Registering your business in Ghana is cheaper and simpler than most people expect. A sole proprietorship costs GHS 130 in 2026, you need your Ghana Card, and the first step happens online on the Registrar General's portal.
This guide covers the online portal, the forms, the 2026 fees for every business type, how long it takes, and what to do after you register.
The short version
Search your business name on the ORC online portal, fill Form A, submit it with your Ghana Card details, and pay GHS 130. You get a Certificate of Registration, then renew every year for GHS 70, which you can do from any phone by dialling *222#.
Who Registers Businesses in Ghana
Business registration used to be handled by the Registrar-General's Department (RGD). Since the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992), it is handled by the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC). Most people still call it "the Registrar General", and the ORC head office is still on the RGD premises in Accra, opposite the Ghana News Agency.
The ORC's website is orc.gov.gh. The online portal is a separate address, covered below.
Which Business Type Should You Register?
| Business type | Who it is for | 2026 registration fee |
|---|---|---|
| Business name (sole proprietorship) | One owner. Most small shops and online sellers | GHS 130 |
| Partnership | Two or more owners sharing the business | GHS 270 |
| Company limited by shares | Owners who want limited liability or investors | GHS 585 plus 1% of stated capital |
| Company limited by guarantee | Non-profits, associations, NGOs | GHS 490 |
If you are one person selling products or a service, register a business name (sole proprietorship). It is the cheapest option, and you can convert to a company later.
What You Need Before You Start
- Your Ghana Card. For individuals, your Ghana Card number is also your Tax Identification Number (TIN), so you do not need a separate TIN.
- Two or three business names, in case your first choice is taken.
- A short description of what the business does, for example "sale of phone accessories".
- Your business address, including your GhanaPost GPS digital address.
- A phone number and email address.
- For companies: details of every director, the company secretary, shareholders and beneficial owners.
Step 1: Search Your Name on the ORC Online Portal
Go to the ORC online portal at rgdonline.gegov.gov.gh/orc-app. It opens on the Name Search page, and you do not need to log in to use it.
- Type your business name.
- Choose a search type: Exact Match, Starts With, Ends With, Contains or Sounds Like.
- Click Search.
Run it with Sounds Like as well as Exact Match. The ORC rejects names that are the same as an existing business, or similar in sound or look, or that are misleading. A name that is spelled differently but sounds the same will still be refused.
"No data found" means nobody has registered that name. The Registrar still gives final approval when you apply.
Step 2: Reserve the Name (Optional)
If you are not ready to register yet, you can reserve the name through the ORC's reservations service so nobody else takes it while you prepare. Skip this if you are registering straight away.
Step 3: Fill Form A
For a sole proprietorship, the application form is Form A. Download the sole proprietorship registration pack from the ORC forms page, or pick up a copy at the in-house bank at the ORC office.
Form A asks for:
- The business name and what the business does
- The business address and contact details
- Your personal details and Ghana Card number
Print it, fill it in, and sign it. Make sure your name is spelled exactly as it is on your Ghana Card. Mismatched spellings are one of the most common reasons applications get queried.
Partnerships and companies use different forms. A company limited by shares files a constitution, Form 3 and a beneficial ownership (BO) profile, all on the same forms page.
Step 4: Submit and Pay
Under the ORC's current procedure, you submit the completed and signed Form A at the Business Names Registration Counter for verification, then pay the GHS 130 processing fee at the in-house bank.
The ORC is rolling out a new online registration platform, and more of the process is moving onto the portal. Check the portal before you go in, because it may let you do more than the name search by the time you read this.
If you need it fast, the ORC's Prestige Service handles registration in 24 to 48 hours for an extra fee (GHS 520 for a business name on the 2026 schedule).
Step 5: Collect Your Certificate
The Registrar examines your application and approves it, queries it or rejects it. If it is queried, fix what they ask and resubmit.
Once approved, you receive:
- A Certificate of Registration
- A Certified True Copy (CTC) of your Form A
A straightforward business name usually takes a few working days to two weeks. Companies take longer, and any query adds time.
Registration Fees in Ghana for 2026
These are from the ORC's official 2026 schedule of fees and charges.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Business name (sole proprietorship) registration | GHS 130 |
| Partnership registration | GHS 270 |
| Company limited by shares | GHS 585 plus 1% capital duty on stated capital |
| Company limited by guarantee | GHS 490 |
| Certified true copy | GHS 30 |
| Business name annual renewal | GHS 70 |
| Partnership annual renewal | GHS 100 |
| Company annual returns | GHS 175 |
| Search of the business name or partnership register | GHS 30 |
| Penalty for not filing annual returns (1 to 4 years) | GHS 1,000 |
Fees change, so check the ORC fees page before you pay.
Renew Every Year by Phone
A business name has to be renewed every year for GHS 70. Partnerships renew for GHS 100. You can do it from any phone, with no internet or app:
- Dial *222# and select option 4 (ORC).
- Enter your business registration number, for example BN223292011.
- Select 1 to file your annual renewal.
- You get an SMS with your outstanding payment and a transaction ID.
- Pay with the transaction ID by USSD, or on ghana.gov.gh.
Companies do not renew a name. They file annual returns instead, and missing them attracts a penalty.
After You Register
- Tax. Your Ghana Card number is your TIN. Speak to the Ghana Revenue Authority about which taxes apply to your business.
- Business bank account. Take your certificate and Form A copy to your bank.
- Operating permit. Your district or municipal assembly may require a business operating permit, especially if you have a physical shop.
- Start selling. If you sell products, our guide on how to sell on WhatsApp in Ghana walks through getting your first online orders.
Do You Have to Register Before You Start Selling?
No. Plenty of people sell first and register once the business is steady. You will need registration to open a business bank account, sign contracts or supply bigger companies.
If you are still at the idea stage, start with how to start a business in Ghana or our small business ideas for Ghana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register my business online in Ghana?
Partly. You can search and check business names online on the ORC portal today. For a sole proprietorship, the ORC's current procedure has you submit the signed Form A at the registration counter and pay at the in-house bank. The ORC is moving more of the process online, and annual renewals can already be done entirely by phone with *222#.
What is the Registrar General online registration portal?
It is the Office of the Registrar of Companies portal at rgdonline.gegov.gov.gh/orc-app. It opens on the Name Search page, which you can use without an account.
How much does it cost to register a business in Ghana?
In 2026, a business name (sole proprietorship) costs GHS 130, a partnership GHS 270, a company limited by guarantee GHS 490, and a company limited by shares GHS 585 plus 1% of its stated capital.
How long does business registration take in Ghana?
A simple business name usually takes a few working days to two weeks. The Prestige Service does it in 24 to 48 hours for an extra fee. Companies and queried applications take longer.
Do I need a TIN to register a business in Ghana?
You need your Ghana Card. For individuals, the Ghana Card number is the TIN, so there is no separate number to apply for.
How do I contact the ORC?
Call 0308249841 or 0599525774, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, or email info@orc.gov.gh.
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