All persons [including partnerships and companies] that are now carrying on business under a business name must apply to register the business name with the Registrar of Business Names on or before 30 September each year.

FORM B-1 : Application to Reserve Business Name

FORM B-2 : Application to Register Business Name

The penalties for failing to make an application are:

1. a fine of up to VT10,000 for each day after 30 September that the person carries on business under the name; and
2. a penalty of VT1,000 for each month after 30 September that the person carries on business under the name subject to a minimum penalty of VT5,000.

An individual carries on business under a business name if he/she uses a name in his/her business that is in any way different to his/her own surname, with or without his/her forenames or initials. For example, Leiwia Toara would need to register the following business names: 

1. “Leiwia’s Store” or “Leiwia Toara’s Store”
2. “Leiwia Toara’s Nakamal”
3. “The Sunset Café”

A company registered under the Companies Act [CAP 191] must register any business name that differs from its full company name. For example a company called “The Golden Egg Café Limited” would need to register the following business names: 

1. “The Golden Egg”; and even
2. “The Golden Egg Café” [because the word “Limited” has been omitted].

A company does not need to register its company name.

A partnership or group of persons must register every business name that does not consist of the names of the persons in the partnership or group.

In certain limited circumstances, where a person trades under more than one name, the Registrar may exempt him/her from registering the other name or names – but application for an exemption must be made to the Registrar.

The cost of business name registration is as follows:

There is an understanding between the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission and the Department of Customs and Inland Revenue [Rates and Tax Office] that any person applying for a business licence must first register his/her business name.

Any person in doubt should seek information from Ms. Lilianne Charley, Vanuatu Financial Services Commission, Bouganville Street, Port Vila.

Telephone: [678] 22247

Fax: [678] 22242
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

All Application forms available on the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission’s Website.

Business Name Registration Steps

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Last Updated on Friday, 08 July 2011 14:59