Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions and answers are from the website of the Office of the Administrator and Registrar General for the Government of Sierra Leone. For the latest information on registering a business in Sierra Leone, please visit the OARG website at http://www.oarg.gov.sl
- Do I need to register my business before I start a business?
Ans – Yes. It is an offence to operate a business without registration.
- How do I register a company?
Ans -You can register a business at the OARG by going through the following processes:
Sole Proprietorships/Partnerships
- Conduct Business Name Search
- Fill out a combined business application form
- Pay registration fees
- Obtain certificate and TIN (Tax Identification Number)
Companies
- Conduct Business Name Search
- Submit Statutory Notices of:
- The registered office of the company
- Share Capital
- Shareholders declaration
- List of Directors
- Consent of Directors to act as Director
- Memorandum and Article of Association
Fill out the business registration form
Obtain Certificate and TIN
- How long does it take to register a business in Sierra Leone?
Ans – 1 day
- Can I register a company in the Provinces?
Ans – Yes, you can register a company at the OARG Offices in Bo (1 Fenton Road, Bo) Makeni (34 Frontier Road, Makeni) and Kenema, (25 Hanga Road, Kenema).
- How much does it cost to do a company name Search?
Ans– Company name search is free of charge. It can be done online or at the OARG.
- Can I register a company online?
Ans – You can register a company online by simply going to our website www.oarg.gov.sl and follow the instructions. Company name search can also be done on our website, except that the applicant has to come to the OARG to make payment.
- What additional documents do I need in registering a Business?
Ans – A copy of a valid ID card/passport/Driver’s License. You will be expected to produce the original document for verification.
- What is the minimum share capital requirement for registering a company?
Ans – Minimum capital is Le 1,000,000.00
- What is the maximum share capital requirement for registering a Company?
Ans – No limit
- How much does it cost to register a Business?
Ans – Go to
http://www.oarg.gov.sl/Statutory%20Fee%20for%20Business%20Registration.html
for a schedule of fees. (Below is a reproduction of the fees from the site)
| Office of the Administrator and Registrar General Business Registration One Stop Shop
Statutory fees for the Registration of Business and Companies |
| Leones | |
| Combined Application Form | No Charge |
| Name search for all Business EntitiesBusiness Name Search | No Charge |
| Business Name CertificateChange of Business Name
Certified copy Business name certificate A hard copy of certified Business Name Certificate NRA Written Statements for Sole Proprietorship NRA Written Statements for Partnership and Company Business Registration fees: Sole Proprietorship Partnership |
Le20,000.00Le20,000.00
Le10,000.00 Le20,000.00 Le40,000.00 Le50,000.00
Le50,000.00 Le55,000.00 |
- Do I need to pay any tax in advance?
Ans – No. You will be issued Tax Identification Number (TIN) as soon as you register a company