How to get your Business Registered in Ghana with Ease
Elevate your business through proper registration with Ghana’s Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC). Explore streamlined procedures and eligibility criteria for various business types, from sole proprietorships to foreign companies. Gain access to banking privileges, simplified imports, and growth opportunities.
Introduction: The Autonomous Authority for Business Registration in Ghana
Business Registration in Ghana: The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) is an independent public institution empowered to oversee and regulate the registration and operations of business entities within Ghana.
Established under Section 351 of the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992), the ORC plays a pivotal role in ensuring the compliance of businesses with the required registration processes and regulations.
The Significance of Business Registration
Business registration with the ORC holds profound importance for enterprises operating within Ghana. By enlisting with the ORC, businesses unlock a host of advantages.
These include the ability to establish a dedicated business account, facilitate access to financial loans from banking institutions, streamline the importation of goods with simplified documentation, and increase visibility in the market.
Furthermore, registered businesses gain the capability to enter into contractual agreements with government bodies, paving the way for potential growth opportunities.
Distinct Categories of Registration Eligibility
In the Ghanaian context, the registration process caters to various business types. Sole proprietorships, subsidiary business names owned by corporate entities other than individuals, and partnerships are exclusively available to Ghanaian citizens.
However, the privilege of company registration is extended to both Ghanaian nationals and foreign investors.
The Registration Procedures
The procedures for registration differ based on the type of business entity:
How to get your Business Registered
- Sole Proprietorship Registration: To register a sole proprietorship with the ORC, applicants must complete the registration form, provide their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), Ghana Card, and make a payment of GH 100 cedis.
- Subsidiary Business Name Registration: Registering a subsidiary business name involves submitting the Mother Company’s name, TIN, stamp, and obtaining a representative’s signature. The registration fee amounts to GH 100 cedis.
- Partnership Registration: Partnerships necessitate the completion of the registration form, submission of the Partnership Agreement, stamping from the Lands Commission, provision of TIN and Ghana Card, and a payment of GH 250 cedis.
- Companies Limited by Shares Registration: Profit-oriented entities, both private and public, need to complete the registration form, provide TIN, Ghana Card, or passport for foreign nationals, along with basic information such as name, address, and contact details. Specific industries, such as banking, might need to fulfill additional requirements set by regulatory authorities.
- Companies Limited by Guarantee Registration: Non-profit entities, including schools, churches, and NGOs, follow the same registration process as companies limited by shares, with a reduced fee of GH 430 cedis.
- Registration of External Companies: Foreign companies intending to establish branch offices in Ghana must fill out the registration form, furnish authorization from the parent company, and designate a local manager through a Power of Attorney. The local manager then provides the TIN and Ghana Card or passport for foreign nationals. External companies are subject to a registration fee of $1,380.
Incorporation and Regulatory Compliance
Certain industries, such as banks, have specific regulatory requisites. These include the appointment of auditors and payment of an Incorporation fee of GH 450 cedis in addition to one percent of the stated capital.
Conclusion: A Gateway to Business Legitimacy
How to get your Business Registered
In conclusion, aligning your business with the Office of the Registrar of Companies in Ghana is a strategic step towards legal recognition and unlocking a spectrum of advantages in the competitive business landscape.