The documents you will actually be asked for

Why we ask for so much up front

Two reasons. First, registrations fail on missing paperwork far more often than on anything substantive. Second, we are required to identify who is behind a business before we act for them — that is an anti-money-laundering obligation, not administrative curiosity.

For every person involved

• National ID or passport. Identity, nationality and date of birth.
• Photograph. Required by several forms.
• Proof of address. A recent utility bill or bank statement is usually accepted.
• e-TIN. Where the person needs one.

For the business

• Proposed names. Bring three, in order of preference.
• Registered address evidence. A rental agreement or ownership deed.
• Activity description. In plain language. This decides which licences apply.

Where a company owns part of the business

We will need that company's incorporation documents, its register of members, and enough of its ownership chain to identify the people who ultimately control it. If that chain runs through several countries, expect this step to take longer.

What we do not want

Do not email documents. Do not send originals. Do not upload anything that is not asked for — collecting more than we need is a liability for both of us.