---
title: "Summary of Payhawk’s application process"
slug: "summary-of-payhawk-s-application-process"
description: "Get a summary of Payhawk's application process: the main terms, the company and owner information requested, and the steps from registration to platform access."
updated: 2026-10-20T07:07:31Z
published: 2026-10-20T07:07:31Z
canonical: "payhawk.com/summary-of-payhawk-s-application-process"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://payhawk.com/help/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Summary of Payhawk’s application process

Thank you for applying to Payhawk! Since Payhawk is a regulated financial institution, you'll need to provide some company [documents and IDs for its representatives before you can access the platform](/help/faq-on-the-payhawk-application-process). For more details on the rules Payhawk follows and the identity verification process, [check out this article on compliance and verification](/help/compliance-checks-and-identity-verification-at-payhawk-for-uk-and-eea-entities).

To start, let's summarize the main application terms, the information requested, and the application process.

## Application terms & requested information

- **Account registration** - Refers to the initial setup where basic company information is provided and an account is created.
- **Company owners or Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO)** - The required information includes the full name, nationality, and a clear scan of a valid ID document (passport or national ID). This is necessary for individuals who own or **control more than 25% of the company**. Or in rare cases with more than 10%.
- **Company directors** - Full names, dates of birth, and government-issued IDs and passports are required for at least one director. If the company has multiple directors, information for other directors and representatives must also be provided.
- **Desired usage** - A brief description of how the company intends to use Payhawk services, such as expense management, employee cards, etc.
- **Company registration address** - The official address of the company's registered office, which must match the details in the official company registry.
- **Identity verification** - Payhawk uses a secure identity verification system (Onfido) to check the identity of directors and beneficial owners. This process may involve a combination of ID document scans, facial recognition technology, and other methods to verify that the individuals are who they claim to be.
- **Required company documents** - In most of the cases:
  - **Extract from official commercial/company registry** - An up-to-date extract showing the company’s registration details.
  - **Corporate ownership chart** - A visual representation of the company’s ownership structure, showing all levels of ownership leading to the ultimate beneficial owners. The chart needs to be dated and signed by a company director.
  - **Extract evidencing ownership of all entities leading to beneficial owners** - Documentation proving ownership of entities, especially in cases where multiple layers of ownership are involved (i.e., parent companies).
  - **Articles of association** - The company’s governing document outlining the structure, powers, and rules governing the company.

## Overview of the application process

With operations across 32 European countries, Payhawk's application process varies slightly by region. Below are the main stages for all companies applying for a Payhawk account.

![Diagram of the Payhawk application process: the applicant, the company directors or owners, and the Payhawk Compliance Team, each with their steps](https://cdn.payhawk.com/Help%20desk%20images%20moved/Summary_of_Payhawks_application_process_20261015_manual.png)

**In some cases*

## Useful resources

- [Compliance checks and identity verification at Payhawk for UK and EEA entities](/help/compliance-checks-and-identity-verification-at-payhawk-for-uk-and-eea-entities)
- [KYC document requirements by country](/help/kyc-document-requirements-by-country)
- [Eligibility criteria](/help/eligibility-criteria)
- [Issues with identity verification](/help/issues-with-identity-verification)
- [Issues with DocuSign](/help/issues-with-docusign)
- [Requesting additional information while applying](/help/requesting-additional-information-while-applying)
- [FAQ on the Payhawk application process](/help/faq-on-the-payhawk-application-process)