Registration Service
Sole Proprietorship Registration
The simplest way to start a business in Sri Lanka. Registered through your local Divisional Secretariat — no ROC filing, no share capital, no directors.
Timeline
1-2 weeks
Authority
Divisional Secretariat
Typical Cost
LKR 5,000 - 15,000
How It Works
- 1
Choose a Business Name
Pick a trading name. There is no formal name reservation for sole props, but we check for conflicts against existing BRC records and trademarks.
- 2
Divisional Secretariat Filing
File the application at the Divisional Secretariat in your area. Requires NIC, proof of address, and a brief description of business activities.
- 3
BRC Issuance
The Divisional Secretariat issues the Business Registration Certificate (BRC) — usually within 1-2 weeks.
- 4
TIN & Tax Registration
Apply for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) on the IRD RAMIS portal. Register for income tax; VAT registration is required if turnover exceeds LKR 60M a year (LKR 15M per quarter); SSCL registration applies from LKR 9M per quarter from 1 July 2026.
- 5
Bank Account & Operations
Open a business bank account with your BRC and TIN. You are now ready to issue invoices and trade.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Simplest and cheapest structure to set up
- Full control — you make all decisions
- No annual return filing with the ROC
- Minimal compliance burden
- Easy to convert to a Pvt Ltd later
Limitations
- •Unlimited personal liability — your personal assets are at risk
- •Cannot raise equity capital from investors
- •Business ceases if the owner becomes incapacitated
- •Less credibility with banks and large clients vs a Pvt Ltd
Comparing entity types? See all our company registration services in Sri Lanka, from private limited companies to BOI, branch, partnership and sole proprietorship registration.
Ready to register?
WinCore handles the paperwork end-to-end. From BRC application to bank account — one team, one fee.