The new ‘Register of Overseas Entities’ is live

Companies House’s new Register of Overseas Entities mandates that foreign corporations that own real estate or other assets in the UK list their managing officers and/or beneficial owners. Restrictions on purchasing, selling, transferring, leasing, or charging one’s land or property in the UK are among the penalties for those who don’t comply.

When purchasing, selling, or transferring real estate or land in the UK, foreign corporations must register with Companies House and disclose the names of any registrable beneficial owners or managing officers.

By the end of 2023, foreign companies that already own or rent real estate in the UK must register with Companies House and disclose the names of any registrable beneficial owners or managing officers.

This applies to foreign companies that purchased real estate or land on or after the following dates:

• 1 January 1999 in England and Wales
• 8 December 2014 in Scotland

Only real estate or land purchased in Northern Ireland on or after August 1, 2022, must be registered by foreign entities. Entities will also need to provide information about any property or land dispositions made after February 28, 2022.

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