Oct. 5, 2026, 1:59 a.m. · photo
IPA states that a Business Name must be registered by anyone carrying on business under a name other than their own.
A business-name certificate lets you trade under that registered name, but under the Business Names Act it does not create a separate legal entity.
This guide covers business-name registration, not company incorporation.
To register online, create a client account in IPA's Business Entity Registry.
After creating the account:
Use an email address you can reliably access because IPA uses email for application communication and the registration certificate.
IPA allows you to enter up to 3 potential business names.
The proposed name cannot be the same as, or nearly the same as, another registered entity name.
Providing alternatives is useful because if your first choice is rejected, the application may still proceed using the next acceptable choice.
Tip: Search the registry before applying and avoid names that could easily be confused with an existing business.
IPA says the online application collects information including:
If an owner is a foreign investor, IPA notes that foreign investor certification may also be required.
Work through each section of the online filing carefully.
You can use Save Draft if you need to stop and return later. When all required information is complete, review the application and select Complete / the relevant submission action.
The filing includes a declaration that the information submitted is true.
Before submitting, make sure owner names, addresses and the business activity are correct. These details become part of the official registry record.
IPA's current prescribed-forms fee schedule lists Form A-17 – Application for registration of business name at:
Use the fee shown by IPA at the time you submit, because prescribed fees can change.
Do not confuse the initial registration fee with later renewal, penalty or restoration fees.
After submission, IPA sends the application to the Registrar for review.
The application may be placed in pending status until you provide what the Registrar requests.
IPA says the Certificate of Registration of a Business Name is emailed to you.
Keep the certificate and your registry login details safely. You will need the registry again for future filings and renewals.
IPA's current registry guidance lists a K150 renewal fee for business-name registration.
If ownership, address or business details change, use the appropriate IPA filing to update the record.
Late or lapsed registrations can attract additional restoration and penalty costs, so do not ignore renewal notices.
Practical rule: treat your IPA account, certificate and renewal date as permanent business records—not one-time setup paperwork.