How it works
What this registration means
ORC explains that a company may carry on business under a subsidiary business name that does not consist of its corporate name. The parent company owns the subsidiary business name.
This path is useful when a Ghana-registered company wants a trading name for a product line, branch, or brand. The filing needs the parent company stamp and a signature by an existing director or secretary.
If a company formed outside Ghana is establishing a place of business in Ghana, ORC guidance for external companies may be the more relevant path. That branch-style route has different forms, local manager requirements, foreign incorporation documents, and fees.
Registration steps
Step-by-step filing path
Decide whether this is a trading name or a separate entity
A subsidiary business name belongs to the parent company. If you need separate ownership, new shares, or foreign branch registration, confirm the right structure first.
Search the proposed business name
Run a name availability check before using the brand publicly or preparing customer-facing documents.
Complete Form C with parent-company authority
ORC guidance calls for a prescribed Form C, signed by an existing director or secretary, with the parent-company stamp.
Submit and pay the ORC fee
Submit the completed Form C for verification and capturing, then pay the listed ordinary processing fee or optional VIP fee if selected.
Renew and keep parent records aligned
Keep the subsidiary business name renewed annually and make sure parent-company changes do not leave the trading-name records out of date.
Fees and renewal
Costs to plan for
- ORC registration
- GHS 100 ordinary processing fee
- Optional VIP service
- ORC lists a separate GHS 400 VIP fee in addition to ordinary processing
- Annual renewal
- GHS 60 per year
- Foreign branch alternative
- External company registration is listed separately by ORC with USD-based fees
Official fees and requirements can change. The guide was last reviewed in June 2026 against public ORC and GRA guidance, but you should confirm the latest position before filing.
After registration
Compliance and operating tasks
- Renew the subsidiary business name each year and keep the parent-company authority records ready.
- Update the official registration records if the parent company changes name, registered office, directors, secretary, or business activity.
- Keep invoicing, bank, tax, and customer-facing documents clear about the parent company behind the trading name.
- For foreign companies with an established place of business in Ghana, review external company filings, local manager requirements, and group-account filing duties.
Common mistakes
Issues to avoid before filing
Assuming a subsidiary business name creates a separate company; it is owned by the parent company.
Using the route for a foreign branch when external company registration is actually required.
Letting the trading name renewals drift separately from the parent company compliance calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Answers before you start
Is a subsidiary business name a separate company? +
No. ORC describes it as a business name owned by the parent company, used when the company carries on business under a name different from its corporate name.
Who signs the subsidiary business name application? +
ORC guidance says the parent-company stamp is required and the application should be signed by one existing director or secretary.
What if the parent company is foreign? +
A foreign company with an established place of business in Ghana may need external company registration, which has different forms, local manager requirements, and fees.
Official resources