APPLYING FOR THE FIRST TIME

Please Note:

Family Island Applicants see your Local Administrator. (Abaco, Exuma & Grand Bahama, please apply online)

Find the type of Business you want to open and see what’s needed:

Click here to view a list of some business types
Click here to see guides on what you may need

New businesses will need to get a Trade Name (Business Name).

 

NOTE: The Trade Name process, facilitated by the Department of Inland Revenue, is intended for applicants seeking to operate a business within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Effective July 1, 2023, all approved trade names will be assessed a fee of $25.00 when the final Business Licence application has been processed.  
 
Any trade name not applied for on a Business Licence application within 90 days after the issuance of that trade name approval shall be stricken from the Registrar General’s database.  

Please wait 24hrs to receive your approved Trade Name & reference number in your e-mail.

Skip this step, if using a registered company name and complete the Consolidated Agencies                                        Application (in Step 3).

Click here, to complete the Trade Name application (for Individuals, Sole traders or Partnerships)
Click here, to visit the Registrar Generals’ official page and follow the instructions.(for Limited Companies)

Request Your Agency Approvals.

You will need your Approved Trade Name  and Reference Number (from Step 2) or an approved name from  The Registrar General in order to complete the forms below:

Consolidated Agency Application (Physical Planning, Min. of Works, & Environmental Health Serv)
RBPF Business Licencing & Inspection Form

The National Insurance Board

No NIB physical “Letter of Good Standing” needed! Just make sure that your contributions are up-to-date. We will verify electronically.

  • Wait to receive your agency approval(s) in your e-mail, Log on to  vat.revenue.gov.bs,
  • Register (create an account) and submit your business licence application.
  • Once your business licence application has been approved, make the payment online through the account you created or at any Royal Bank of Canada branch. (Please allow 2-3 business days for payments made at RBC)
  • Download and print your approved business licence for display