Company Name Registration Sri Lanka
Choosing and registering a suitable company name is one of the first steps when establishing a business in Sri Lanka. A company name represents the business's identity in the market and is used in legal documents, commercial agreements, invoices, banking arrangements and official registrations.
Company name registration Sri Lanka is administered by the Department of the Registrar of Companies (DRC) under the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007. Entrepreneurs must obtain approval for their proposed company name before proceeding with the incorporation process.
The name must satisfy statutory requirements and should not conflict with an existing registered company or contain restricted or misleading expressions. The approval process is primarily conducted through the Electronic Registrar of Companies (eROC) platform.
Understanding the name search, reservation and approval procedures helps entrepreneurs avoid unnecessary delays when establishing a private limited company or another corporate structure.
1. Understanding Company Name Registration in Sri Lanka
Company name registration is the process of obtaining approval from the Registrar of Companies to use a proposed name for a new legal entity.
The Registrar reviews the proposed name to determine whether it meets the requirements of the Companies Act.
1.1 Which Authority Approves Company Names?
The Department of the Registrar of Companies is responsible for company registration and name approval.
Its responsibilities include:
• Reviewing proposed company names.
• Checking identical and similar registered names.
• Assessing names against statutory restrictions.
• Requesting additional information where necessary.
• Approving or rejecting name reservation applications.
1.2 Company Name Reservation and Business Name Registration
Company name reservation for an incorporated entity is different from registering a business name for a sole proprietorship or partnership.
Companies apply through the DRC's eROC system, whereas sole proprietorships and partnerships generally follow the relevant provincial or local business-name registration procedure.
2. Legal Requirements for a Company Name
The Companies Act No. 7 of 2007 establishes requirements governing company names.
2.1 Appropriate Legal Suffix
The company name must use the appropriate legal designation.
For example:
• A private limited company must end with (Private) Limited or (Pvt) Ltd.
• A limited company other than a listed company must generally end with Limited or Ltd.
• A listed public company must use Public Limited Company or PLC.
The appropriate suffix should be selected according to the proposed company structure.
2.2 Restricted and Prohibited Names
The Registrar may reject a proposed name if it does not satisfy the statutory requirements.
A company cannot generally be registered under a name that:
• Is identical to the name of an existing company or registered overseas company.
• Contains restricted expressions such as Chamber of Commerce without the required statutory authorisation.
• Is considered misleading by the Registrar.
• Suggests a connection with the President or a government department without the required consent.
Certain expressions may require ministerial consent or additional authorisation.
2.3 Similarity with Existing Company Names
A name does not necessarily become acceptable merely because it is not an exact match with an existing company.
The Registrar may consider similarities that could create confusion or mislead the public.
Entrepreneurs should therefore check alternative spellings, abbreviations and distinctive words before submitting a reservation request.
3. Company Name Search Sri Lanka
A company name search Sri Lanka helps applicants identify whether their proposed name is already registered or reserved.
The eROC platform provides an online company-name search facility.
3.1 Search Existing Company Names
Applicants can use the online search facility to check names in the company registry.
The search options include:
• Begins with.
• Contains.
• Search by company name or company number.
Applicants should test different versions of their proposed name rather than relying on one search result.
3.2 Preparing Suitable Name Options
Before submitting a reservation application, entrepreneurs should prepare two or three alternatives.
A suitable name should:
• Clearly identify the business.
• Be distinctive and recognisable.
• Avoid restricted expressions.
• Reflect the proposed commercial activities where appropriate.
• Use the correct legal suffix.
An available name in the search results is not a guarantee of approval. The Registrar makes the final decision after reviewing the application.
4. Process to Reserve a Company Name in Sri Lanka
Entrepreneurs planning to reserve a company name in Sri Lanka generally complete the following steps through eROC.
4.1 Create an eROC Account
Applicants should access the official eROC portal and create an account to use the online registration services.
The platform provides access to name searches, reservation applications and other company registration facilities.
4.2 Submit a Name Reservation Request
The applicant selects the name reservation service and enters the proposed company name and relevant company type.
If the name includes initials or abbreviations, their meanings may need to be disclosed.
4.3 Pay the Applicable Government Fee
The name reservation application requires payment of the prescribed fee through the available online payment arrangements.
The Department of the Registrar of Companies publishes its fee schedule through its official website. Applicants should check the latest schedule before making payment, as fees can change.
4.4 Registrar Review and Approval
The application is reviewed by the relevant name-checking officer and submitted for approval.
The Registrar may:
• Approve the proposed name.
• Request further information.
• Suggest changes to the proposed name.
• Reject the application.
The decision is communicated through the eROC system.
5. Validity of Name Reservation and Incorporation
Obtaining approval does not mean that the company has already been incorporated.
5.1 Reservation Validity
An approved company name reservation is generally valid for three months from the date of approval.
The applicant should complete the incorporation process within the applicable reservation period.
If incorporation is not completed within that period, the name may become available for other applicants, subject to the applicable rules.
5.2 What Happens After Name Approval?
After receiving name approval, the applicant can proceed with the incorporation application.
The process generally involves:
• Preparing the Articles of Association.
• Completing Form 1.
• Obtaining director consent through Form 18.
• Obtaining secretary consent through Form 19.
• Providing registered-office information.
• Completing applicable beneficial ownership submissions.
• Paying the prescribed incorporation fees.
The exact documents depend on the proposed company structure and current DRC filing requirements.
6. Company Name Registration Fees and Processing Considerations
The cost of Sri Lanka company name reservation depends on the current government fee schedule.
6.1 Government Fees
Applicants should distinguish between:
• Company name approval fees.
• Company incorporation fees.
• Charges for supporting documents and statutory forms.
• Applicable taxes and payment-processing charges.
The DRC published a revised Companies Fees Order through Special Gazette No. 2496/03 dated 6 July 2026. The latest applicable fee should be checked before submitting an application.
6.2 Processing Time
Processing time depends on the completeness of the application, the proposed name and the Registrar's review.
Applications involving similar names, restricted expressions or requests for additional clarification may take longer.
Applicants should avoid making commercial commitments based solely on an unapproved proposed name.
7. Important Considerations Before Registering a Company Name
A company name should be selected with both legal approval and future business requirements in mind.
Important considerations include:
• Trademark protection: Company name approval does not automatically provide trademark rights. Separate trademark searches and registration may be appropriate.
• Domain availability: Check whether a suitable website domain is available before finalising the business identity.
• International expansion: Consider whether the name can be used consistently in overseas markets.
• Business activity: Select a name that remains appropriate if the company expands into related activities.
• Foreign ownership: Companies with foreign shareholding should ensure that the proposed business objectives and incorporation documentation are properly prepared.
• Name changes: A company that later changes its name must follow the applicable Companies Act procedures and obtain the required approval.
8. How YKG Global Helps You
YKG Global assists entrepreneurs, foreign investors and international businesses planning to establish companies in Sri Lanka.
Depending on the agreed scope, assistance may include:
• Reviewing proposed company names before submission.
• Coordinating company name searches through eROC.
• Supporting name reservation applications.
• Reviewing naming restrictions and legal suffix requirements.
• Assisting with incorporation documentation.
• Coordinating Form 1, Form 18 and Form 19 requirements.
• Supporting beneficial ownership filing arrangements.
• Providing guidance on accounting and ongoing corporate compliance.
For international entrepreneurs, choosing a suitable company name is an important first step in establishing a business presence in Sri Lanka. YKG Global can help coordinate the name approval and incorporation process while identifying the applicable statutory requirements.
Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation today.
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