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How to Reserve a Business Name in Namibia: A Step-by-Step Guide
Do you want to reserve a business name in Namibia? Reserving a business name is one of the first and most important steps towards registering a business in Namibia. It’s a simple process that can be completed either online or in person at the Directorate of Commerce in the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and SME Development (MITSMED). In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the requirements for reserving a business name in Namibia.
Documents Required:
To reserve a business name in person, you will need to submit one of the following completed forms:
- CC8 Form (For reservation of a Close Corporation Name)
- CM5 Form (For reservation of a Company name as well as Defensive Name)
Service Hours:
Over the counter submissions can be made from Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, during the following hours:
- 09:00 – 12:00 hrs
- 14:00 – 16:00 hrs
Service Turnaround Time:
The turnaround time for online submissions is 3 working days, while over the counter submissions take 5 working days.
Service Fee:
The service fee for both over the counter and online submissions is N$75.00. For online applications, proof of payment must be loaded to the ICSF system.
Service Manager:
Ms. Anna Husselmann is the Service Manager and can be contacted at husselmann@bipa.na or on 061–2994434.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Business Name Reservation in Namibia
What is a business name reservation?
A business name reservation is the process of reserving a unique name for a business before it is officially registered.
Who needs to reserve a business name in Namibia?
General Public / Business Investors / SME’s who wish to register a business in Namibia need to reserve a business name first.
What are the options for name reservation?
The options for name reservation in Namibia are:
Online
Over the counter at the Directorate of Commerce in the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and SME Development (MITSMED) or BIPA Namibia
What are the forms to be submitted for over the counter name reservation?
The forms to be submitted for over the counter name reservation are:
Completed CC8 Form (For reservation of a CC Name)
Completed CM5 Form (For reservation of a Company name as well as Defensive Name)
How long is a name reservation valid for?
A name reservation is valid for 2 months once it has been approved.
What is the turnaround time for online name reservation?
The turnaround time for online name reservation is 3 working days.
What is the turnaround time for over the counter name reservation?
The turnaround time for over the counter name reservation is 5 working days.
How much is the service fee for name reservation?
The service fee for name reservation is N$75.00, whether submitted online or over the counter.
Who manages the name reservation service?
The name reservation service in Namibia is managed by Ms. Anna Husselmann, who can be contacted at Tel: 061–2994434 or via E-mail: husselmann@bipa.na.
What are the compliance requirements after business registration?
Once a client has collected their registered documents, they must also ensure compliance with the requirements of other relevant institutions namely: the Ministry of Finance (registration for VAT and Company Tax), the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Home Affairs (work permits, visas, etc.), the Social Security Commission, and local authority by-laws such as those specified by the City of Windhoek, or local authorities in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Keetmanshoop, Oshakati etc.
