In short: For £110 we order a certified company certificate from Companies House with its summary statement (what used to be called the statement of good standing). It confirms your company is registered, is not being struck off, and is up to date with its accounts and confirmation statement. It is usually ready within a week and is often apostilled for use abroad.
What's included
- Check that your company's filings are up to date first
- The official certificate from Companies House proving your company exists, with its name, number and date of incorporation.
- Your company's official address on the public register, where Companies House and HMRC send letters. Ours keeps your home address private; we scan and email your official mail.
- Companies House certificate fee
- Original certificate posted to you
- Option to send straight on for an FCDO apostille
- Email and phone support
What a Certificate of Good Standing is
In the UK, a "certificate of good standing" is a certified company certificate issued by Companies House with an optional summary statement added. Companies House now calls this the "summary statement"; banks and foreign authorities still usually call the document a certificate of good standing. It confirms:
- the company name, number and date of incorporation;
- that the company is still on the register and no action is being taken to strike it off;
- that it is up to date with key filings, such as its accounts and confirmation statement.
It can also show the registered office address, the current directors, the company secretary and any previous names.
No other body in the UK issues this certificate. Some foreign organisations use other names for it, such as a "certificate of existence" or "certificate of status".
Who needs it
You are likely to be asked for one when you:
- open a bank or payment account for your company abroad;
- register a branch or subsidiary in another country;
- apply for a tender, licence or large contract;
- sell the company, or bring in an investor or lender.
When Companies House will not add the good standing statement
Companies House leaves the statement out if, for example:
- the company's accounts or confirmation statement are overdue;
- required information about its constitution, ownership or control is missing;
- the company does not have the minimum number of officers.
We check your company record before we order. If something is overdue, we tell you what needs to be filed first — for example a Confirmation Statement.
How it works
- Tell us your company name and number, and which details you need on the certificate.
- We check your company is up to date.
- We order the certificate from Companies House.
- We post the original to you, or send it straight on for an apostille.
Using it abroad
Most foreign banks and registries want the certificate apostilled, and some want it translated. A Companies House certificate can be apostilled without first being notarised. Some organisations also only accept a certificate issued in the last few months, so order it close to when you need it.
Common mistakes
- Ordering when the confirmation statement or accounts are overdue. The good standing statement will be missing.
- Sending a PDF printout from the Companies House website. Most organisations need the official certified certificate.
- Ordering too early. Check how recent the certificate must be.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues a Certificate of Good Standing in the UK?
Companies House. It is a certified certificate of incorporation with a statement of good standing added. We order it for you.
What does the certificate show?
The company name, number and date of incorporation, and that it is not being struck off and is up to date with filings. It can also list the registered office, directors and secretary.
Can I get one if my accounts are overdue?
Companies House will not include the good standing statement if accounts or the confirmation statement are overdue. File them first, and then order the certificate.
Can the certificate be apostilled?
Yes. A Companies House certificate can be apostilled directly by the FCDO for use abroad. See our Apostille service.
How long is a Certificate of Good Standing valid?
It has no fixed expiry date, but many banks and authorities only accept one issued recently, often within the last three to six months. Check with the organisation asking for it.
Can LLPs get a Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes. Companies House issues certified certificates for LLPs too. Tell us the LLP's name and number when you order.
Related services
Apostilled Company Documents
Get UK company documents apostilled by the FCDO so they are accepted by banks and authorities abroad.
Certificate of Incumbency
A signed certificate listing your company's directors, secretary and shareholders, for banks and partners abroad.
Confirmation Statement Filing
We check your company details and file your annual confirmation statement (CS01) with Companies House.
Notarised Company Documents
Have UK company documents certified by a notary public for banks, authorities and partners abroad.