Your business name is more than just a label—it's your brand identity, your first impression, and a legal requirement for operating in Mauritius. Choosing and registering the right name requires understanding specific rules, restrictions, and procedures that differ depending on whether you're a sole trader or a company.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about business name registration in Mauritius, from brainstorming ideas to securing your name legally.

Business registration process

Understanding Business Names in Mauritius

Types of Business Names

1. Personal Name (For Sole Traders)

You can trade under your own personal name without any additional registration.

Examples:

  • "John Smith"
  • "Marie Dupont"
  • "Raj Patel"

Requirements:

  • Must be your actual legal name
  • No business name certificate needed
  • Free option
  • Suitable for personal services

Limitations:

  • Less distinctive
  • Harder to brand
  • Tied to you personally
  • Difficult to sell business

2. Trade Name (For Sole Traders/Partnerships)

A business name different from your personal name, requiring a Business Name Certificate from the District Court.

Examples:

  • "Creative Solutions"
  • "Island Consulting Services"
  • "Tech Innovations"
  • "John Smith trading as Creative Solutions"

Requirements:

  • Obtain Business Name Certificate from District Court
  • Fee: Rs 210
  • Upload certificate when registering BRN
  • Valid indefinitely

Advantages:

  • Distinctive brand identity
  • Professional image
  • Memorable
  • Better for marketing

3. Company Name (For Incorporated Companies)

A registered company name that must end with "Limited" or "Ltd."

Examples:

  • "TechSolutions Ltd"
  • "Mauritius Consulting Services Limited"
  • "Island Innovations Ltd"

Requirements:

  • Must end with "Ltd" or "Limited"
  • Reserve name on CBRIS (Rs 400)
  • Unique and not identical to existing companies
  • Reserved for 90 days

Advantages:

  • Professional and credible
  • Protected nationwide
  • Separate legal identity
  • Easier to trademark

Business Name Rules and Restrictions

General Rules (All Business Types)

1. Uniqueness Requirement

Your name cannot be:

  • Identical to an existing registered business or company
  • Too similar to confuse customers
  • Deceptively similar to well-known brands

How to check:

  • Search CBRIS database at cbris.intnet.mu
  • Check ROC company registry
  • Search trademark database
  • Google search for existing businesses

Example:

  • "Apple Solutions" might be rejected (too similar to Apple Inc.)
  • "Mauritius Bank" rejected if Standard Bank of Mauritius exists
  • "Vodafone Services" likely rejected (too similar to Vodacom/Vodafone)

2. Language Requirements

Acceptable languages:

  • English (most common)
  • French
  • Can have translations in multiple languages

Rules:

  • Latin characters required
  • No purely numeric names
  • Avoid special characters (!, @, #, $, %, etc.)
  • Hyphens and ampersands usually acceptable

Examples:

  • "Tech & Solutions Ltd"
  • "Marie-Claire Consulting"
  • "123 Trading" (purely numeric)
  • "Tech@Solutions!" (special characters)

3. Prohibited and Restricted Words

Completely prohibited:

  • Offensive or obscene terms
  • Racially or religiously insensitive words
  • Words implying illegal activities
  • Misleading terms suggesting government affiliation

Restricted words requiring approval/license:

Word License/Approval Required
Bank, Banking Banking License from Bank of Mauritius
Insurance, Assurance Insurance License from FSC
Trust, Trustee Trust License
University, College Education License from Tertiary Education Commission
Chamber of Commerce Approval from relevant chamber
Mauritius, National, Government Approval showing no misleading government connection
International, Worldwide, Global Justification of international operations
Securities, Investment Fund FSC License
Casino, Gambling, Betting Gambling License

How to use restricted words:

  1. Obtain necessary license first
  2. Submit license copy with name application
  3. Await special approval
  4. May require additional documentation

Example:

  • "Tech Banking Ltd" → Rejected (implies banking without license)
  • "Licensed Bank of Mauritius Ltd" → Requires banking license
  • "Mauritius Tech Solutions Ltd" → May require justification/approval

4. Misleading Names Prohibited

Cannot suggest:

  • Government ownership or affiliation
  • Royal patronage
  • Association with existing brands
  • Services you don't provide
  • Size or scope you don't have

Examples:

  • "Government IT Services Ltd" (implies government entity)
  • "Royal Mauritius Ltd" (implies royal connection)
  • "Microsoft Mauritius Services" (implies Microsoft affiliation)
  • "International Aviation Ltd" (if purely local)
  • "Mauritius National Bank" (misleading about scope)

Special Rules for Sole Traders

Personal Name Trading

Allowed formats:

  • Your full legal name: "John Robert Smith"
  • First and last name: "John Smith"
  • Initials and surname: "J.R. Smith"
  • Surname only: "Smith Consulting"

Not allowed:

  • Different person's name
  • Fictitious name without certificate
  • Company-like names (ending in "Ltd")

Trade Name Requirements

If using a name different from your personal name:

You must obtain a Business Name Certificate:

  1. Visit your District Court
  2. Complete application form
  3. Pay Rs 210
  4. Receive certificate (usually same day)
  5. Certificate valid indefinitely

Name availability:

  • Check informally at District Court
  • Not formally registered in searchable database
  • Risk of similar names in different districts
  • Less protection than company names

Restrictions:

  • Cannot include "Limited," "Ltd," "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Inc"
  • Cannot suggest corporate structure
  • Cannot imply you're a company

Examples:

  • "Creative Solutions" (with certificate)
  • "Island Tech Services" (with certificate)
  • "Creative Solutions Ltd" (implies company)
  • "Island Tech Corporation" (corporate term)

Special Rules for Companies

"Limited" or "Ltd" Requirement

Mandatory for private companies:

  • Must end with "Limited" or "Ltd"
  • Cannot be omitted
  • Must appear on all documents, signage, communications

Purpose:

  • Indicates limited liability
  • Warns others of corporate status
  • Legal requirement under Companies Act 2001

Positioning:

  • Must be at the end of name
  • Can precede country designation
  • "TechSolutions Mauritius Ltd"
  • "Ltd TechSolutions"

Minimum Word Requirement

Company names must:

  • Have at least one distinctive word besides "Limited"
  • Cannot be just "Limited" or descriptive terms alone

Examples:

  • "Trading Limited" (too generic)
  • "Services Ltd" (too generic)
  • "TechSolutions Ltd" (distinctive)
  • "Island Consulting Services Limited" (distinctive)

"Private" vs "Public"

Private companies:

  • Use "Ltd" or "Limited"
  • Cannot use "PLC" or "Public Limited Company"
  • Most common structure

Public companies:

  • Use "PLC" or "Public Limited Company"
  • Listed on stock exchange or public share offering
  • Additional regulatory requirements
  • Rare for small businesses

Name Search and Availability Check

How to Search for Name Availability

For Sole Traders (Trade Names)

Step 1: Informal checks

  1. Google search your desired name
  2. Search social media handles
  3. Check domain name availability (for website)
  4. Ask at District Court informally

Step 2: Check CBRIS for companies

  • Ensure no company has same/similar name
  • Protects you from confusion
  • Visit cbris.intnet.mu

Step 3: Search trademark database

  • Visit ipo.govmu.org
  • Search registered trademarks
  • Avoid infringing existing trademarks

Note: Trade names are NOT formally registered in a centralized searchable database. There's risk of someone in another district using similar name.

For Companies

Step 1: CBRIS Company Name Search

  1. Visit cbris.intnet.mu
  2. Click "Registry Search" or "Name Availability Check"
  3. Enter your desired company name (without "Ltd")
  4. Click "Search"
  5. Review results:
  • Green/Available: Name not in use, proceed
  • Red/Taken: Name exists, choose different name
  • Similar names shown: Review for potential confusion

Step 2: Broader searches

  • Google search
  • Social media handles
  • Domain availability
  • Trademark database
  • Business directories

Tips for effective searches:

  • Try variations (plurals, hyphenated, spacing)
  • Check with and without "Ltd"
  • Search in English and French
  • Include common misspellings

What If Your Desired Name is Taken?

Options:

1. Modify the name

  • Add descriptive words: "Tech Solutions" → "Advanced Tech Solutions"
  • Add location: "Consulting Ltd" → "Mauritius Consulting Ltd"
  • Add specialty: "Marketing Ltd" → "Digital Marketing Ltd"
  • Use initials: "John Smith Consulting" → "JS Consulting Ltd"

2. Use your personal name

  • "Smith Technologies Ltd"
  • "Marie Dupont Services Ltd"
  • "Patel & Associates Ltd"

3. Create a unique brand name

  • Made-up words: "Zinovo Ltd" "Optivera Ltd"
  • Combined words: "TechIsland Ltd" "ConsultPro Ltd"
  • Creative spelling: "Kreative Solutions Ltd" (be careful not to be too different)

4. Contact current name holder (rare)

  • If name is registered but business not operating
  • Potentially negotiate transfer (companies only)
  • Complex legal process, usually not worth it

Securing Your Brand Beyond Name Registration

1. Register domain name

  • .mu domain (Mauritius)
  • .com (international)
  • Register as soon as name is approved
  • Cost: Rs 500-1,500/year

2. Social media handles

  • Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter
  • Register same name across platforms
  • Do this immediately upon name approval

3. Trademark registration (optional but recommended)

  • Stronger legal protection
  • Register with Intellectual Property Office
  • Fee: Rs 2,000-5,000
  • Valid for 10 years, renewable
  • Protects your name and logo nationwide

4. Logo design

  • Create professional logo
  • Consistent with name
  • Trademark logo separately

Name Reservation Process (Companies Only)

Companies can reserve their name before incorporation, giving you 90 days to complete registration.

Why Reserve a Name?

Benefits:

  • Secures name while preparing incorporation documents
  • Prevents others from taking your name
  • Gives time to gather documents
  • Shows seriousness to investors/partners

When to reserve:

  • When preparing complex incorporation
  • If working with lawyers/accountants (gives them time)
  • When seeking investor approval
  • If waiting for licenses or approvals

How to Reserve a Company Name

Step 1: Check availability

  • Search CBRIS to confirm name available
  • Do this first to avoid wasting Rs 400 fee

Step 2: Log in to CBRIS

  • Access your account at cbris.intnet.mu
  • Click "Company Registration"
  • Select "Name Reservation"

Step 3: Submit application

  • Enter desired company name (with "Ltd" or "Limited")
  • Specify company type (private/public)
  • Provide reason for reservation
  • Enter your contact details

Step 4: Pay reservation fee

  • Fee: Rs 400
  • Pay via credit/debit card or internet banking
  • Download payment receipt

Step 5: Await approval

  • Processing time: 1-2 working days
  • Email notification when approved
  • Download Name Reservation Certificate

Step 6: Complete incorporation within 90 days

  • Name reserved for 90 days from approval
  • Must incorporate before expiry
  • If you don't, reservation expires (fee not refunded)
  • Can apply for extension (additional fee)

Cost: Rs 400
Validity: 90 days
Renewal: Possible with additional fee

Name Reservation Rejection

Common reasons:

  • Name too similar to existing company
  • Contains restricted words without approval
  • Doesn't meet naming requirements
  • Previously reserved/registered

If rejected:

  • Choose alternative name
  • Modify original name
  • Apply again (pay new fee)

Registering Your Business Name

For Sole Traders: Getting a Business Name Certificate

When you need it:

  • Trading under a name other than your personal name
  • Required before registering BRN on CBRIS

Where to get it:

  • Your local District Court
  • Must be district where business located

Step-by-step process:

Step 1: Visit District Court

  • Locate your district court office
  • Bring identification (National ID)
  • Bring proof of business address

Step 2: Complete application

  • Request "Business Name Certificate" form
  • Fill in:
  • Your full legal name
  • National ID number
  • Residential address
  • Desired business name
  • Business address
  • Nature of business
  • Sign and date

Step 3: Submit and pay

  • Submit completed form to court clerk
  • Pay Rs 210 (cash or check, varies by district)
  • Receive payment receipt

Step 4: Receive certificate

  • Usually issued same day
  • May take up to 3 working days
  • Collect original certificate
  • Make multiple copies for your records

Step 5: Use when registering BRN

  • Scan/photograph certificate
  • Upload to CBRIS when registering individual BRN
  • Keep original safely (valid indefinitely)

Cost: Rs 210
Processing: Same day to 3 working days
Validity: Indefinite (no renewal needed)

District Court locations:

  • Port Louis, Beau Bassin, Curepipe, Vacoas, Quatre Bornes
  • Flacq, Grand Port, Pamplemousses, Rivière du Rempart, Savanne
  • Rodrigues, Agalega

For Companies: Name Included in Incorporation

No separate name registration needed:

  • Company name registered automatically with incorporation
  • Part of Certificate of Incorporation
  • Protected nationwide once registered

Process:

  1. Reserve name (optional but recommended) - Rs 400
  2. Complete incorporation application on CBRIS
  3. Include reserved name in application
  4. Pay incorporation fee (FREE)
  5. Receive Certificate of Incorporation with name

Your registered company name appears on:

  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Corporate BRN certificate
  • All official documents

Changing Your Business Name

For Sole Traders

When you might change:

  • Rebranding
  • Expanding services (new name reflects broader scope)
  • Partnership changes
  • Personal name change (marriage, etc.)

How to change:

Step 1: Get new Business Name Certificate

  • Visit District Court
  • Apply for new name certificate
  • Pay Rs 210
  • Receive new certificate

Step 2: Submit amendment to ROC

  • Log in to CBRIS
  • Select "Amendment Application"
  • Choose "Change Business Name"
  • Upload new Business Name Certificate
  • Pay amendment fee (if applicable)
  • Submit application

Step 3: Receive updated BRN certificate

  • Processing: 3-5 working days
  • Download new certificate with new name
  • Update all business materials

Cost: Rs 210 (new certificate) + potential amendment fee
Timeline: 1 week total

Remember to update:

  • Business bank account
  • Tax registrations (MRA)
  • Trade license
  • Insurance policies
  • Contracts with clients/suppliers
  • Website and marketing materials
  • Social media handles

For Companies

When you might change:

  • Rebranding
  • Merger or acquisition
  • Expanding into new markets
  • Removing negative associations

How to change:

Step 1: Check new name availability

  • Search CBRIS
  • Ensure new name available
  • Optional: Reserve new name (Rs 400)

Step 2: Hold shareholder meeting

  • Convene special meeting
  • Pass special resolution to change name
  • Record in meeting minutes
  • Majority vote required (usually 75%)

Step 3: Amend Constitution

  • Update company Constitution with new name
  • Reflect special resolution
  • Prepare amended Constitution

Step 4: File Form 7 with ROC

  • Log in to CBRIS
  • Complete Form 7 (Change of Name)
  • Upload:
  • Special resolution (certified copy)
  • Amended Constitution
  • Meeting minutes
  • Pay fee (typically Rs 500)
  • Submit application

Step 5: Receive new Certificate of Incorporation

  • Processing: 5-10 working days
  • Download new certificate showing name change
  • Previous company number remains same
  • Legal continuity preserved

Step 6: Update all registrations

  • Business bank account
  • Tax registrations (MRA)
  • Trade license
  • VAT registration
  • Contracts (may need client consent)
  • Letterheads, invoices, all branded materials
  • Website and digital presence

Cost: Rs 400 (name reservation, optional) + Rs 500 (change filing) + legal fees (Rs 5,000-15,000)
Timeline: 2-4 weeks total

Legal implications:

  • Company remains same legal entity (same number)
  • All contracts, assets, liabilities continue
  • No disruption to operations legally
  • Creditors must be notified

Tips for Choosing a Great Business Name

1. Make It Memorable

Good names are:

  • Easy to spell
  • Easy to pronounce
  • Easy to remember
  • Short (1-3 words ideal)
  • Distinctive

Examples:

  • "Wavix Ltd" (short, memorable)
  • "Island Pro" (clear, simple)
  • "International Advanced Technology Solutions Mauritius Ltd" (too long)
  • "Schwartzenberger Consulting" (hard to spell)

2. Reflect Your Business

Consider including:

  • Industry indication: "TechCorp Ltd" "Creative Marketing Ltd"
  • Location: "Mauritius Trade Ltd" "Indian Ocean Solutions"
  • Service type: "Express Delivery Ltd" "Premier Accounting Services"
  • Benefit: "Swift Solutions" "Reliable Services Ltd"

Balance:

  • Specific enough to indicate what you do
  • Broad enough to allow expansion

Examples:

  • "Digital Marketing Mauritius Ltd" (clear service)
  • "Island Solutions Ltd" (allows flexibility)
  • "iPhone Repair Only Ltd" (too narrow)

3. Think Long-Term

Avoid:

  • Names that limit future expansion
  • Trendy terms that will date quickly
  • Geographic limitations if you might expand
  • Too-specific service descriptions

Examples:

  • "Port Louis Phone Repair Ltd" (what if you expand to Curepipe?)
  • "Y2K Tech Solutions Ltd" (dated)
  • "Island Tech Services Ltd" (room to grow)

4. Check Domain Availability

Before committing:

  • Check if .mu domain available
  • Check if .com available (for international)
  • Try to match your business name exactly
  • If not available, consider different name

Tools:

  • nic.mu for .mu domains
  • GoDaddy, Namecheap for international domains

5. Test It Out

Before registering:

  • Say it out loud multiple times
  • Get feedback from friends/family
  • Test it with potential customers
  • Check for unintended meanings in other languages
  • Ensure no negative connotations

Red flags:

  • Difficult to pronounce
  • Confusing spelling
  • Negative associations
  • Sounds too similar to competitors
  • Doesn't fit your brand personality

6. Consider SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

For online businesses:

  • Include keywords if natural
  • Consider how people will search for you
  • Balance creativity with searchability

Examples:

  • "Mauritius Web Design Ltd" (good for SEO)
  • "Creative Island Ltd" (creative but less SEO)
  • "Oceana Solutions Ltd" (balance of both)

Common Business Name Mistakes

Mistake 1: Not Checking Availability Thoroughly

Problem: Assuming name is available without proper search
Consequence: Rejection of application, wasted time and money

Solution:

  • Always search CBRIS for companies
  • Google search extensively
  • Check social media handles
  • Search trademark database
  • Ask at District Court for trade names

Mistake 2: Using Restricted Words Without Approval

Problem: Including "Bank," "Insurance," "Trust" without license
Consequence: Automatic rejection

Solution:

  • Review restricted word list carefully
  • Obtain necessary licenses first
  • Choose alternative words if you don't have licenses

Mistake 3: Too Similar to Existing Businesses

Problem: "TechSolutions Ltd" when "Tech Solutions Ltd" exists
Consequence: Rejection, potential legal issues

Solution:

  • Make your name sufficiently different
  • Add distinctive words
  • Change word order isn't enough

Mistake 4: Forgetting "Limited" for Companies

Problem: Applying for "TechCorp" instead of "TechCorp Ltd"
Consequence: Rejection

Solution:

  • Always include "Ltd" or "Limited" for private companies
  • Double-check application before submitting

Mistake 5: Not Securing Digital Assets

Problem: Registering business name but domain/social handles taken
Consequence: Brand confusion, expensive later acquisition

Solution:

  • Check domain availability BEFORE registering name
  • Register domains and social handles immediately after name approval
  • Consider this in name selection process

Mistake 6: Too Narrow or Limiting

Problem: "Port Louis Cupcakes Ltd" when you might expand products or locations
Consequence: Need expensive rebranding/name change later

Solution:

  • Think 3-5 years ahead
  • Choose names that allow expansion
  • Balance specificity with flexibility

Checklist: Business Name Registration

Before You Choose a Name

  • Brainstorm 5-10 potential names
  • Check CBRIS for company name availability
  • Google search all names
  • Check domain availability (.mu and .com)
  • Check social media handles (Facebook, Instagram)
  • Search trademark database
  • Get feedback from trusted sources
  • Say name out loud multiple times
  • Check for unintended meanings
  • Verify no restricted words (or obtain licenses)
  • Ensure appropriate for your business type

For Sole Traders (Trade Name)

  • Final name selected
  • Confirmed not identical to existing companies
  • Visited local District Court
  • Completed application form
  • Paid Rs 210 fee
  • Received Business Name Certificate
  • Made copies of certificate
  • Scanned certificate for CBRIS upload
  • Registered domain name
  • Secured social media handles
  • Ready to register BRN on CBRIS

For Companies

  • Final name selected (with "Ltd" or "Limited")
  • Checked availability on CBRIS (green/available)
  • Logged in to CBRIS
  • Submitted name reservation application
  • Paid Rs 400 reservation fee
  • Received name reservation approval
  • Downloaded Name Reservation Certificate
  • Note expiry date (90 days from approval)
  • Registered domain name
  • Secured social media handles
  • Proceed with incorporation within 90 days

Getting Professional Help

When to Hire a Professional

Consider professional help if:

  • Using restricted words (need license guidance)
  • Complex company structure with specific naming needs
  • International business elements
  • Want trademark protection immediately
  • Unsure about naming rules
  • Multiple founders with different preferences
  • Rebranding existing business

Who Can Help

Lawyers:

  • Trademark searches and registration
  • Complex name disputes
  • International trademark protection
  • Company name changes (shareholder resolutions)
  • Fee: Rs 5,000-20,000

Company Secretaries:

  • Name reservation and incorporation
  • Company name changes (filing)
  • Compliance with naming rules
  • Fee: Usually included in incorporation services

Brand Consultants:

  • Name brainstorming and testing
  • Brand strategy
  • Logo design
  • Digital asset securing
  • Fee: Rs 10,000-50,000+

Conclusion: Your Name Matters

Your business name is a foundational decision that affects your brand, legal status, and future growth. Take time to choose wisely, follow the rules carefully, and secure your name properly.

Key takeaways:

  • Check availability thoroughly before committing
  • Follow naming rules specific to your business structure
  • Sole traders need Business Name Certificate (Rs 210) for trade names
  • Companies must include "Ltd" or "Limited"
  • Reserve company names to secure them (Rs 400, 90 days)
  • Avoid restricted words unless you have licenses
  • Think long-term: choose a name that grows with you
  • Secure domain and social media immediately

Remember: Changing your name later is possible but expensive and disruptive. Get it right the first time.

Ready to Register Your Business Name?

Whether you're choosing your first business name or considering a rebrand, professional guidance can help you avoid costly mistakes and select a name that works legally and strategically.

Find Business Registration & Legal Professionals →

Last updated: January 2026. Fees and processes verified from ROC and District Court sources. Always verify current requirements with official sources or professional advisors.