Certificate of Incumbency
We issue a draft Certificate of Incumbency by Notary Public for all UK entities.
Issuing a Certificate of Incumbency can save time and cost from a legalization perspective, all information required by the instructing party are disclosed on one document.
The Legalisation of Certificate of Incumbency
Certificate of Incumbency already issued in the British Overseas Territories “BVT” such as Anguilla, Bermuda, BVI, Cayman Islands or Gibraltar has to be notarised and apostilled by the Governor’s office in the originated jurisdiction first. There are exceptions where we can assist with the legalisation of a Certificate of Incumbency without an apostille from BVT. Certificates issued in the British Overseas Territories without apostille can only be apostilled and legalised in the UK by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) as a copy. Certificates of Incumbency certified as original by a UK Notary or Solicitor will be rejected by the UK Foreign Office.
To issue a Certified copy we must receive an original Certificate of Incumbency.
If the Certificate of Incumbency originated in the British Crown Dependency, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man would have to be notarised and apostilled in the originated territory to re-apostille them by the FCDO. Some of the embassies accept the documents to be apostilled in the originated jurisdiction without having them re-apostilled by the FCDO
We apostille COGS issued in
- Anguilla
- Bermuda
- BVI
- Cayman Islands
- Gibraltar
- Jersey
- Guernsey
- Isle of Man
Certificate of Incumbency Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Certificate of Incumbency?
An incumbency certificate is an official document issued by a Registered Agent or Secretary that lists directors, officers, and shareholders. It specifies who holds which positions within the organization and is most frequently used to confirm the identity of individuals who are authorized to enter into legally binding transactions on the company’s behalf.
A certificate of incumbency is commonly used in international business transactions. Certificate of Incumbency lists key shareholders according to company records.
What does a certificate of incumbency show?
Company Name
Members of the company who can enter into agreements with other entities on the company’s behalf.
Corporate Secretary
Shareholders details
company directors
Registered office address,
Legal representatives,
A statement that the company is in good standing in the Jurisdiction
In addition to this basic information, a certificate of incumbency can also include additional information depending on the instructing party’s requirements.
How to issue a Certificate of Incumbency if your company is not under the management of a Registered Agent or there is no Secretary?
Incumbency can be issued in the form of a Notarial Certificate (legal document) based on the Companies House data. Certificate of Incumbency can only be drafted for Limited company registered with Companies House in the UK.
When the Certificate of Incumbency might be required?
Certificate of Incumbency is often used when you are trading overseas.
Business agreements
When entities want to do business with your company, it’s important for them to know which individuals in your company have the authority to sign agreements with them. This ensures that the individual who signs their agreement has the authority to do so.
If an individual who does not have the authority to sign an agreement enters a contract with another entity, it makes the contract void- it is not legally enforceable
Financial institution – opening Business Bank Account,
A certificate of incumbency is required for is opening financial accounts in many jurisdictions
Opening an Overseas office
In many jurisdictions, Registered Agent will require a Certificate of Incumbency for their AML KYC checks
What are the key differences between COGS and Certificate of Incumbency?
Certificate of Good Standing is issued by Companies House and does not list shareholders. A Certificate of Incumbency is issued by the entity’s Registered Agent or company Secretary and includes shareholders and UBO details.
Apostille will be issued on the Original Certificate of Incumbency
Requirements for Certificate of Incumbency
We would be more than happy to help you with your Certificate of Incumbency
To issue a Certificate of Incumbency please provide the company name and number.
Time frame: next working day available.
If you wish to legalise Certificate of Incumbency please provide the jurisdiction where the certificate will be used.