Business registration and corporate affairs
This directorate registers businesses and companies in Sierra Leone and regulates them afterwards under the Companies Act 2009. Registration is done online, through this website, or in person at the Freetown office.
What the directorate does
It oversees the registration, incorporation, operation and compliance of companies and businesses. It works within the Companies Act 2009 and related regulations, which set the rules for corporate governance and for a transparent business environment.
Types of business it registers
Sole proprietorship
A business owned and run by one person, with no legal separation between the owner and the business. The owner is personally responsible for its debts and losses.
Partnership
Two or more people combine resources to run a business and share its profits and losses. A partnership may have at most two partners.
Limited liability company
A company that bears its own debts, so the owners are not personally liable for them. It needs at least one shareholder, who may also be the director.
Company limited by guarantee
A company without share capital, used by charities, non-profit organisations and social enterprises. Members are protected from personal liability and surplus income is reinvested in the organisation's purpose.
After registration
A company's obligations begin at registration. The directorate handles:
- Filing annual returns
- Changing a company's name, directors or registered address
- Winding up or dissolving a company
- Issuing certified copies of company documents
Regulation and verification
Corporate governance
Companies are expected to hold annual general meetings, submit annual returns and keep accurate records of directors and shareholders.
Name search and verification
Anyone planning a business can check whether a name is available before registering, and anyone can verify that a company is genuinely registered.
Compliance and education
The directorate explains the obligations of the corporate law to businesses and monitors that they are met.
Enforcement and disputes
It can enforce sanctions against businesses that break the Companies Act or related rules, and it helps resolve corporate disputes.
Create an account to reserve a business name, register, file after registration and follow each application. Officers also help in person at 3 Jomo Kenyatta Road, Freetown.