Applying For The First Time

NOTE: The Trade Name process, facilitated by the Department of Inland Revenue, is intended for applicants seeking to operate a business within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Effective July 1, 2023, all approved trade names will be assessed a fee of $25.00 when the final Business Licence application has been processed.

Any trade name not applied for on a Business Licence application within 90 days after the issuance of that trade name approval shall be stricken from the Registrar General’s database.

Please wait 24hrs to receive your approved Trade Name & reference number in your e-mail.

Skip this step, if using a registered company name and complete the Consolidated Agencies Application(in Step 3).

• Click here, to complete the Trade Name application (for Individuals, Sole traders or Partnerships)
• Click here, to visit the Registrar Generals’ official page and follow the instructions.(for Limited Companies)

You will need your Approved Trade Name and Reference Number(from Step 2) or an approved name from The Registrar General in order to complete the forms below:

1. Consolidated Agency Application (Physical Planning, Min. of Works, & Environmental Health Serv)
2. RBPF Business Licencing & Inspection Form
3. The National Insurance Board

No NIB physical “Letter of Good Standing” needed! Just make sure that your contributions are up-to-date. We will verify electronically.

• Wait to receive your agency approval(s) in your e-mail, Log on to  vat.revenue.gov.bs,
• Register (create an account) and submit your business licence application.
• Once your business licence application has been approved, make the payment online through the account you created or at any Royal Bank of Canada branch. (Please allow 2-3 business days for payments made at RBC)
• Download and print your approved business licence for display