Company Name Registration Sri Lanka | Name Approval Service

Company Name Registration Sri Lanka

Company name registration is the first and most critical step in starting a company in Sri Lanka. Before incorporating a Private Limited Company or any other entity, the proposed company name must be approved and reserved by the Registrar of Companies (ROC). However, company name registration in Sri Lanka involves strict naming rules, availability checks, and compliance with statutory guidelines, which often lead to rejection if not handled correctly.

This service is ideal for startups, entrepreneurs, foreign investors, and NRIs planning to incorporate a company in Sri Lanka. Registering a company name ensures legal recognition, prevents duplication, and protects your brand identity. A properly approved company name is mandatory for company incorporation, bank account opening, and statutory registrations.

This local page explains everything about company name registration in Sri Lanka, including eligibility, name approval rules, documents required, step-by-step process, timelines, and how YKG Global ensures fast and compliant name approval.

What is Company Name Registration in Sri Lanka?

Company name registration in Sri Lanka is the process of reserving and approving a proposed company name with the Registrar of Companies under the Companies Act No. 07 of 2007. Once approved, the name is reserved exclusively for the applicant for a specific period and can be used for company incorporation.

Company name approval is mandatory before registering a Private Limited Company, Public Limited Company, or foreign company in Sri Lanka.

Who Needs Company Name Registration in Sri Lanka?

Private Limited Company Applicants

Mandatory before company incorporation

Public Limited Companies

Required prior to public company registration

Foreign Companies

Name approval required before local registration

Startups & New Businesses

To secure brand identity at an early stage

Rules for Company Name Registration Sri Lanka

Name must be unique and not identical to existing companies
Must not be misleading or offensive
Restricted words require special approval
Name must end with “(Private) Limited” for Pvt Ltd companies
Must comply with Companies Act and ROC guidelines

Benefits of Company Name Registration Sri Lanka

Legal reservation of company name
Protection of brand identity
Mandatory step for company incorporation
Reduces risk of name duplication
Builds trust with banks and stakeholders

Eligibility Criteria for Company Name Registration Sri Lanka

Individual or entity eligible to incorporate a company
Proposed name compliant with ROC naming rules
Valid business activity under Sri Lankan law
Proper documentation submitted for approval

Documents Required for Company Name Registration Sri Lanka

Applicant Details

National Identity Card or Passport
Contact details

Name Application Details

Proposed company names (preferred options)
Business activity description

Step-by-Step Company Name Registration Process in Sri Lanka

Step 1: Name Availability Search

Check whether the proposed company name is available

Step 2: Name Reservation Application

Submit name approval application to the Registrar of Companies

Step 3: Review by Registrar

ROC reviews name based on compliance and availability

Step 4: Name Approval & Reservation

Approved name is reserved for incorporation

Step 5: Proceed to Company Incorporation

Use approved name for Pvt Ltd or other company registration

Timeline & Compliance Overview

Company Name Approval Timeline: 1–3 working days
Name Reservation Validity: Limited period as prescribed by ROC
Next Step: Company incorporation within validity period

Common Reasons for Company Name Rejection in Sri Lanka

Similarity with existing company names
Use of restricted or regulated words
Incorrect company type suffix
Misleading business activity description

Difference Between Company Name Registration and Business Name Registration