What is a Company Name?

A trade name, trading name, or business name is a pseudonym used by companies that do not operate under their registered company name. The term for this type of alternative name is a “fictitious” business name. Registering the fictitious name with a relevant government body is often required

How To Register A Company Name In Namibia

Procedure to register a Company Name in Namibia

A Defensive Name is the first step towards registering your business, and is registered at BIPA for the purposes of protecting such name where the defender holds material interest in such a name.

The Name can be defended for an initial period of 2 years and may be renewed for an additional 2 years only. Subsequently the applicant may choose to register a close corporation or a company or cease to defend the name, in which case it becomes available to any other person. A defensive name by law should not be used for trading purposes.

To apply for a Defensive name, submit the application for ‘A Reservation of a Defensive Name’ (CM5) or apply online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

How do I register a business name in Namibia?

A business name can be reserved with the Business and Intellectual Property Authority of Namibia, BIPA, which is an agency under the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development (MITSMED). This process can be done at any BIPA office or on-line at ww.bipa.na.

Can foreigners open a business in Namibia?

The most common structure for a Namibian investor permit applicant is a Namibian company. It therefore follows that a foreign shareholder can own 100% of the shares in a Namibian company. The company may appoint Directors and shareholders need not be natural persons.

How long does it take to register a business in Namibia?

How long does it take to register a Trademark in Namibia? Trademark registration process takes minimum 6 month.

Can I start a business without registering it in Namibia?

It is entirely legal to operate as a sole proprietorship without registering your company. All you need for IRS recognition is that you file your first business tax return, as required by federal law.

How do I register a cash loan business in Namibia?

The applicant will be required to complete the application form and submit the following documentation with the completed application form to NAMFISA: 5.1 A certified copy of Income Tax registration certificate of the Cash Loan Business as issued by the Ministry of Finance.

Can a South African buy a business in Namibia?

It is important to note that Namibia has no restrictions on the ownership of shares in Namibian entities by foreign nationals. In Namibia a business can be managed and property purchased through companies, closed corporations and/or business trusts.

How do I register my SME in Namibia?

Requirements to Apply for SME Certificate

1. Copy of Company Registration Certificate,
2. Social Security Commission Good Standing Certificate not older than 3 months,
3. VAT Good Standing Certificate not older than 3 months, and.
4. Certified Copies of IDs of all members/owners of the Company .

How do I register a micro business loan in Namibia?

To register a new micro finance company a non-refundable application fee of R500 is needed as well as a R250 branch fee per location. Application forms and all relevant regulations can be easily downloaded from the NCR website or you can download the forms below: Application for registration as a credit provider.

What is the main purpose of a business in Namibia?

The primary purpose of a business is to maximize profits for its owners or stakeholders while maintaining corporate social responsibility.

What businesses will always be in demand in Namibia?

• IT & Design. Everything is online these days so it is a no-brainer that IT & design is an industry that is going no-where.
• Renewable Energy & Environmental.
• Transport.
• Insurance.

How can a woman start a small business in Namibia?

The most common permits most women business owners will need are a fictitious name certificate, or DBA, and an employer identification number, or EIN. DBAs are needed if you are using a name for your business that is not your own legal name, and are usually obtained at the county level.

How do I register my CC company in Namibia?

Procedure to register a close corporation (CC)

1. Copy of the approved form for name reservation.
2. Founding statement in triplicate.
3. Consent letter from the accounting officer.
4. Certified Copy of passport in case of foreigners.

Where can I register my Company in Namibia?

Company Registration

• the Ministry of Finance (registration for VAT and Company Tax)
• the Ministry of Labour.
• the Ministry of Home Affairs (work permits, visas, etc.)
• the Social Security Commission.
• NAMFISA.
• BIPA