HOW TO REGISTER A BUSINESS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO.

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Any person who wishes to start and run a business in Trinidad and Tobago should have the business registered – especially if the business is going to be run using a name other than their own. Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to register a business in T&T using the Companies Registry Online System (CROS).

Step 1: Decide what type of business you want to register.

There are different types of businesses that you can register in T&T and you must decide which type works best for you. A business can be registered as: a sole trader, a partnership or as a company.

To learn more about sole traders:
CLICK HERE.
To learn more about partnerships:
CLICK HERE.
To learn more about companies:
CLICK HERE.

Step 2: Create a Companies Registry Account (CRA)

To access the Companies Registry Online System (CROS), you must first create a Companies Registry Account (CRA).

1. Visit the CRA Registration Page and click on the “Apply for an Individual Account” button.
2. Fill in the required details and follow the instructions to verify your account.
3. Upload a copy of your birth certificate, two forms of photo identification (ID), and a headshot with one of the submitted IDs held beside your face.
   
   

For assistance with creating your CRA, you may email the CROS Help Desk at [email protected].

Step 3: Do a Business Name Search and Reserve Your Business Name
 

1. Log into your CRA: Access the CROS platform using your CRA credentials.
   
   
2. Conduct a Business Name Search:
   - Select the “Name Reservation” service.
   - Enter the proposed business name and check its availability.
   - Pay the fee: $20.00TT for sole trader/partnership, $25.00TT for a company.
   
   
3. Receive Name Approval: The processing time is usually three (3) working days. You will receive confirmation, via email, of the Registrar’s decision.
   ​- If the name is approved, it will be reserved for forty-five (45) days.
   - If further information/clarification is needed, respond to the email with the necessary details.
   - If the name is rejected, you will need to submit a new application and pay the fee.

Step 4: Complete the Registration Forms Online

Depending on the type of business, fill out the respective registration forms online:

Registering a Sole Trader Business

1. Log into your CRA.
2. Select the ‘Registration/Incorporation’ service.
3. Complete the Application for Registration of an Individual - Form 1.
4. Pay the fee: $220.00TT.
5. Submit Supporting Documents:
   • An original document from the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) indicating BIR file number of the individual (e.g., an Advisory Letter or a Notice of Assessment).
6. Receive Confirmation: You will receive confirmation via email once the Business Name is successfully registered.
7. Collect your Certificate:
   • Print and sign the Application for Registration.
   • Deliver the signed Application for Registration to the Companies Registry Counter at the Registrar General's Department at the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs. ​

Registering a Partnership Business

1. Log into your CRA.
2. Select the ‘Registration/Incorporation’ service.
3. Complete the Application for Registration of a Firm (partnership) - Form 2.
4. Pay the fee: $220.00TT.
5. Submit Supporting Documents:
   • An original document from the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) indicating BIR file number of each partner (whether a natural person or corporation).
6. Receive Confirmation: You will receive confirmation via email once the Business Name is successfully registered.
7. Collect your Certificate:
   • Print and sign the Application for Registration.
   • Deliver the signed Application for Registration to the Companies Registry Counter at the Registrar General's Department at the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs. ​

Incorporating (Registering) a Profit Company

1. Log into your CRA.
2. Select the ‘Registration/Incorporation’ service.
3. Complete and submit the incorporation forms:
   • Form 1 - Articles of Incorporation.
   • Form 4 - Notice of Address.
   • Form 8 - Notice of Directors.
4. Pay the fee: $520.00TT.
5. Submit Supporting Documents: Upload the required documents and pay the fee.
6. Receive Confirmation: You will receive confirmation via email once the documents are successfully received.
7. Collect your Certificate:
   • Print two copies of the Articles of Incorporation, Notice of Address, and Notice of Directors.
   • Sign both copies with original (wet) signatures.
   • Deliver the signed forms to the Companies Registry Counter at the Registrar General's Department at the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs. 

Incorporating (Registering) a Non-Profit Company

1. Log into your CRA.
2. Select the ‘Registration/Incorporation’ service.
3. Complete and submit the incorporation forms:
   • Form 2 - Articles of Incorporation.
   • Form 4 - Notice of Address.
   • Form 8 - Notice of Directors.
   • Upload a scan of a completed and signed Questionnaire to Assist in Assessing Risk.
4. Pay the fee: $620.00TT.
5. Submit Supporting Documents: Upload the required documents and pay the fee.
6. Receive Confirmation: You will receive confirmation via email once the documents are successfully received.
7. Collect your Certificate:
   • Print two copies of the Articles of Incorporation, Notice of Address, and Notice of Directors.
   • Sign both copies with original (wet) signatures.
   • Deliver the signed forms and the original Questionnaire to the Companies Registry Counter at the Registrar General's Department at the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs. 

Important Notice: This post does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with an attorney on any legal problem or issue.

​This website is managed by AURORA Chambers; a law practice in Trinidad and Tobago.

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WHAT IS A SOLE TRADER?

WHAT IS A PARTNERSHIP?

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE REGISTERING A COMPANY IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO