What Is a ‘Certificate of Good Standing’ and How Do I Get One?

A Certificate of Good Standing is a confirmation of your company’s ‘Good Standing’ from Companies House, the UK’s registrar of companies.

However, what does a ‘Certificate of Good Standing’ mean? How do you obtain one and why may you need one? Read on to get your answers to these key questions.

What Is a Certificate of Good Standing? 

Simply put, a Certificate of Good Standing is a document that you receive from Companies House. The Certificate of Good Standing acknowledges that your company is in ‘good standing’.

‘Good standing’ means that your company is reputable, and has no open discrepancies such as a missing Confirmation Statement. It is an official document which shows that your company is fully operational, compliant with UK Company Law, paid all necessary fees and is legitimate. 

Why Do I Need a Certificate of Good Standing?

A Certificate of Good Standing isn’t a requirement for UK Companies. However, there are a few key reasons why your LTD may need to request one.

Trading Overseas

Firstly, if you wish to trade overseas you are expected to present a notarised Certificate of Good Standing to set up an overseas branch or office. You would be required to show this certificate to that country’s registrar (their version of Companies House).

You would also be required to show a Certificate of Good Standing if you wish to open an overseas business bank account for your UK company.

When Asked by Clients, Partners, Suppliers and Investors

Before collaborating with you a bank, investor, client, partner or supplier may ask to see your Certificate of Good Standing in order to ascertain the risks involved with collaboration.

Similar to a Company Credit Check a Certificate of Good Standing allows any future collaborators to minimise risks and understand your company’s operations are legitimate before starting a professional relationship with you. You may also ask to see another LTD’s Certificate of Good Standing before partnering or working with them. 

What Information is on a Certificate of Good Standing? 

Your Certificate of Good Standing will include: 

• The names of your director(s)
• The names of your secretaries (if applicable)
• Your company’s registered office address
• The date your company was incorporated
• Verification your company is up-to-date with statutory filing requirements
• Your company’s objects (if applicable)

NB: You can not request a Certificate of Good Standing which includes shareholder information.

How to Request a Certificate of Good Standing

There are a few ways you can request a Certificate of Good Standing.

Request a Certificate of Good Standing From Companies House 

You can place a request through Companies House online.

Alternatively, you can call Companies House on 0303 1234 500 and request a Certificate of Good Standing.

Request a Certificate of Good Standing From Companies MadeSimple

We can help you remove the faff of requesting a Certificate of Good Standing for yourself. Our Certificate of Good Standing service can remove all the stress for you, allowing you to focus on the things that matter.

With four choices of services you can choose our Certificate of Good Standing service covers all bases. Whether you need an apostilled certificate, express delivery or an express apostilled service!

Depending on the package you choose, we can send you a scanned copy of your Certificate of Good Standing within 24 hours*, perfect for those looking to obtain their certificate quickly.

If you are a Companies MadeSimple client and all of your information is up-to-date, requesting a Certificate of Good Standing is easily done. First, purchase your chosen package and once Companies House has issued your certificate check your email inbox for a digital scan and your physical certificate will arrive shortly by post.

*Excluding Bank Holidays and Weekends and any delays at Companies House.

I Need My Certificate of Good Standing Apostilled

You can bundle packages and request to have your Certificate of Good Standing certified by a solicitor and then sent to the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to be apostilled.

We will then return a scan of your apostilled Certificate of Good Standing and the original will follow in the post.

What is an apostilled document? 

The apostilled document is an official government-issued certificate added to documents, like the Certificate of Good Standing, so it can be recognised in other countries.

With an apostilled from FCDO your Certificate of Good Standing will be recognised in all countries within the Hauge Convention.

Need other certificates apostilled? Our apostille service can help you get any document apostilled. The service includes solicitor fees as well as the fee of certification with the FCDO.