Are you trying to open a bank account for your company in the UK and suddenly face a question about a proof of address and identity. But what are these proof of address documents, why are they necessary and how to get them? Let’s have a look:
What is Proof of address?
Proof of address is a document that has to prove your residence, basically where you live.
Proof of identity is a valid photo ID, such as a passport or ID card.
Why is Proof of address and identity needed?
Proof of address and identity is a standard security measure that banks apply to make sure that accounts won’t be opened for criminal or money-laundering purposes.
What type of Proof of address documents are accepted?
List of acceptable documents:
- A valid UK driving licence
- Recent evidence of entitlement to a state- or local authority-funded benefit (including housing benefit, council tax benefit, tax credits, state pension, educational or other grant)
- Instrument of a court appointment (such as a grant of probate)
- Current council tax demand letter or statement
- HMRC-issued tax notification (NB: employer-issued documents such as P60s are not acceptable)
- End of year tax deduction certificates
- Current bank statements or credit/debit card statements
- Current utility bills
Board member’s name, full residential address and date of issue should appear on the document to be acceptable. Utility bills and bank statements should be not older than 3 months. Certified translation into English is required for any documents that are not in English, Estonian or Russian. However, we can translate some electronic documents, so please send us your document for the review before you translate it.
What type of Identity verification documents are accepted?
Acceptable documents:
- Valid travel document (passport)
- National identity card of an EEA member state
How to get a Proof of address
Basically, if you are living in the UK, getting a proof of address for your bank should not be very difficult. However, it can be a bit tricky if you have just arrived and therefore don’t have any utility bills and tax notifications yet. In that case you can try to wait until you have those or if you need the bank account right away, you can also consider using an online banking solution provider. It is always reasonable to also contact the chosen bank right away – maybe they have some other options they can provide you in presenting your proof of address.
If you are a non-UK resident and not living in the UK, your proof of address is a certified document of your actual address where you are residing at the moment. If the documents that are suitable for proving your address are not in English, you need to order a certified translation. When you are using 1Office services, contact us before ordering any translations as we can also accept documents in a couple of other languages and it’s possible you won’t need a separate translation.
Registered address for your UK company
Every company registered in the UK needs to have a valid UK address, which will be shown on the Companies House register and will be publicly available to everyone. Address service is the best solution for non-residents who have started their company in the UK but don’t have an office here. A good bonus – registered address service also includes postal services (accepting, sorting and forwarding your mail).
Companies House also requires all directors of UK companies to register an address for the director on the public record. If you want to keep your own home address private from customers, suppliers, and other third parties, it is possible to order a separate directors service address or a virtual office package including both these services.
Company from 1Office, banking solution from Wise
If you don’t own a company yet, the best option is to go to 1Office Company Formation Portal and start your company there. It’s a fully online platform with simple forms and logical process taking you from nothing to owning a company with IBAN account, address and accounting in less than 20 minutes.
Starting a company inside the portal is much easier than in Companies House. Also, adding a Wise IBAN account directly from the Portal makes it much easier to start your business activity fully from a distance – no need to come to the UK and visit different banks.
With 1Office you can get a Wise IBAN account without any hassle. Every client coming from 1Office is treated as a trustworthy entrepreneur and therefore opening your account is easier and faster. Account includes IBAN and debit card and is therefore perfect for business owners doing business across borders.
If you have questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with 1Office client support.
