Sole Proprietorship Registration in Ghana
A sole proprietorship is a one-person business: you make every decision, keep every cedi of profit, and carry every liability yourself. It is the fastest and cheapest way to trade legally in Ghana, and GoBiz Ghana files it with the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) on your behalf.
- Processing time7-10 business days
- Filed withRegistrar of Companies
Who a sole proprietorship suits
Choose this structure if you are trading on your own and want to be registered quickly without the cost and reporting duties of a limited company.
- Traders, artisans, hairdressers, tailors and mechanics operating under a business name
- Freelancers and consultants who invoice clients directly
- Small shops, food vendors and service providers with no outside investors
- Anyone who needs a registration certificate to open a business bank account
What you should know before you register
- Liability is unlimited - your personal assets are not separated from the business
- The business cannot issue shares, so it cannot take on equity investors
- It is owned by one person; adding a partner means registering a different structure
- You trade under a registered business name rather than a limited company name
What you will need to complete the form
Have these to hand before you start. The form saves as you go, so you can return to it.
- Your full name, date of birth, place of birth and mother’s name
- Your Ghana Card details
- A TIN if you have one - you can proceed without it and add it later
- Your phone number and postal address
- A Ghana Post GPS digital address for the business premises
- The business name you want, plus a description of what the business does
- Your business category and expected number of employees
How the process works
- Check that your preferred business name is available
- Complete the registration form and pay the one-time fee
- We prepare and file your application with the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC)
- You receive your certificate and business registration documents
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to register a sole proprietorship in Ghana?
GoBiz Ghana charges GH₵ 700 as a one-time fee. This covers preparing and filing your application with the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC).
How long does sole proprietorship registration take?
Registration typically takes 7-10 business days from the point your form and payment are complete.
Do I need a TIN to register a sole proprietorship?
No. You can complete the registration without a TIN and supply it later. If you already have one, entering it up front speeds things up.
Can I change from a sole proprietorship to a limited company later?
Yes. Many businesses start as a sole proprietorship and register a company limited by shares once they take on partners or outside investment.
What is the difference between a sole proprietorship and a limited company?
A sole proprietorship has one owner and unlimited liability, so personal assets are at risk. A company limited by shares is a separate legal entity, so shareholders only risk the capital they put in.