Step 1 – Company Name search at RGD
Conduct your company name search in Ghana to ensure the availability of the proposed business name for the company. Company promoters may after the name search apply to have their business name reserved for a period of 30 days.
The business name must be meaningful, relevant and distinctive. Business names that are too similar to existing names are likely to be rejected by the Registrar General’s Department. For example, If there is an existing company called Yayra Company Limited, a similar name like Yayara Company limited cannot be registered; such a name would be rejected, however, applicants will be advised to amend their company name accordingly. The choice of a business name must be relevant to the nature of activity of the company. Moreover, The business name must not be offensive and undesirable or violate existing trademarks.
Step 2 – Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) registration for all company directors, secretary and shareholders
Download TIN forms @ http://rgd.gov.gh/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Taxpayer-registration-form-individual.pdf . All company directors, secretary and shareholders are required to register and obtain a TIN for the purposes of business registration. Complete TIN forms and attach a copy of photo ID (Drivers, passport bio-data, voters ID). TIN numbers are created within 24 to 48 hours at no charge at any Ghana Revenue Authority office.
TIN numbers can also be created for corporate organisations. This situation becomes necessary when the shares of the company being registered are held by a corporate entity. In such a scenario, the corporate organisation will obtain a TIN Form for Organisations and dully complete same and attach a letter of introduction. A TIN number will subsequently be created for the corporate shareholder.
All persons or organisations are required to have one TIN number for all their registered businesses; in case you decide to register more than one business entity or you serve as a director on several business organisations. Information required to complete an individual TIN form include;
Name
Occupation
Photo ID details
Mother’s maiden name
Residential and postal address (Digital/Ghana Post Address of the company)
Contact
Can I register my business online?
In most states, you can register your new business without even leaving your home or office.
Once you know this, you can register the business online through your state’s corporation division. Having done that, you can then register your business with the federal government, receiving an Employer Identification Number.
What is the cost of registering a business in Ghana?
| BUSINESS TYPE | CHARGES |
|---|---|
| a. Registration of External Company | 7,271.65 Ghanaian Cedi |
| b. Registration of Group Accounts of an External Company | 3,635.83 Ghanaian Cedi |
| c. Filing of External Company Documents | 1,514.93 Ghanaian Cedi |
| 7. PROFESSIONAL BODIES |