How to register a company in Ghana: A Step-by-Step Process

Starting a business is considered one of the most effective strategies for addressing unemployment. However, it is crucial to ensure that the business is legally registered to meet all the necessary requirements. This article aims to provide you with valuable insights into the process of company registration in Ghana.

Registering a company in Ghana is a relatively straightforward procedure, particularly when you comply with all the registration prerequisites. By simply visiting the appropriate offices, you can swiftly initiate transactions with your company. It is worth noting that there are various types of companies in Ghana, each with its own set of procedures for business registration.

How to register a company in Ghana

Provide the business or company name for search to affirm the business’s existence.
Buy or download the entry registration form.
Fill out the form with the required information.
Submit the completed form with all the supporting documents for validation purposes.
Make the required payments which may vary depending on the business you are registering.
Your registration may be approved, queried, or rejected.
Certificates and other supporting documents are issued when approval is given.

How to register a company in Ghana online.

The process of registering a company in Ghana has been made more convenient with the introduction of online registration. It is now possible to register your business without having to visit multiple offices in person. The Registrar General Department has launched an online platform that allows individuals to register their startups. This online portal is seamlessly integrated with the Ghana Revenue Authority’s e-tax portal, resulting in efficient and rapid information processing.

To register your company online in Ghana, follow these steps:

Visit the official website of the company at www.rgdeservices.com.
Click on the “Name Search” option to verify the availability of your desired company name.
Download the registration forms specific to your chosen entity type.
Print out the form, complete it, sign it, and scan any necessary supporting documents.
Create a user account on the portal.
Log in using the provided username and password.
On the welcome page, click on the link for entity registration.
In the left pane, select the entity registration option again.
If the company name hasn’t been reserved yet, click on the “Create New” button.
If the name has been reserved, click on the “Create From Name Reservation” button.
Choose the entity type from the drop-down list.
After entering the company name in the “Entity Name” field, click on the “Proceed” button.
Enter the required information, upload scanned copies of your signed documents, and follow the subsequent steps.
Select the “make payment online” option to proceed with payment.
You will receive an SMS notification regarding your registration status.
Once your registration is approved, click on the eCertificate link to save or print your certificate and any accompanying documents.

To register a company in Ghana as a foreigner, you need to follow the following steps:

Incorporate your business at the Registrar General’s Department and obtain the following documents: Certificate of incorporation, Tax Identification Number (TIN), company regulations, and a certificate to commence business.
Make a minimum equity contribution as required.
Proceed to register your company with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) to obtain an Investment Certificate and fulfill other necessary permissions.
The registration process typically takes about five working days to complete.
Register your company with the Ghana Revenue Authority to fulfill your statutory tax obligations.
Obtain an environmental permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

By following these steps, you can successfully register your company in Ghana as a foreigner.

Business registration in Ghana.

The process of business registration in Ghana varies depending on the type of business structure. Let’s explore the specific requirements for different legally recognized company types in the country:

Registering a Sole Proprietorship Business in Ghana:

Although sole proprietorships are not required to be registered with the Registrar General’s Department, sole proprietors must register their business names. The applicant can get Form A for GH 3.50 cedis from the in-house bank. A processing fee of GH 60.00 cedis is required when submitting the documents. After a thorough examination by the Ghana Registrar General, a certificate and a certified true copy will be issued.

Sole Proprietorship Business Registration Form

Sole Proprietorship Registration Form A

Registering a Limited Liability Company in Ghana:

Registering a limited liability company in Ghana is a relatively quick process, typically taking three days to complete. Initially, you need to purchase the limited liability forms, available for GH 10 cedis at the in-house bank. Then, you must submit a declaration form and a letter of consent to the registry. Additionally, payment of GH 230 Cedis and 0.5% of the capital is required for stamp duty. Once these steps are completed, you will receive a certificate allowing you to commence your company’s operations. Note that the certificate needs to be renewed annually at a cost of GH 50 cedis.

Limited Liability Company Registration Form

Private Limited Company (Pack of Forms including Form 3)

Private Unlimited Company (Pack of Forms including Form 3A)

Public Limited Company (Pack of Forms including Form 3C)

Public Unlimited Company (Pack of Forms including Form 3D)

Registering Companies Limited by Guarantee:

To register a company limited by guarantee in Ghana, it takes approximately five days to obtain the certificate and obtain permission for business transactions. Begin by purchasing Form 3 RGD forms for GH 9.50 cedis from the in-house bank. After completing the forms, submit the Registrar General Forms to the Registry along with an additional payment of GH 270.00 cedis. Additionally, the declaration and consent forms need to be attached. Renewal of this certificate is required annually at a cost of GH 50 cedis.

Companies Limited by Guarantee Registration Form

Private Limited by Guarantee(Pack of Forms including Form 3B)

Public Limited by Guarantee(Pack of Forms including Form 3E)

Registering an External Company:

For registering an external company, you must purchase Form 20 and Form 21, available at the Ghana Publishing Company Limited in Accra. Along with these forms, you should submit a certified copy of the memorandum and articles of association to the Registry. The certificate of incorporation and the power of attorney must also be included in the submission. Optionally, you can choose to submit the external company’s constitution, which needs to be endorsed by the Ghana Mission.

External Company Registration Form

External Company Registration Form 20

External Company Requiring Registration Form 21

Cover Note

Registering the Incorporation of a Partnership:

To register the incorporation of a partnership, begin by purchasing Form A from the in-house bank in Ghana for 3.50 cedis. Submit the form to the Registry along with the stamped partnership agreement. Typically, a certificate of incorporation for a partnership company is issued within three business days. Following that, a fee of GH 160.00 cedis is payable.

By following these specific steps, you can successfully register your business under the relevant company structure in Ghana.

TIN registration.

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a mandatory requirement for company directors, secretaries, and shareholders in Ghana who are liable to pay taxes. When submitting TIN forms, it is necessary for the applicant to include a photo ID as an attachment. It’s important to note that there are no charges associated with obtaining TIN numbers, as they are provided free of charge upon completion of the Ghana Revenue Authority forms. In the case of corporate organizations, they can also create TIN numbers if the corporate entity holds shares in the registered company. Additional information required for obtaining a Taxpayer Identification Number includes the individual’s name, occupation, mother’s maiden name, residential and postal address, and contact details. Once the TIN number is acquired, applicants should select the appropriate forms based on the business structures outlined above for further processing.

TIN registration Form

Taxpayer registration form organization

Taxpayer registration form individual

Requirements to register a company in Ghana?

Below are the requirements to register your company in Ghana.

Full names
Occupation
Photo ID details
Mother’s maiden name
Residential and postal address
Contact number

How to Verify Company Registration in Ghana

To check if your company is registered, follow these steps:

Visit the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) website.
On the RGD portal home page, click on the “Service” tab.
A service page will be displayed.
Under the business section, click on “Name search” and search for your business.

Cost of Company Registration in Ghana

The fees for registering a company in Ghana vary based on the type of business structure. Here is a breakdown of the registration fees:

Sole proprietor registration: GHS 60.00
Subsidiary business name registration: GHS 60.00
Incorporation of partnership: GHS 160.00
Company limited by shares (private and public): GHS 230.00
Unlimited liability company (private and public): GHS 230.00
Company limited by guarantee (private or public): GHS 270.00
External Company: $1200

Registering a company in Ghana ensures compliance with the law, allowing businesses to operate without the risk of legal disputes. Non-compliance can lead to financial losses and other disadvantages. It is essential for individuals starting new companies to follow the recommended procedures for company registration in Ghana to avoid violating company laws.