Certificate of Good Standing
Obtain official certificates confirming a company's continuous, unbroken existence and compliance with statutory requirements from jurisdictions worldwide.
A Certificate of Good Standing (also known as a Certificate of Existence in some jurisdictions) is a document issued by a jurisdictions's authorized Company Registry. The Certificate confirms that a company has been in continuous, unbroken existence since its incorporation and is compliant with all statutory requirements.
The Certificate of Good Standing certifies that all statutory administrative requirements have been complied with under the Companies Act in the country. It also confirms on the date of issue that no action is being taken by the Registrar of Companies to strike the company off the register.
Certificate of Good Standing includes:
- Registered Company Name
- Company Registration Number
- Date of Incorporation
- Company Type
- Confirmation that the company has been duly incorporated under the relevant Companies Act
- Confirmation that the company is still on the Register and has paid all fees
- Confirmation that the Company has not submitted Articles of Merger or Consolidation that have not yet become effective
- Confirmation that the Company is not in the process of being wound up or dissolved
- Confirmation that the company is not in liquidation and no receiver has been appointed
- Confirmation that no proceedings have been instituted to strike the name of the company off the Register
- Confirmation that the Company is in Good Standing and has been in continuous and unbroken existence since Incorporation
- The Certificate is dated, signed and stamped by an authorised officer at the Companies Registry
International Coverage
We can obtain Certificates of Good Standing for companies registered in more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide, including all major offshore and onshore financial centers.
Apostille Services
We can supply Apostilled Certificates of Good Standing. The apostille involves the addition of a certificate stamped on the document, enabling use of the document in foreign countries without further certification.
The Certificate of Good Standing will not be issued by the Registrar if there are overdue fees or filings. It is an important document for many business activities, including:
- Opening bank accounts
- Engaging in business transactions
- Applying for licenses
- Securing contracts
- Mergers and acquisitions
- International business expansion
When your Certificate of Good Standing is prepared by the Companies Registry, a scanned copy is emailed to you. The original Certificate, for an additional fee, can be couriered to you by international courier service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why might I need a Certificate of Good Standing?
Certificates of Good Standing are often required for opening bank accounts, securing business contracts, applying for licenses, international business expansion, mergers and acquisitions, and proving the legal status of your company to third parties.
How long is a Certificate of Good Standing valid?
A Certificate of Good Standing is generally considered valid on the date it is issued. Many institutions require a recently issued certificate (within 30-90 days), but requirements vary by institution and purpose. It's best to check with the specific entity requesting the certificate for their requirements.
What is an Apostille and when is it needed?
An Apostille is an authentication issued to documents for use in countries that participate in the Hague Convention. It's needed when a Certificate of Good Standing will be used in a foreign country, particularly for legal, financial, or business purposes. The Apostille confirms that the signature, seal, or stamp on the document is genuine.
How long does it take to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing?
Processing times vary by jurisdiction. Standard processing typically takes 5-10 business days. For many jurisdictions, we can provide expedited service that reduces the processing time to 1-3 business days.
Need assistance?
If you have questions about obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing for a specific jurisdiction or have special requirements, our specialists are ready to help.
Contact our certificate specialists