Registration of Overseas Entities with Companies House: A Complete Guide

A Complete Guide by Direct Assist – Chartered Certified Accountants

Published: 18 November 2025

If you are an overseas company, trust, or partnership that owns, leases, or plans to acquire UK property, registering as an Overseas Entity (ROE) with Companies House is mandatory. At Direct Assist Accountants, we specialise in ROE compliance, helping international clients navigate the process smoothly, from registration to annual updates.

Why Registration of Overseas Entities Matters

The ROE regime ensures transparency of ownership for UK property held by overseas entities. Failure to comply can block property transactions, result in hefty fines, or even lead to criminal sanctions. Our team provides end-to-end support to avoid these issues.

Who Must Register?

Overseas entities are required to register if they:

• Own or lease property in England and Wales since 1 January 1999

• Own or lease property in Scotland since 8 December 2014

• Own or lease property in Northern Ireland since 5 September 2022

• Plan to acquire or lease UK property in the future

Even if the property was acquired years ago, registration is required for any current or future sale, lease, or transfer. Without a valid Overseas Entity ID, transactions cannot proceed with HM Land Registry.

Contact us if you’re unsure whether your entity must register.

How ROE Registration Works: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Collect Entity Details

We start by gathering all necessary information, including:

• Overseas entity name

• Country of incorporation

• Legal form and governing law

• Registered address

Step 2: Identify Beneficial Owners

We help identify individuals or organisations with significant control—generally anyone owning 25% or more of shares or voting rights.

Step 3: Verify Identities

As a UK-regulated agent, we handle identity verification in-house for all beneficial owners and managing officers and issue the required verification statements.

Step 4: Complete the ROE Application (Form OE1)

We prepare Form OE1, which includes all entity and ownership information, along with identity verification confirmations. This is the official form submitted to Companies House.

Step 5: Submit & Pay

We file your ROE application with Companies House and pay the £234 filing fee on your behalf.

Step 6: Receive Your OE ID

Once approved, your entity is issued an Overseas Entity ID, which must be quoted in all future UK property transactions.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to register your overseas entity can have serious repercussions:

Compliance ensures smooth property transactions and protects your business reputation.

How Direct Assist Accountants Can Help

We provide complete ROE support, managing every step from start to finish:

We also assist with annual update filings and ongoing compliance to keep your entity aligned with UK law.

Why Choose Direct Assist Accountants?

• Trusted Compliance Partner – Experienced accountants working closely with Companies House and HM Land Registry.

• Tailored Service – We adapt to your entity’s structure, deadlines, and property portfolio.

• Regulated Expertise – Our in-house team is qualified and UK-regulated, offering reliable, accurate, and confidential service.

With over 300+ 5-star reviews across Trustpilot and Google, our clients trust us to handle their complex UK property compliance needs.

Take the Next Step

If your overseas entity owns or plans to acquire UK property, don’t risk delays, fines, or transaction issues. Contact Direct Assist Accountants today to ensure your ROE registration is handled efficiently and accurately.

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