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Proof of Address Requirements to Set Up Your Virtual Office

Anti-money laundering regulations

We require proof of address to start your virtual office journey!

One of the documents required to complete the set up of your account is proof of address for each Ultimate Beneficial Owner. You can visit our guide below for guidance on all the information we need at set up, but if you’re unsure specifically as to what address proof can be accepted, or need assistance with your specific circumstances, read on!Visit our AML guidance page

What we can accept (UK residents)

Below is a list of acceptable proof of address documents:

  • Current year’s mortgage statement from a recognised lender.
  • HMRC self-assessment letter or tax demand dated within the current financial year.
  • Current year’s council tax bill.
  • Current signed tenancy agreement.
  • Current account/ building society statement dated within the last 3 months.
  • Current full photocard driving licence (providing it has not also been submitted as photo ID) with no less than 3 months until expiry.
  • Utility bill dated within the last 3 months (gas, electricity, water, landline and broadband).

Your proof of address should be in your personal name, not your company’s, and should display your residential address.

What we can accept (non-UK residents)

We understand alternate documents may be provided in different countries, if an equivalent to the above is provided where you reside this will likely be acceptable. For the avoidance of doubt, however, we can accept:

  • Current account/ building society statement dated within the last 3 months.
  • Current full driving licence (providing it has not also been submitted as photo ID) with no less than 3 months until expiry.
  • Utility bill dated within the last 3 months (gas, electricity, water, landline).

We will require your proof of address to be translated, certified or notarised in accordance with the country you reside in, please click HERE for the full list.

What we can not accept

Unfortunately, we cannot accept the following documents:

  • Provisional driving licences.
  • Credit card statements.
  • Statements from online-only banks (e.g. Monzo).
  • Mobile phone bills. 

Still unsure?

If you reside between addresses, please supply proof for both of your residences. Have a document that isn’t listed as either acceptable or unacceptable? Please get in touch with our Compliance Team who will be able to assist you with what may be accepted in your circumstances.

Your document will be reviewed by our Compliance Team and run through our electronic check alongside your photo ID. This is a soft search report that will help us verify your identity and residency at your current address. And it is as simple as that!

Forwarding to a commercial address

In addition to the above, if you require your mail to be forwarded to a commercial address, we would require proof of your business’s physical occupancy. By law, we can not forward mail to PO boxes or other virtual offices.

What we can accept:

  • Current signed tenancy agreement or proof of ownership.
  • Current year’s Commercial rates bill.
  • Utility bill dated within the last 3 months (gas, electricity, water, landline).
  • Business broadband bill.

When gathering your document for submission please ensure the following

  • The document is within date, as above.
  • If providing a scanned copy of the document, make sure the scan is a colour copy, and the quality of the image is not distorted.
  • If providing a photograph of the document, make sure all 4 corners of the document are visible, and the photo has no glare or distortion making any information illegible.
  • Upload the image in a sufficient size so that the quality of the image isn’t reduced.
  • We can accept online copies of statements or bills, it doesn’t need to be a physical letter, however, please ensure you submit it in PDF format and not a screenshot follow the steps to upload the relevant photo ID alongside your proof of address via our upload form. Our Compliance Team will reach out to you within 24 hours, and we aim to swiftly activate your Virtual Office upon approval.

PLEASE NOTE

Submitted documentation found to be fraudulent or altered in any way will be reported to the relevant legal authority. We take our responsibility really seriously and maintain a high standard of compliance checks. Altering or fabricating a proof of address document is fraud – it’s not worth the risk, so don’t do it!

Alexandra handles all things marketing here at Virtual HQ

Alexandra O'Hagan

Marketing Executive

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