# 2026 Updated Verification Requirements for Europe - FAQs for Platforms

### This article answers frequently asked questions on new verification requirements for platforms with Custom connected accounts in Europe.
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### When will these changes go live?
Europe-based connected accounts are subject to new requirements with the following key deadlines:
* Starting March 2026: You'll be able to see an estimate of impacted accounts (via Dashboard and API).
* April 1, 2026: New accounts for platforms that only have individual connected accounts must meet the updated requirements before they can be successfully onboarded.
* May 1, 2026: New accounts for platforms that only have company connected accounts, or a mix of company and individual connected accounts, must meet the updated requirements before they can be successfully onboarded.
* July 2026: New requirements are due for existing accounts.
* July 2026 - October 31, 2026: To avoid restrictions, the updated requirements for each account must be verified by that account’s due date.
### How do I update my onboarding?
The steps you need to take depend on [how you currently onboard accounts](https://docs.stripe.com/connect/handle-verification-updates#onboarding-flow-options).
* **API-based onboarding:** Modify your existing onboarding flow using detailed verification responses from the [Accounts API](https://stripe.com/docs/connect/custom/onboarding#api-based-onboarding). You’ll need to update your onboarding manually whenever requirements change.
* **Embedded components:** Add our new [embedded onboarding components](https://stripe.com/docs/connect/custom/onboarding#embedded-onboarding) to your platform. They’re fully customizable, can be installed quickly, and handle verification requirements updates automatically.
* **Stripe-hosted onboarding:** Send accounts to an onboarding experience built and hosted by Stripe.[Stripe-hosted onboarding](https://stripe.com/docs/connect/custom/onboarding#stripe-hosted-onboarding) adapts to handle verification requirements updates automatically.
### I also have other types of connected accounts, not just Custom connected accounts. Do the new requirements impact those accounts?
There's no action for you to take for other types of connected accounts. Your Stripe onboarding flow is updated to handle any changes in onboarding requirements. We'll reach out to any connected accounts that need to provide updated information.
### Which of my existing users do the updated verification requirements apply to?
The updated verification requirements apply to direct users, platforms and connected accounts who have card_payments capabilities and transfers enabled in 33 European countries (transfer-only capabilities are not in scope). "Merchants" will be impacted, but “standard payees” will not be.
* For **Custom Connect platforms** their Dashboard and the Accounts API will show an estimate of impacted accounts in March 2026. Platforms will need to collect this information and submit it to Stripe.
* For **Standard/Express/UA** connected accounts starting in January until September 2026, we'll reach out via email and the Dashboard to their connected accounts that need to provide updated information. Platforms will be notified via new email notifications ahead of any capability degrades for their connected accounts, but they can also listen to webhooks and monitor the Dashboard.
### How can I see which of my accounts require updated information?
See the status of affected connected accounts in the Dashboard's [Accounts to review](https://dashboard.stripe.com/connect/accounts_to_review) page. To filter by country click **More filters** > **Requirement updates** then check the boxes for the countries you want to see.
### What are future requirements?
future_requirements is an API field on the [Account](https://docs.stripe.com/api/accounts/object#account_object-future_requirements), [Person](https://docs.stripe.com/api/persons/object#person_object-future_requirements), and [Capability](https://docs.stripe.com/api/capabilities/object#capability_object-future_requirements) objects that eases the process of adapting to evolving compliance requirements. It provides a preview of upcoming changes to requirements for your connected accounts before they go into effect, so you can make necessary changes in advance..
### What happens if I don’t collect this information?
If an account doesn't provide the required information by the listed due date, their ability receive payouts will be paused. They may also experience further capability restrictions.
### Do these new KYC requirements apply only for individual accounts, or for all individuals on the account?
KYC requirements would be applicable to all Stripe account types (individual, business, etc.).
Account Representatives, Ultimate Beneficiary Owners, and Directors will need to undergo enhanced identity verification. Stripe will attempt to programmatically verify the information that was provided during onboarding. If this fails, individuals on connected accounts can choose to:
* Complete selfie verification via Stripe Identity
* Provide updated information to Stripe, including a new optional National ID number
* Upload 2 separate documents:
  * One as Proof of Identity such as a passport or a driving licence
  * One as Proof of Home Address such as a utility bill or a bank statement
### At what stage of the user lifecycle will identity verification be enforced?
For new accounts, updated requirements need to be collected before charges are enabled. Existing accounts must complete verification by each account’s due date. After this date, their ability to receive payouts will be paused. They may also experience further capability restrictions.
### What is the law or regulation change driving this?
There is not a specific law or regulation driving these changes. These changes are primarily driven by:
* Enhancements to our Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism programs to improve security controls and align with local regulations.
* Our commitment to maintaining best-in-class protections across the financial ecosystem, which
Stripe has been actively engaging with its European and UK regulators, the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) and UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), regarding plans to enhance our risk controls that help us mitigate and combat fraud and financial crimes. As a result, we’re implementing updated verification requirements for all merchants operating in the European Economic Area (EEA) and the UK.
### Which Stripe Dashboard user roles have permission to generate remediation links?
The following user roles have permission to generate remediation links:
* Administrator
* Connect Onboarding Analyst
* Developer
* Data Migration Specialist
* Support Associate
* Support Specialist
Learn more about [Remediation Links](https://docs.stripe.com/connect/dashboard/remediation-links.)
### Will requirements continue to change?
Yes, verification requirements may change over time. Stripe regularly reviews and updates these requirements to ensure top protections for customers. Changes may vary by region due to different regulatory, card network, and partner rules. Platforms that embed payments and financial services should anticipate evolving compliance and verification requirements.