Business Name Information

What Is a Business Name
and Do I Need One?

Many businesses choose to trade under names that are different from the actual names of the business operators. Business names can be used by sole traders, partnerships, and companies. This section provides an overview of what business names are, how they can work for you, and how to register a business name.

A business name, sometimes known as a trading name, is a name under which a business operator conducts their business.

Any business operator that is trading under a name that is not their own must register a business name with the CRA unless they fall under an exception.

Why Have Business Names?

Business names are used for a number of different reasons. Business names are often used to help businesses inform the public about what they do or for marketing purposes. It is also often used by business operators that have more than one business and they wish to make it easier for people to differentiate between them.

Whether you wish to use a business name will depend on your individual circumstances.

Applying For a Business Name

There are two main ways to register a business name:

  • Reserve a business name and then apply for the name at a later stage, or

  • Apply for the name directly

Reserving a business name
You are able to put a business name on hold for six months ahead of applying to register the business name. After this time, you must either give up the name or reserve the name again. However, you should note that you may only reserve a proposed business name twice over a five-year period.

Reservation is easily done online. The fee for reserving a business name is EUR 150.

Registering a business name
The fee for registering a business name is included in the cost of the application fee. It is quicker and cheaper for you to apply for the business name directly.

How To Get a Business Name?

Applying for a business name is quick and easy online. If you have limited computer skills, paper applications are also available. This information sets out how to register a business name. It covers:

  • General information about business names;

  • Choosing a business name;

  • Reserving business names;

  • Registering business name;

  • Keeping your details up to date;

Steps to Register a Business Name

Operating a business under a name other than your own is a common practice in Western Sahara. It is important that you understand what business names are and the obligations for business name holders.

There are a number of important things that you must do when you use a business name. You must:

  • Display your business name certificate at the place of business;
  • Put your actual name on written documents associated with the business (e.g. invoices, receipts, demands for debts);
  • Renew your business name registration every year;

Most names can be used in Western Sahara, SADR, however there are some important exceptions that you should be aware of.

A proposed business name will be refused if it is identical (or similar enough to deceive or mislead) to a:

  • Company name;
  • Business name registered in the past five years;
  • Reserved business name;
  • Other grounds for refusal are where the proposed name:
  • Suggests a connection with government or other public bodies;
  • Contains the word ‘co-operative’ or ‘building society’;

You are able to put a business name on hold for six months ahead of applying to register the business name. After this time, you must either give up the name or reserve the name again. However, you should note that you may only reserve a proposed business name twice over a five-year period.

Reservation is easily done online through the registry services tab above. There is a fee to reserve a business name that is EUR 150. Please note that if you continue to register the business name an additional fee will be payable.

The fee for registering a business name is included in the cost of the application fee. So it is quicker and cheaper for you to apply for the business name directly.

Registering a business name is simple and can be easily done online.

Every year business name registrations must be renewed. Renewing your business name is important so that your details are up to date and the CRA knows that you are still operating under a business name. Renewing your business name provides you with further protection against others who may attempt to operate using your business’ goodwill and reputation. It also means that older names that are not being used anymore can be used by new businesses.

It is required to renew your business name within the ‘anniversary period’. The anniversary period is the same month as the month you first registered your business name. For example, if you registered a business name on 1 November 2020, you can renew the name anywhere between 1 November and 30 November 2021. You must renew the name every year during these dates.

This can easily be done through the online registry, and only takes a few minutes – especially if you have no changes to make. You have one month to submit your annual renewal. After that time you will have to pay a late fee. If your annual renewal is more than 2 months late, your business name will expire and you will have to register a new business name.

There is a fee for annual renewals.

Getting a Reminder

If you provided a valid email address, you will receive two reminders by email (to the address you provided). The first is on the day before the first day of your annual renewal filing month. You will receive a second reminder 5 days before the end of the filing month.

You will need to confirm any company details or update any changes.

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