PSC Verification Guide
Everything you need to know about Persons with Significant Control. Plain English, no jargon.
Think of it Like a Pizza
Imagine a company is a pizza cut into 4 slices. If you own more than one slice (more than 25%), you're a PSC.
It doesn't matter if someone else owns more than you. If your slice is bigger than a quarter of the pizza, you have "significant control."
Not sure if you're a PSC?
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Choose a Topic
What is a PSC?
Understand what 'significant control' really means
Am I a PSC?
Find out if you count as a Person with Significant Control
Why PSCs Must Verify
Learn why identity verification is mandatory
How to Verify as a PSC
Step-by-step guide to getting verified
Corporate PSCs (RLEs)
When a company controls another company
Director vs PSC: What's the Difference?
| Director | PSC | |
|---|---|---|
| Who are they? | Runs the company day-to-day | Owns/controls the company |
| Ownership required? | No | Usually >25% |
| Listed at Companies House? | ||
| Must verify identity? | ||
| Can be both? | Yes! Very common | |
I'm Both a Director AND a PSC
This is very common! If you're the founder of a small company, you probably run it (director) AND own most of it (PSC).
Good news:
- You only verify once
- One Personal Code covers both roles
- Works across all your companies
Key Facts for PSCs
Common Questions
What does PSC stand for?
PSC stands for Person with Significant Control. It's someone who owns or controls a significant part of a company – usually more than 25%.
Can a company be a PSC?
Not exactly. If a company controls another company, it's called an RLE (Relevant Legal Entity). But there's usually a real person at the top who is the ultimate PSC.
I'm a director but don't own any shares. Am I a PSC?
Probably not. Being a director alone doesn't make you a PSC. You need to own more than 25% or have significant control in other ways.
Do all PSCs need to verify their identity, and by when?
Yes. Every PSC must verify their identity. If you're a PSC but not a director, your deadline is within the first 14 days of your birth month; if you're also a director, you verify on the director timetable (by your next confirmation statement, and by 18 November 2026 at the latest). Continuing to act as an unverified PSC after your deadline is a criminal offence.
I'm both a director AND a PSC. Do I verify twice?
No! You only verify once. Your Personal Code covers both your director and PSC roles across all your companies.
Ready to Verify?
Digital verification takes just 5-10 minutes. Get your Personal Code today.