You don't need a registered business to start selling online in Ghana. But once orders are coming in regularly, registering helps: banks will open a business account, companies will pay your invoices, suppliers take you seriously, and buyers trust a name they can look up.
This guide explains the two most common options for small businesses, what each costs, and how to register online with the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC).
Fees below are from the ORC's published fee schedule at the time of writing. Check orc.gov.gh before you pay, as they can change.
Business name or limited company?
| Business name (sole proprietorship) | Company limited by shares | |
|---|---|---|
| Owned by | One person | One or more shareholders |
| Your personal assets | Not separate from the business | Protected: the company is its own legal person |
| ORC registration fee | GH₵ 130 | GH₵ 585, plus 1% capital duty on stated capital |
| Yearly renewal | GH₵ 70 | Annual returns to file |
| Paperwork | Light | More: directors, secretary, shareholders, beneficial owners |
| Best for | Solo sellers, freelancers, small shops | Businesses with partners, investors or bigger contracts |
Most people selling online start with a business name and move to a company once the business grows or takes on partners.
What you need before you start
- Your Ghana Card. For Ghanaians and resident foreigners, the Ghana Card number now serves as your Tax Identification Number (TIN).
- Your business name, plus one or two backups in case it's taken.
- A digital address (GhanaPost GPS) for your business location.
- A phone number and email address you check regularly.
- A description of what the business does, for example "online sale of clothing and accessories".
- For a company: details of directors, shareholders, a company secretary and the beneficial owners, plus the company's constitution (the ORC provides a standard one).
How to register a business name, step by step
- Search the name. Use the ORC's online services to check the name isn't already registered. The search fee is GH₵ 30.
- Fill in the business name form with your details, the business activity and address.
- Pay the registration fee of GH₵ 130. Payment is made through the government payment platform.
- Submit and wait for approval. The ORC reviews the application and may ask for corrections.
- Download or collect your certificate once approved.
- Renew every year for GH₵ 70. The ORC also lets business name owners renew by USSD (*222#) and pay with mobile money.
How to register a company limited by shares
- Search and reserve the name on the ORC portal.
- Complete the incorporation forms, including the company profile (registered office, directors, shareholders and secretary) and the beneficial ownership details.
- Adopt a constitution. You can use the standard one.
- Pay the fees: GH₵ 585 for registration, constitution, company profile and beneficial ownership, plus 1% capital duty on your stated capital.
- Receive your certificate of incorporation and company documents once approved.
- File annual returns every year to keep the company in good standing.
If you have partners or investors, it's worth paying a lawyer or accountant to set up the shareholding properly.
After you register: five things to do
- Open a business bank account or business MoMo wallet in the business name. It keeps business and personal money apart, which makes tax and loans much easier.
- Register with the Ghana Revenue Authority if you haven't. Ask GRA or an accountant which taxes apply to your turnover.
- Put your registered name everywhere: your store, invoices, receipts and social media bios.
- Set up payouts in the business name. On Paylead you can withdraw to a bank account or MoMo wallet in your business's name.
- Keep records from day one. Every sale, expense and withdrawal. Sales made through Paylead are already listed in your dashboard, which helps at tax time.
Can you sell online before registering?
Yes. Many Ghanaian sellers test their idea first and register once it works. On Paylead you can create a free store and start taking mobile money and card payments under your own name, then switch your payout details to the business once it's registered.
Read: How to start a business in Ghana with little money and how to start selling online in Ghana.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a name that's too close to an existing business. It will be rejected; have backups ready.
- Forgetting the yearly renewal. Late renewals can attract penalties.
- Using an agent who keeps your documents. If someone registers for you, make sure the logins and certificate are in your name and handed to you.
- Mixing personal and business money. It makes it hard to see if you're actually making a profit.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to register a business in Ghana?
On the ORC fee schedule at the time of writing, a business name (sole proprietorship) costs GH₵ 130 to register and GH₵ 70 a year to renew. A company limited by shares costs GH₵ 585 plus 1% capital duty on stated capital. A name search is GH₵ 30.
Can I register my business online in Ghana?
Yes. The Registrar of Companies offers online registration, and business names can be renewed by USSD with mobile money.
What documents do I need to register a business in Ghana?
Mainly your Ghana Card (which serves as your TIN), your business name, a GhanaPost GPS digital address and contact details. Companies also need director, shareholder, secretary and beneficial owner details.
Do I need to register my business to sell online?
Not to start. You can sell under your own name and register once the business is steady. Registering helps with bank accounts, bigger clients and trust.
How long does business registration take in Ghana?
It depends on the ORC's workload and whether your application needs corrections. Simple business name registrations are usually the quickest.
