How to apply for an LEI number?
Applying for an LEI number is an online process. For most UK companies, the main details are retrieved from Companies House, so the application can be completed in a few minutes.
You need to provide the organisation’s details, choose a package and pay for the order. If the information is correct and no supporting documents are required, the LEI number is usually issued on the same working day and sent to the email address entered in the application.
We may ask for an additional document if the applicant is not authorised to represent the organisation or if a consolidating parent relationship needs to be verified.
Who needs an LEI number?
An LEI number is used to identify a legal entity or legal structure in a financial transaction or regulatory report. Under UK MiFIR, a firm cannot execute a reportable trade for a client that is eligible for an LEI but does not have one.
An LEI number may be required when an organisation:
- buys or sells shares, bonds or other securities;
- trades exchange-traded funds or derivatives;
- uses an investment service through a bank or broker;
- has reporting obligations under UK MiFIR or UK EMIR.
LEI numbers are intended for legal entities and structures such as companies, charities, trusts and funds. They are not issued to private individuals. Your bank, broker or investment provider can confirm whether a specific transaction requires an LEI number.
What information is needed?
The application requires the organisation’s core and contact details:
- legal name and Companies House number;
- registered office address;
- headquarters address, if different;
- the contact person’s name, email address and phone number;
- details of any direct or ultimate consolidating parent, where applicable.
Parent information forms part of the LEI system’s Level 2 data. It shows which legal entities directly and ultimately consolidate the organisation’s financial results.
When might supporting documents be needed?
Supporting documents are requested only when part of the application cannot be confirmed from an official register. This may happen when:
- the applicant is not listed as a director or otherwise authorised to represent the organisation;
- the organisation has a consolidating parent company;
- the applicant is an investment or pension fund;
- the organisation is registered outside the UK and its details cannot be verified from an accessible official register.
If a document is required, we will contact you and explain what to provide.
How quickly is an LEI number issued?
Applications with correct information submitted before 6pm are usually processed on the same working day.
Issuance may take longer if the information conflicts with an official register, the applicant’s authority must be confirmed or Level 2 parent data requires additional verification.
How much does an LEI number cost?
The price depends on the package selected and starts from £29 a year. All packages include the GLEIF fee. Any applicable tax is shown at checkout.
See the current packages on our pricing page.
What happens after the LEI number is issued?
The new LEI number and its reference data are published in the public GLEIF database. Banks, brokers, regulators and business partners can use the database to confirm the organisation’s identity and LEI status.
The reference data must be revalidated at least once a year. If it is not renewed by the due date, the LEI status becomes lapsed. The 20-character LEI number itself does not change.
With a multi-year package, we manage the annual renewal throughout the selected period. Read more about renewing an LEI number.
If the organisation already has an LEI number
Each legal entity can have only one LEI number. If a number already exists, it should be renewed or transferred rather than replaced with a new one. Read more about transferring an LEI number.
Frequently asked questions
Can a private individual apply for an LEI number?
No. LEI numbers are issued to legal entities and eligible legal structures, not private individuals.
Can a company have more than one LEI number?
No. Each legal entity can have only one LEI number. If it already has an LEI number, the existing number can be renewed or transferred from another service provider.
Does the application have to be submitted by a director?
No. Another authorised person may submit it, but a signed letter of authorisation may be required if their authority cannot be verified from Companies House.
How do I transfer my LEI number from another provider?
Enter your LEI number or company name, sign the Letter of Authorisation (LoA) and submit the request. The transfer is free and usually takes up to 7 working days. See how LEI transfer works.