.

Certain shareholder information can be updated through the confirmation statement process where applicable. GOV.UK

5. Share capital

You should check the company’s statement of capital and relevant share information.

6. SIC code

Your SIC code describes the company’s principal business activity.

If your business activity has changed, you may need to update the SIC code.

7. Registered email address

Companies House requires a registered email address for companies that have not already provided one.

The registered email is used by Companies House to communicate with the company and is not published on the public register. GOV.UK

New Companies House Identity Verification Requirements

This is particularly important for non-resident company owners in 2026.

Companies House introduced mandatory identity verification requirements from 18 November 2025, with a transition period allowing companies and individuals to complete the requirements by their applicable deadlines. GOV.UK

Directors who have verified their identity receive a Companies House personal code.

For directors, the personal code is used to connect the verified identity with the director’s company appointment.

Companies House states that current directors need to provide their personal code with the company’s next confirmation statement filing from the applicable point in the transition. GOV.UK

Why does this matter for non-residents?

International directors should not assume that being outside the UK means they are exempt.

The identity-verification process applies to directors and PSCs regardless of whether they live in the UK or overseas, subject to the applicable Companies House requirements and deadlines.

Companies House accepts certain identity documents for online verification, including a biometric passport from any country. GOV.UK

This makes identity verification particularly relevant when incorporating and maintaining a UK company from overseas.

What Happens If Nothing Has Changed?

This is one of the most common questions.

You still need to file.

Even if:

• your directors are unchanged
• shareholders are unchanged
• your business activity is unchanged
• your registered office is unchanged
• the company has not traded
• the company has made no money

you still need to file a confirmation statement.

Companies House specifically states that a confirmation statement must be filed even when there have been no changes during the review period. GOV.UK

Think of it as telling Companies House:

“The information you hold about my company is still correct.”

Is a Confirmation Statement the Same as Annual Accounts?

No.

This is extremely important for non-resident company owners.

A confirmation statement is primarily about confirming and updating company information held at Companies House.

Annual accounts report the company’s financial information and have separate filing requirements.

You may therefore have both obligations.

Confirmation Statement

Deals primarily with company information such as:

• directors
• shareholders
• PSC information
• registered office
• SIC code
• share capital
• relevant company details

Annual Accounts

Deal with financial information such as:

• income
• expenditure
• assets
• liabilities
• balance sheet information
• relevant accounting disclosures

The deadlines and requirements can differ.

For broader accounting and compliance support, Activate Global provides UK Accounting & Compliance Services for UK companies, including businesses operated by non-resident owners. Activate Global Limited

Confirmation Statement vs Annual Accounts

Important: A confirmation statement does not replace your company’s accounts or other tax/compliance obligations.

What Happens If You Do Not File Your Confirmation Statement?

Failing to keep up with Companies House filings can create serious problems.

Companies House states that failure to file a confirmation statement can result in a financial penalty and the company may ultimately be struck off the register. The current guidance states that the fine can be up to £5,000. GOV.UK

For an international entrepreneur, this can cause additional complications.

A company that falls out of compliance may face difficulties when dealing with:

• banks
• payment providers
• marketplaces
• suppliers
• investors
• accountants
• customers

That’s why annual compliance should be treated as an ongoing responsibility rather than something to deal with only when a problem occurs.

Can a Non-Resident File a UK Confirmation Statement Online?

Yes.

Companies House provides an online filing service for confirmation statements. You generally need the company’s authentication details to file online. GOV.UK

The process can therefore be managed remotely without the director travelling to the UK.

However, if you are unsure whether your company information is correct, it is sensible to have the records reviewed before submitting the confirmation statement.

What Should Non-Residents Check Before Filing?

Before filing, we recommend checking:

Company information

☑ Company name
☑ Registered office
☑ Registered email
☑ SIC code

Directors

☑ Current directors
☑ Director details
☑ Identity verification status
☑ Companies House personal codes where required

Ownership

☑ Shareholders
☑ Shareholdings
☑ Statement of capital
☑ PSC information

Compliance

☑ Previous confirmation statement filed
☑ Next confirmation statement date
☑ Annual accounts deadline
☑ Corporation Tax obligations
☑ VAT obligations, if applicable

This checklist can prevent relatively simple administrative mistakes from becoming larger compliance problems.

What If My UK Company Has a Nominee Director?

If your company has a nominee director arrangement, it is especially important that the company’s statutory records remain accurate and that the legal responsibilities of the directors and beneficial owners are properly understood.

A nominee arrangement does not remove the company’s Companies House obligations.

If you are considering a nominee director structure, see our UK Nominee Director Service for information about the structure, documentation and ongoing management.

The company’s beneficial ownership and PSC information must still be handled in accordance with applicable UK requirements.

What If My Registered Office Address Has Changed?

You should update Companies House when your registered office changes rather than waiting for your next confirmation statement.

For non-resident entrepreneurs, maintaining a valid UK registered office is particularly important because official correspondence from Companies House and other authorities can be sent there.

Activate Global provides a UK Registered Office Address service with digital mail handling for international company owners.

This can help you remain aware of important statutory correspondence even when you live outside the UK.

What If I Have Just Formed My UK Company?

If you have recently incorporated your company, don’t think of the Certificate of Incorporation as the end of the process.

Your post-incorporation checklist can include:

1. Confirm your Companies House information
2. Complete applicable identity verification
3. Maintain your registered office
4. Set up business banking
5. Establish accounting records
6. Monitor Corporation Tax requirements
7. Check whether VAT registration applies
8. Keep shareholder and PSC information updated
9. Monitor your confirmation statement date
10. Prepare annual accounts when due

If you are still considering incorporation, you can learn more about our UK Company Formation for Non-Residents service.

UK Company Formation and Ongoing Compliance

A UK company is not simply a one-time registration.

For non-resident founders, successful company ownership involves both formation and ongoing compliance.

At Activate Global Limited, we support international entrepreneurs with:

• UK company formation
• UK registered office address
• Director identity verification support
• UK nominee director services
• Business banking assistance
• Payment gateway support
• Annual compliance
• Accounting support
• VAT guidance

Our UK company formation service is designed for entrepreneurs who want to establish a UK company remotely.

After incorporation, our UK Accounting & Compliance Services can help with ongoing accounting and compliance requirements. Activate Global Limited

Frequently Asked Questions

Do non-residents need to file a UK confirmation statement?

Yes. A UK company must file at least one confirmation statement every 12 months, regardless of whether its directors or shareholders live in the UK. Dormant and non-trading companies are also required to file. GOV.UK

How much is the UK confirmation statement fee in 2026?

The Companies House online confirmation statement fee is currently £50. The paper filing fee is £110. GOV.UK

What is a CS01 confirmation statement?

CS01 is the Companies House form used to confirm that the company’s information is up to date. Online filing is generally the simpler route. GOV.UK

What is the confirmation statement deadline?

You must review your company information and file at least once every 12 months. The exact confirmation date and filing deadline can be checked through the Companies House company register. GOV.UK

Do I need to file a confirmation statement if my company is dormant?

Yes. Companies House requires dormant and non-trading companies to file confirmation statements. GOV.UK

Is a confirmation statement the same as annual accounts?

No. A confirmation statement confirms company information, while annual accounts report financial information. Both can be separate obligations.

Do directors need identity verification for a confirmation statement?

Under the current Companies House identity-verification regime, directors must verify their identities and provide their Companies House personal codes as required. Companies House states that a confirmation statement cannot be accepted where the required director verification information has not been provided. GOV.UK

Can I file a confirmation statement from outside the UK?

Yes. Companies House provides online filing facilities, so the process can generally be completed remotely.

What happens if I miss my confirmation statement?

Companies House can impose penalties and may ultimately strike a company off the register if required filings are not submitted. GOV.UK

Need Help With UK Company Compliance?

Running a UK company from outside Britain doesn’t mean you have to manage every administrative requirement alone.

Activate Global Limited helps non-resident entrepreneurs establish and maintain UK companies remotely, from formation through ongoing compliance.

We can help with:

🇬🇧 UK Company Formation
📍 UK Registered Office Address
👤 Nominee Director Services
🏦 Business Banking Assistance
📊 Accounting & Compliance
📋 Annual Confirmation Statements
💳 Payment Gateway Support

Ready to set up or maintain your UK company?

Speak to Activate Global Limited today.

👉 Start Your UK Company Formation

👉 Get UK Accounting & Compliance Support