Overview

The Directorate of Business Registration and Facilitation at the National Investment Board (NIB) regulates business registration and compliance under the Companies Act, 2009 and other national laws. It ensures corporate transparency, accountability, and streamlined registration through a One Stop Shop model.

Business and Company Registration

The NIB provides quick and secure registration for all business types:

• Sole Proprietorship: Owned and managed by a single person. Liability is personal.
  🔗 Download application form | 💵 Le 230
• Partnerships: Shared ownership between two or more individuals or entities.
  🔗 Download application form
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): Protects owners from personal liability. Requires at least one shareholder/director.
• Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG): Ideal for charities and NGOs. No share capital. Reinvests profits to meet social goals.

All registered businesses gain legal recognition, enabling them to operate, access credit, enter contracts, and participate in tenders.

Regulation and Corporate Governance

• Annual general meetings (AGMs)
• Submission of annual returns
• Updating directors/shareholding structures
• Maintenance of statutory records

Post-Registration Services

• Filing of annual returns
• Company structure updates (name, directors, address)
• Voluntary winding up or deregistration
• Issuance of certified copies of registration documents

Business Name Search & Verification

To avoid name duplication or trademark issues, use our name search tool before registration. Verification services ensure legal authenticity of any registered company.

Legal Compliance & Education

We proactively guide companies on filing deadlines, director updates, and governance requirements to prevent penalties and maintain business integrity.

Enforcement and Dispute Resolution

• Enforcement of penalties for non-compliance
• Mediation of corporate disputes
• Coordination with judiciary and regulatory bodies

Start Your Registration Today

Through our One Stop Shop Portal, you can register online, pay applicable fees, upload documents, and track your application in real time. Our officers are also available at our 3 Jomo Kenyatta Road, Freetown office to assist with in-person registration.