Is business registration the same as a trade licence or tax registration?
No. They're three separate steps, each with its own office. Registering your business name or company gives it a legal name. A trade licence from your local council lets you operate from your premises. A tax registration with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) gives you a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
| Business name registration | Company incorporation | Trade licence (local council) | Tax registration (TIN / IRD) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who runs it | Provincial Council (e.g. Western Province BNR) | Department of Registrar of Companies (DRC) | Municipal Council, Urban Council or Pradeshiya Sabha | Inland Revenue Department (IRD) |
| The law | Provincial Business Names Statute (e.g. No. 05 of 2011) | Companies Act No. 07 of 2007 | Municipal Councils, Urban Councils and Pradeshiya Sabha Acts | Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017 |
| What you get | A trade name only; the owner or partners stay personally liable | A separate legal body with limited liability | A permit to operate from your premises (public health and zoning) | A taxpayer file number (TIN) |
| Where it applies | The province you registered in | National, under Sri Lankan company law | The council area where your premises are | National |
| Renewal | No yearly renewal (only if details change or you close) | A yearly annual return (Form 15) | Yearly, 1 Jan to 31 Dec | Ongoing tax returns |
Tax is always a separate IRD process. What you must register for depends on you, your business type and the tax law. It can include a TIN, and VAT or SSCL registration. Use our VAT calculator to check the VAT registration threshold.
1. Choose your business type and gather documents
Pick your business type below. The checklist shows the documents and forms you need, and where to submit them.
- Sole proprietorship: one owner, trading under a business name. You're personally liable for the business.
- Partnership: two or more people trading under one business name. The partners are personally liable.
- Private limited company (Pvt Ltd): a separate legal body with limited liability, registered nationally with the DRC.
Source: WP BNR instructions for an individual business name (BNR-01) and a partnership (BNR-03), bnr.wp.gov.lk (individual PDF), bnr.wp.gov.lk (partnership PDF); DRC forms page, drc.gov.lk/en/?page_id=1998. Checked 27 Sep 2026.
For one owner trading under a business name in Western Province. You register under Western Province Business Names Statute No. 05 of 2011, at your Divisional Secretariat or the BNR Department.
The official form to register a business name for one owner. Sign it in your own name.
Download Application Form BNR-01 (PDF)A certified copy of your NIC, passport or driving license.
A report from your Grama Niladhari (village officer) confirming the business is running, signed by the Divisional Secretary.
A copy of your deed, lease or rental agreement, certified by a notary public.
If someone else owns the building: their signed consent to register the business there, plus a copy of their ID.
A police report if your NIC is lost.
The receipt from your Grama Niladhari if your NIC is with the department for renewal or correction.
A recent electricity, water or phone bill for the business address. The GN often asks for it.
For two or more people trading under one business name in Western Province. Each partner signs a separate affidavit.
The official form to register a partnership business name in Western Province.
Download Application Form BNR-03 (PDF)Certified copies of every partner's NIC, passport or driving license.
A separate signed affidavit from each partner confirming the details in the application.
A report from your Grama Niladhari confirming the partnership is running, signed by the Divisional Secretary.
A copy of your deed, lease or rental agreement, certified by a notary public.
Your notarised partnership deed, if you have one. It sets out profit shares, capital and roles.
If someone else owns the building: their notarised consent, plus a copy of their ID.
Bank statements showing what each partner put in. Recommended, not required.
A company registered nationally under the Companies Act No. 07 of 2007, online through eROC. The company is a separate legal body, and the owners have limited liability.
Your approved name reservation from eROC. It's valid for 3 months (Section 7(3)).
The company application form. eROC creates it and every shareholder signs it.
Open eROC Portal (generates Form 1)Each director signs one Form 18 to agree to be a director.
Open eROC Portal (generates Form 18)The company's rulebook. Use the standard model articles or upload your own signed version.
Download Model Articles of Association (PDF)Names the person who files BO details for the company. Submit it on bo.drc.gov.lk. Compulsory since 30 March 2026.
Open Beneficial Ownership Portal (bo.drc.gov.lk)Details of each beneficial owner (name, NIC or passport, address, how they own or control the company). Submit it on bo.drc.gov.lk.
Open Beneficial Ownership Portal (bo.drc.gov.lk)Certified ID copies for every director, the secretary and each beneficial owner.
If a foreign person or company holds shares: Inward Investment Account (IIA) bank documents and certified passport copies.
Outside Western Province?
The fees and forms on this page are for Western Province (Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara). Every province registers business names under its own statute, so the form and the price can differ. Sole proprietorships and partnerships apply through the Divisional Secretariat for the business address. Ask your DS office for the current form and fee before you apply. Companies are different. They register nationally with the DRC, so the company steps and fees below apply anywhere in Sri Lanka.
Source: Welipitiya Divisional Secretariat business registration page (a Southern Province DS office handles business names), welipitiya.ds.gov.lk, checked 27 Sep 2026.
Foreign owners
Foreign nationals can't register a sole proprietorship or partnership. They can own a private limited company registered with the DRC.
- Company route: register a Pvt Ltd on eROC, following the same steps as a local company.
- Foreign shareholders: have your Inward Investment Account (IIA) bank documents and certified passport copies ready.
- Directors and secretary: a sole director can't also be the sole company secretary (Section 221(2), Companies Act No. 07 of 2007).
Source: the Private Limited Company checklist above (IIA documents); Welipitiya Divisional Secretariat business registration page (citizens and permanent residents only), checked 27 Sep 2026.
2. How much does it cost to register a business in Sri Lanka?
It depends on the route. In Western Province, a business name costs Rs 1,500, Rs 2,500 or Rs 3,500, depending on your starting capital. A private limited company costs Rs 18,408 in government fees with one director and one secretary, or Rs 21,476 with two directors. Both company totals include 18% VAT. The fees below come from the Western Province BNR charges and the July 2026 Companies (Fees) Order (Gazette No. 2496/03).
Western Province BNR confirms that a One-Day Service exists, but it doesn't publish the price online. The Rs 5,000 figure in the table is a reported price, not an official fee. For companies, the total depends on how many directors you have and which documents you file. Don't rely on fixed "package" prices you see elsewhere.
| Route / Statutory Component | Fee (price) | How long it takes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Province Business Name (Capital up to Rs. 299,999) | Rs. 1,500.00 | Within 5 working days | WP BNR Department (Charges page) |
| Western Province Business Name (Capital Rs. 300,000 to Rs. 499,999) | Rs. 2,500.00 | Within 5 working days | WP BNR Department (Charges page) |
| Western Province Business Name (Capital Rs. 500,000 and above) | Rs. 3,500.00 | Within 5 working days | WP BNR Department (Charges page) |
| Western Province One-Day Service | Reported Rs. 5,000 (Unverified) | Same day (in-person) | WP BNR Department (One-Day service officially confirmed available; fee unverified) |
| Western Province Late Registration Penalty | Rs. 500.00 | N/A | WP BNR Department (Published penalty fee) |
| DRC Company Name Reservation (Form 22) | Rs. 2,600.00 (+ 18% VAT = Rs. 3,068.00) | Online (typically 1 to 2 working days) | DRC Gazette Extra. 2496/03, Item 8 (valid 3 months) |
| DRC Private Company Registration (Form 1) | Rs. 5,200.00 (+ 18% VAT = Rs. 6,136.00) | Electronic issuance | DRC Gazette Extra. 2496/03, Item 1 |
| DRC Articles of Association Registration | Rs. 2,600.00 (+ 18% VAT = Rs. 3,068.00) | Electronic issuance | DRC Gazette Extra. 2496/03, Item 7 |
| DRC Director Consent (Form 18) | Rs. 2,600.00 (+ 18% VAT = Rs. 3,068.00) per director | Electronic issuance | DRC Gazette Extra. 2496/03, Item 7 |
| DRC Secretary Consent (Form 19) | Rs. 2,600.00 (+ 18% VAT = Rs. 3,068.00) | Electronic issuance | DRC Gazette Extra. 2496/03, Item 7 |
| DRC Beneficial Ownership Submission (BO 05 & BO 01) | Mandatory filing on bo.drc.gov.lk | Post-incorporation step | DRC Notice p4678 & Regulation No. 1 of 2026 |
Source: Gazette Extraordinary No. 2496/03 (Items 1, 7, 8; fees before VAT, 18% VAT added at payment), drc.gov.lk (PDF); WP BNR charges, bnr.wp.gov.lk; DRC notice p4678 and Regulation No. 1 of 2026 (BO row). Checked 27 Sep 2026.
Pvt Ltd fee calculator (by number of directors)
Each director signs a Form 18 (Consent of Director). Each Form 18 costs Rs 2,600 plus 18% VAT, so Rs 3,068. Choose the number of directors to see the full breakdown.
Western Province business name fee estimator
Enter your starting capital to see which fee bracket applies.
3. How to register a business: step by step
Follow these steps from choosing a name to getting your certificate. Where a step says "company" or "business name", it applies to that route only.
Choose your business type and a name
Decide between a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a private limited company. Then choose a name. A business name must follow Section 8 of Western Province Statute No. 05 of 2011. A company name must avoid restricted words. Before you pay, check that the name is free on eROC (see "How to check a company name" below).
Get proof of your premises
You need a copy of the title deed, or a lease or tenancy agreement, certified by a notary public. If a family member or landlord owns the building, get a signed affidavit of consent from the owner, plus a copy of the owner's ID.
Get the Grama Niladhari report (business name only)
For a sole proprietorship or partnership, go to your Grama Niladhari (GN, your village officer). The GN inspects the business and writes a report confirming it's running. The Divisional Secretary then countersigns the report (signs and stamps it).
Reserve your company name on eROC (company only)
Create an account on eroc.drc.gov.lk, the Registrar of Companies' online system. Submit a name reservation and pay Rs 2,600 plus 18% VAT, so Rs 3,068. Once the Registrar approves it, the name is yours for 3 months (Section 7(3), Companies Act).
Fill in and sign the forms
Business name: complete Form BNR-01 (one owner) or BNR-03 (partnership). For a partnership, each partner also signs an affidavit. Company: eROC creates Form 1 (the application), a Form 18 for each director, Form 19 (secretary) and the Articles of Association. Everyone signs, on paper or digitally.
Submit and pay the fee
Business name: hand it in at your Divisional Secretariat or the BNR Department in Battaramulla. Pay Rs 1,500, Rs 2,500 or Rs 3,500, based on your starting capital. Company: upload the signed forms to eROC and pay the fees online.
File beneficial ownership details (company only)
After you pay on eROC, log in to bo.drc.gov.lk as a Company User. Submit Form BO 05 (the authorised person) and Form BO 01 (details of each beneficial owner). This has been compulsory for new companies since 30 March 2026. If you skip it, you'll have to resubmit the incorporation.
Get your certificate, then sort out licences
Companies download a digital Certificate of Incorporation from eROC. Business names get a Western Province Business Name Certificate. Next, apply to your local council for a trade licence if you need one. If you'll hire staff, register with the Department of Labour and the ETF Board.
Register for a TIN with the IRD
Apply for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) with the Inland Revenue Department through its online system, RAMIS. You need a TIN before you can register for VAT. If your sales may pass the VAT threshold, read how to register for VAT on our VAT calculator page.
Source: WP BNR instructions (BNR-01 and BNR-03 PDFs) and FAQ, bnr.wp.gov.lk; DRC notice p4678; IRD VAT page (TIN before VAT registration; certificate in the document list), ird.gov.lk. Checked 27 Sep 2026. Hiring staff? Our EPF and ETF calculator shows what you'll pay each month. Sales near the VAT threshold? Read how to register for VAT.
How to check a company name or registration number in Sri Lanka
Check a new company name on the Registrar of Companies' eROC system before you pay to reserve it. The same search box takes a company number, so you can also look up an existing company online. For a full check of an existing company's file, such as who its directors are, use the DRC's public search service at the DRC office in Colombo 10.
Checking whether a name is free (before you reserve it)
- Go to eroc.drc.gov.lk. The home page opens on "Search a company name online". You don't need to log in.
- Choose "Begins with" or "Contains" and type the name you want. Try close variations too, because a very similar name can be refused.
- If the name looks free, submit a name reservation (Rs 2,600 + 18% VAT = Rs 3,068). It's held for 3 months.
Checking an existing company or its registration number
- Online: type the company number or name into the eROC search box above.
- At the DRC: ask for a public search at No. 400, "Samagam Medura", D. R. Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo 10 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM). Fee for inspecting a company file: Rs 1,300 before VAT (Gazette 2496/03, Item 9).
- On the certificate: the registration number is printed on the Certificate of Incorporation, which also carries a verification barcode.
- Business names (sole proprietorship or partnership): the provincial registrar holds these, not the DRC. In Western Province, contact the BNR Department in Battaramulla (+94 11 209 2997). The BNR charges Rs 500 to check a file and Rs 1,500 for a copy of a registered certificate (application B.N.R. 08).
Source: eROC home page, eroc.drc.gov.lk/home/search ("Search a company name online", checked 27 Sep 2026); Gazette 2496/03, Items 8 and 9; WP BNR charges and FAQ, bnr.wp.gov.lk; DRC office address and hours (office cards below).
How do I get my business registration certificate?
It depends on the route. A company downloads its digital Certificate of Incorporation from eROC once the Registrar approves it. A sole proprietorship or partnership in Western Province gets a Business Name Certificate from the BNR. Normal processing takes up to 5 working days. A One-Day Service is also available.
| Route | Certificate | Where you get it | How long |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private limited company | Certificate of Incorporation (digital, with verification barcode) | Download from eROC | Issued electronically after approval |
| Sole proprietorship or partnership (Western Province) | Business Name Certificate | Issued by the Western Province BNR Department (applications go in at the BNR Department, Battaramulla, or your Divisional Secretariat) | Up to 5 working days; One-Day Service available |
What to do with it next
- Keep the original safe and make certified copies.
- Use it to register for a TIN with the IRD (Step 9) and, if needed, for VAT.
Source: WP BNR FAQ (5 working days; One-Day Service available), bnr.wp.gov.lk; Step 8 above (eROC digital certificate); IRD VAT page (certificate needed for VAT registration). Checked 27 Sep 2026.
After you register: yearly filings and changes
Companies
- Annual return (Form 15): every company files an annual return with the DRC. The gazetted fee is Rs 7,900 before VAT. The gazette lists its fees excluding VAT, and 18% VAT is added at payment, so Rs 9,322.
- Beneficial ownership: keep your BO details up to date on bo.drc.gov.lk. The DRC lists separate BO forms for a share issue (BO 02), a share transfer (BO 03), the annual return (BO 04), a change of authorised person (BO 05) and a change of registered office (BO 06).
- Changes to directors or secretary: file Form 20 (Notice of Change of Director/Secretary) with the DRC.
Business names
- There's no yearly renewal. You only file again if details change or you close the business.
Everyone
- Renew your trade licence each year (1 Jan to 31 Dec), where your council requires one.
- File your tax returns with the IRD.
Source: Gazette 2496/03, Item 6 (Form 15, Rs 7,900, fees excluding VAT); DRC BO System user guide, drc.gov.lk/en/?page_id=4607; DRC forms page (Form 20), drc.gov.lk/en/?page_id=1998; the comparison table above (renewal row). Checked 27 Sep 2026.
4. Offices and online portals
Where to go in person, and the government websites you'll use.
Department of Registrar of Companies (DRC)
Walk-in / In-Person (No Prior Appointment)No. 400, 'Samagam Medura', D. R. Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo 10
Beneficial Ownership System (DRC BO Unit)
Walk-in / In-Person (No Prior Appointment)Department of the Registrar of Companies, Colombo 10
Provincial Department of Business Names Registration (WP)
Walk-in / In-Person (No Prior Appointment)1st Floor, Provincial Council Office Complex, No. 204, Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mawatha, Battaramulla
Divisional Secretariats (Western Province)
Walk-in / In-Person (No Prior Appointment)Divisional Secretariat offices across Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts
Business registration forms (PDF) and official portals
The official portals and the Western Province instruction PDFs. The BNR PDFs list the required documents and instructions; the BNR-01 and BNR-03 forms themselves are issued by the BNR Department or your Divisional Secretariat.
Sources & last checked
Business names, company registration, trade licences and tax registration are separate processes, run by different authorities. This guide is checked against both the Registrar of Companies and the Inland Revenue Dept.
Maintained by the LankaSolve maintainer. Read how we verify information or see our verified sources.
Checked against Department of the Registrar of Companies (DRC) & Provincial Business Names Registrar. Every source for this topic, with dates, is on our verified sources.
This guide is based on DRC Gazette Extraordinary No. 2496/03 (6 July 2026), DRC notices on beneficial ownership, and Western Province Business Names Statute No. 05 of 2011. Business names, company registration, trade licences and tax registration are separate processes, run by different authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a business in Sri Lanka?
It depends on the route. In Western Province, a business name costs Rs 1,500, Rs 2,500 or Rs 3,500, depending on your starting capital. A private limited company costs Rs 18,408 in government fees with one director, or Rs 21,476 with two directors, including 18% VAT. See the full fee table.
How do I register an individual business (sole proprietorship) in Sri Lanka?
Register the business name with your provincial council through your Divisional Secretariat. In Western Province, you need Form BNR-01, a notary-certified copy of your deed or lease, a certified copy of your NIC, and a Grama Niladhari report signed by the Divisional Secretary. Apply within 14 days of starting (up to 30 days is allowed). The fee is Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,500.
How can I check a company name or registration number in Sri Lanka?
Check a new company name on the DRC's eROC system before you pay Rs 3,068 to reserve it. The eROC home page has a free "Search a company name online" box that also takes a company number. For a full file check on an existing company, use the DRC's public search service at its Colombo 10 office (file inspection fee Rs 1,300 before VAT). The registration number is printed on the Certificate of Incorporation. See how to check a company name.
How do I get my business registration certificate?
Companies download a digital Certificate of Incorporation from eROC after approval. Sole proprietorships and partnerships in Western Province get a Business Name Certificate from the BNR, usually within 5 working days. A One-Day Service is also available. You'll need the certificate to register for VAT.
Do companies have to file beneficial ownership (BO) information?
Yes. Since 30 March 2026, every new company must submit Form BO 05 and Form BO 01 on bo.drc.gov.lk after paying on eROC. Existing companies had to submit BO information (Form BO 07) by 21 October 2026. That deadline has passed: the DRC says companies that haven't complied must submit without further delay, and from 22 October 2026 a late BO form carries a penalty of Rs 1,000 per week.
Can I register a business online?
Companies, yes. You can do the whole process online on eROC (eroc.drc.gov.lk) and the BO portal (bo.drc.gov.lk), and the certificate is digital. For Western Province business names, there's an online document portal (dmsbnr.wp.gov.lk). But you still need the Grama Niladhari inspection and the Divisional Secretary's signature.