What is a certificate of good standing for UK companies?

If you open a bank account abroad, register a branch overseas, bid for a contract or sign a deal with a foreign partner, you may be asked for a "certificate of good standing". This guide explains what it is and how to get one.

What the certificate confirms

A certificate of good standing is an official company certificate issued by Companies House. It confirms that:

• the company has been in continuous, unbroken existence since it was incorporated
• no action is currently being taken to strike it off the register

Since 4 March 2024, Companies House calls this a summary statement (previously a "good standing statement") added to a company certificate. Many banks and overseas authorities still use the old name, "certificate of good standing", so you will hear both.

Who asks for one?

Common reasons include:

• opening a bank account, especially outside the UK
• registering a branch or subsidiary in another country
• tenders and large contracts
• due diligence when investors, buyers or lenders are involved
• licensing and regulatory applications
• property transactions involving a company

When Companies House will issue it

Companies House only adds the summary statement if:

• the company is up to date with its filings, such as accounts and confirmation statements
• a private limited company has at least one director who is a natural person
• a public limited company has a secretary and at least two directors, at least one of them a natural person

If filings are overdue, sort them out first. Our Confirmation Statement and Annual Accounts services can help.

What else a certificate can show

You can ask for a certificate that also lists details such as the company's registered office, directors, secretary and company name history. You cannot include people with significant control, shareholders, shareholdings or the statement of capital on a Companies House certificate. If you need proof of shareholders or officers in one document, a Certificate of Incumbency may be more suitable.

How to get one from Companies House

1. Search for the company on the Find and update company information service.
2. Open the "More" tab and choose to order a certificate.
3. Select the statements you need, including the summary statement.
4. Choose standard or express dispatch and pay.

Companies House fees (October 2026):

• Standard: £22, aiming to send within 10 working days
• Express (same day): £65, if ordered before 11am

You can also order by phone through the Companies House contact centre.

Using the certificate abroad: apostille

Overseas authorities often want the certificate apostilled. An apostille is a stamp from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirming that the signature or seal on a UK public document is genuine, so it is accepted in countries that are part of the Apostille Convention. Some countries also ask for a translation or further legalisation by their embassy. Always check exactly what the receiving organisation needs before you order.

How recent does it need to be?

The certificate shows the company's status on the date it was issued. Many banks and authorities only accept certificates issued within the last few months, so order it close to when you need it.

Common mistakes

• Ordering before overdue filings are fixed, so the summary statement cannot be issued.
• Ordering a standard certificate when the receiving body needs an apostille.
• Forgetting extra statements, such as directors' names, that the receiving body asked for.
• Leaving it too late – allow time for delivery, apostille and courier.

How Form My Company can help

Our Certificate of Good Standing service costs £110. We check the company is eligible, order the right certificate and, if you need it abroad, arrange an Apostille for £190 and international courier delivery for £70. All prices include VAT.

Frequently asked questions