Do the search before you print signs, buy packaging or open social profiles around a name. The official reservation step currently costs TT$20 for a business name and an approved name is reserved for 45 days.
Start with the CROS public search
The Companies Registry encourages applicants to conduct a preliminary search before reserving a business name. Search exact wording, close spelling variations and shortened versions. The goal is to catch obvious conflicts before paying for a reservation application.
A public search is useful screening, not approval. Similarity, restricted wording and trademark issues can still affect the Registrar’s decision.
- Search the exact proposed name.
- Search the key words without punctuation.
- Check close spellings and plural/singular versions.
- Avoid committing money to branding before approval.
The official reservation is the decision point
To reserve a business name, log into the Companies Registry Account and use the Name Reservation service in CROS. The Registry currently publishes a TT$20 fee and a processing time of three working days.
If approved, the reservation lasts 45 days. Complete the business-name registration before that period expires.
Why names get queried or rejected
A name can be refused because it is the same as or too similar to an existing business, company or trademark, or because it fails suitability rules. If the Registry queries the application, answer the query directly instead of filing a different application without understanding the issue.
Keep one or two alternative names ready so a rejection does not stall the business setup.
Plan the name around the business you are actually building
Choose a name that customers can pronounce, remember and associate with the offer. Check whether the matching domain name and major social handles are practical, but do not treat domain availability as proof that the Registry will approve the business name.
If the business may later become a company, consider whether the core name can work across both stages.
What happens after approval
Once the name is reserved, complete the registration application in CROS and pay the applicable filing fee. The current business-name registration fee is TT$220.
BizReg can help with the name-selection and filing journey when you want assistance preparing the application.
Questions people ask
Does a CROS search reserve the business name?
No. The public search is a preliminary check. The name is reserved only after the Registry approves the name-reservation application.
How long is an approved business-name reservation valid?
The Companies Registry currently states 45 days.
How much is the business-name reservation fee?
The Registry currently publishes TT$20.
References
Current official pages related to this guide.