Registering Different Types of Businesses in Trinidad and Tobago
- Otisha Hamlet
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 10
Trinidad and Tobago offers a range of business structures to suit different needs whether you're a solo entrepreneur, starting a family business, or launching a full-scale company. On Tip Tuesday, we shared the types of businesses recognized locally. Today, we're taking it one step further by walking you through the registration process for each type.
1. Sole Trader
Who it’s for: Individuals starting a business on their own, e.g. barbers, caterers, consultants, shop owners.
Registration Steps:
Name Search: Apply for a business name search through the Ministry of Legal Affairs' Registrar General’s Department online portal or in person.
Name Approval: Once approved, reserve the name.
Registration Form: Complete the Application for Registration by an Individual (Form 1).
Submission: Submit the form along with a valid ID and proof of address.
Certificate of Registration: Issued once all documents are accepted.
📝 Tip: A sole trader is not a separate legal entity, meaning you're personally responsible for all debts and liabilities.
2. Partnership
Who it’s for: Two or more individuals conducting business together under one name, e.g. family-owned or friend-run ventures.
Registration Steps:
Name Search and Reservation (same as Sole Trader).
Complete Partnership Registration (Form 2) with details of all partners.
Attach Copies of valid IDs for each partner.
Submit Documents at the Registrar General’s Department or online.
Certificate of Registration is issued upon successful filing.
📝 Tip: Partners share profits and liabilities. Consider a partnership agreement to outline roles and financial arrangements.
3. Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs looking for a more formal structure and legal protection—ideal for growing businesses or those entering contracts.
Registration Steps:
Name Search and Reservation.
Prepare Incorporation Documents, including:
Articles of Incorporation (Form 1)
Notice of Address of Registered Office (Form 4)
Notice of Directors (Form 8)
Pay Incorporation Fees at the Companies Registry.
Submit All Forms to the Registrar of Companies.
Certificate of Incorporation will be issued upon approval.
📝 Tip: A company is a separate legal entity owners (shareholders) are generally not personally liable for business debts.
4. Non-Profit Company
Who it’s for: Organizations formed for charitable, religious, cultural, or educational purposes.
Registration Steps:
Reserve Name (must not be identical to another organization).
File Articles of Incorporation for a Non-Profit (Form 1 NP).
Submit:
Notice of Address (Form 4)
Notice of Directors (Form 8)
Apply for NGO Status (optional) via the NGO Unit at the Ministry of Social Development.
Certificate of Incorporation will be issued if approved.
📝 Tip: Non-profits must reinvest profits into the mission not distribute them to members.
Final Thoughts:
Choosing the right business structure in Trinidad and Tobago is key to your success. It affects your tax obligations, legal liability, and access to funding.
📌 Need help registering your business? At Hamlet & Associated Business Consultancy Ltd., we offer full registration services and compliance support from name search to document filing.