VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY FORMS (VIF)
A VIF is an Irish document that non-Irish individuals who are the beneficial owner and directors of companies operating in Ireland must use to prove their identities.
Why may you need a VIF?
In an effort to reduce the risk of identity theft, in 2023, the Republic of Ireland introduced new statutory requirements that all directors of Irish companies must provide their Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) when a company files forms for a) incorporating a new company, b) notifying a change of director, or c) the yearly Annual Return, with the Irish Companies Registration Office (CRO).
Irish citizens do not need to use the form, as they will have an Irish Personal Public Service Number, which is essentially the same as the British National Insurance Number. Since individuals who are directors of Irish entities but do not reside in Ireland may not have been issued with an Irish PPSN, an alternative system of verification of identity has been designed for this purpose. Individuals who do not have an Irish PPSN will need to complete a Verification of Identity Form (VIF).
When an individual is based outside the Republic of Ireland, the Verification of Identity Form (VIF) will need to be signed in the presence of a Notary Public. The notary witnesses the signing of the form and confirms the signatory’s identity in a manner that is acceptable to the Irish Companies Registration Office.
Once you have submitted the form to the CRO, you will be given a Verified Identity Number (VIN). This number is unique to you and can be used for any documents you file with CRO in the future. Unlike passport numbers, which in many countries change upon renewal of the passport, PPSNs are permanent and, therefore, provide an unchanged link to the person’s identity.
If you do not complete and submit the Verification of Identity Form, then you will not be able to prove your identity, so any documents you submit to the CRO will not be accepted.
How do I get a VIF?
To get a Verification of Identity Form, you will need to go to the Companies Online Registration Environment’s (CORE) website.
Here, you will have to create an account before you can access the form.
What do I need to include on the VIF?
All of the sections on the VIF are a requirement for you to complete. These include your personal details.
The details you need to include on the form are:
- First name
- Last name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Residential address
Impacts:
- If a director does not have a PPSN / Verification Identity Number, the CRO will not permit A1, B1, B10 and B69 submissions to be made.
- If the director details submitted do not match the information held by the DEASP, the CRO will reject the submission.
- Company Incorporations: If you don’t have these numbers, you cannot incorporate a Company.
- Director updates: In the case of a change of directors, rejection by the CRO would trigger a range of issues including bank account operation.
- Late filing of the Annual Return will result in late fees of €100 + €3 per day until the filing is completed.
How John can help
If you are (or plan to become) a director of an Irish entity and you do not have an Irish IPN or RBO number, our expert Notary Public, John Olatunji can help you by notarising your VIF for use in Ireland.
Your notary appointment can be arranged to be at one of our offices in Surrey, Richmond upon Thames, Kent or Essex. Alternatively, you can use our mobile notary service to arrange an appointment at a suitable time and place, such as your home or office.
Get in touch with John today to discuss your needs and see how he can help you.