How to get proof of address

When opening a business bank account, registering with HMRC, or signing contracts, you’ll often be asked for proof of address. This shows that you have a real, traceable link to a location, whether that’s in the UK or abroad.

For first-time entrepreneurs — especially non-residents — this can feel like a stumbling block. But there are clear rules on what counts as proof, and practical solutions if you don’t yet have UK bills in your name.

TL;DR

Proof of address is required for banking, tax, and company registration checks.

Common forms: utility bill, council tax bill, bank statement, driving licence.

Non-residents can use their home country documents with some fintech banks.

A UK virtual office address works for company registration but not always for banking.

Always check what the specific bank or provider accepts.

What counts as proof of address in the UK?

Typical documents accepted:

• Utility bill (gas, electricity, water, broadband) less than 3 months old.
• Council tax bill.
• UK driving licence showing your address.
• Recent bank or credit card statement.
• Mortgage statement or tenancy agreement.

⚖️ Legal note
Providers must follow KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) rules. That’s why they insist on recent, official documents with your name and address.

💡Pro tip:
Digital copies (PDFs from online banking, scanned bills) are usually accepted, but screenshots or mobile app captures often aren’t.

Proof of address for company registration

When registering a limited company with Companies House, you need a registered office address and sometimes a service address for directors.

• These addresses appear on public record.
• You don’t need a utility bill — a virtual office address is acceptable.
• Providers like Hoxton Mix, UK Postbox, Capital Office, Virtually There can supply these.

Why this matters:
A virtual address solves privacy and compliance for registration, but it’s not always accepted by banks as proof of personal residence.

Proof of address for opening a business bank account

This is where most entrepreneurs run into challenges. Banks need to confirm both:

• Company’s registered office (UK).
• Director’s personal residential address (UK or abroad).

High-street banks usually demand a UK residential proof of address.

Fintech banks (GoSolo, Wise, Revolut, Tide, Monzo Business, Starling) are more flexible. Some accept foreign proof of address (e.g. utility bill from your home country).

💡Pro tip:
If you’re a non-resident, look at providers like Wise Business or Revolut, which specialise in international entrepreneurs.

What if you don’t have proof of address yet?

If you’re new to the UK or recently moved, you may not have bills in your name yet. Options include:

• Open a personal account with a fintech bank (Tide, GoSolo) using passport + rental agreement — then use their statements as proof.
• Use your tenancy agreement if it’s official and includes your name.
• Ask your utility provider to issue a bill in your name.
• For non-residents, use proof from your home country if your chosen bank accepts it.

💡Pro tip:
Plan ahead — banks will not activate your account without valid proof. Start collecting acceptable documents as soon as possible.

Special cases: non-residents and digital businesses

• Non-residents can register a UK company with a virtual office but must use personal documents (passport + home address bill) for banking.
• Digital-only businesses. If you operate fully online, you still need a legal registered office in the UK. Virtual addresses are the easiest solution.
• Nominee directors/shareholders. Proof of address is required for them too.

Summary

• For company registration: use a virtual office address (Hoxton Mix, UK Postbox, Capital Office, Virtually There).
• For banking: prepare utility bills, tenancy agreements, or bank statements — in the UK or abroad depending on the provider.
• For non-residents: Wise Business and Revolut are the most flexible with foreign proof.
• Always confirm with your chosen bank before applying.

FAQs