Guide to Registering a Business Name in Eswatini

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. This small nation boasts diverse economic activities with agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors forming pivotal pillars. The business environment in Eswatini is friendly and promising, thus attracting both local and international entrepreneurs. Registering a business name is one of the key steps while establishing a corporate presence in the country. Below is a detailed guide on how to register a business name in Eswatini.

Step 1: Identify a Unique Business Name

The first step to register a business name in Eswatini is brainstorming and identifying a distinctive name that resonates with your intended business services or products. The chosen name should not be identical or nearly similar to any existing registered business.

Step 2: Business Name Search

After settling on a potential business name, it’s necessary to conduct a name search with Eswatini’s Company and Intellectual Property Commission. This step ascertains that the chosen name does not encroach on any other existing trade name or trademark.

Step 3: Business Name Reservation

Once the name search confirms no conflicts or duplication, you can then reserve the business name. This reservation lasts for a specific time, within which no other person can register a business using that name.

Step 4: Filling Business Registration Forms

After securing a business name, you need to fill in business registration forms. These forms require important details such as business name, nature of the business, physical and postal addresses, details of the owner(s), and other essential specifics.

Step 5: Payment of Registration Fees

After filling the forms, proceed to pay the required registration fee. The amount varies depending on the nature and size of the business. Payment can be made through various platforms, as provided by the business registrar’s office.

Step 6: Submission of Registration Forms

After the fee payment, you then submit the filled registration forms together with the payment receipt to the registrar. The submission can either be done physically or electronically.

Step 7: Collection of Business Registration Certificate

Once the registrar verifies and approves your registration, they will issue a business registration certificate. This document certifies that your business name is registered and allows you to carry out business operations.

To wrap up, registering a business name in Eswatini involves multiple steps that need to be followed meticulously. However, this immunity should not deter aspiring entrepreneurs as it provides legal protection to your business name and paves way for full operations. Residents and foreigners can comfortably venture into Eswatini’s business space and contribute to this vibrant economy. Do note that local regulations and mandatory requirements may apply, so it’s advisable to engage the services of a local expert during the registration process.

Related links:

Government of Eswatini

Eswatini Revenue Authority

Business Eswatini

First National Bank of Eswatini

Eswatini Environment Authority