Business Registration Online. Starting a business in Ghana can be a complex process that requires careful attention to detail. One of the most important aspects of setting up a business is ensuring that all necessary registrations and permits are obtained from relevant authorities. In this post, we will provide an overview of the business registration and permit requirements in Ghana.
Business Registration in Ghana
The process of registering a business in Ghana typically takes between five and ten business days, and the following documents are required
- Business Name Reservation Form: This form is used to reserve the desired business name and must be submitted to the RGD
- Company Limited by Shares Form: This form is used to register a company limited by shares and includes information about the company’s directors, shareholders, and authorized share capital
- Company Limited by Guarantee Form: This form is used to register a company limited by guarantee and includes information about the company’s members and authorized share capital
- Partnership Form: This form is used to register a partnership and includes information about the partners
- Sole Proprietorship Form: This form is used to register a sole proprietorship and includes information about the owner
- Certificate of Incorporation: This is a legal document that confirms the registration of a company and includes the company’s name, date of incorporation, and registered office
Related Link: Birth Certificate Registration Online
How To Register Your Business Online
Follow the steps below to register your business online
- Visit the e-Services Ghana website
- Click on Signup
- Enter your required details and click Continue
- Enter your verification code sent to your phone number
- Click on Continue to login
- Select the Find A Service tab and then click on the Individual tab
- Select Business Registrations and Permits
- Click on Registrar General’s Department and then click on Apply
- Select RGD Online Application Portal
- You will be redirected to the General Registrar Department Website
- Register and login into your General Registrar Department Account
- Click on services and select Entity Registration
- Click on Create New
- Enter Business Name and Type and click on Proceed
- Fill your business details and click on Save and Proceed
- Upload all necessary details
- Click on confirm
- Print out your transaction details
- Congratulations you successfully applied for your business certificate
How to Create Your Account on The General Registrar Department Website
- Visit the General Registrar Department Website
- Click on Ghana Online Portal Access
- Complete the registration form
- Click on Register
- Congratulations you have successfully registered
Business Permits and Licenses
In addition to registering the business with the RGD, certain businesses in Ghana require permits and licenses from relevant authorities. The following are some of the most common business permits and licenses in Ghana
- Business Operating Permit: All businesses in Ghana are required to obtain a Business Operating Permit (BOP) from their local Metropolitan, Municipal, or District Assembly. The BOP is a permit that allows the business to operate legally in the municipality
- Tax Identification Number (TIN): All businesses in Ghana are required to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The TIN is a unique identifier used for tax purposes
- Environmental Permit: Businesses that have the potential to cause environmental damage or pollution are required to obtain an Environmental Permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Food and Drug Authority (FDA) Permit: Businesses that produce or sell food, drugs, cosmetics, or medical devices are required to obtain a permit from the FDA
- Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Permit: Foreign-owned businesses are required to obtain a permit from the GIPC. The permit is designed to promote and regulate foreign investment in Ghana
Contact Ghana.GOV Support for more information
