Step-by-Step Guide to Company Registration in Sri Lanka Using the Simplebooks Dashboard

Starting a business is an exciting adventure. But let’s be honest, wading through mountains of paperwork to register can quickly turn that excitement into frustration. Traditional company registration in Sri Lanka often involves endless phone calls, visits to government offices, and the constant worry of missing a crucial step. 

We at Simplebooks understand your frustration. That’s exactly why we have created the Simplebooks dashboard, a revolutionary online tool that streamlines the entire business registration process and empowers you to manage your finances from a single, convenient platform.

Why You Need a Better Way for Business Registration in Sri Lanka?

Imagine the following scenarios:

• Piles of Paper: Endless forms and documents to fill out, leading to wasted time and the constant worry of missing something important.
• Multiple Contact Points: Dealing with multiple government agencies, long hold times, and unhelpful responses can leave you feeling frustrated and stuck.
• Document Management: Finding the right documents and managing them might be a daunting task. 
• Status Updates: No clear idea of where your application stands means you’re constantly checking in and waiting, hindering your progress.
• Time Constraints: Juggling document collection, form filling, and agency visits takes precious time away from actually building your dream.

These are just a few of the common pain points faced with traditional business registration.

Introducing the Simplebooks Dashboard: Your One-Stop Solution for Business Registration in Sri Lanka

The Simplebooks dashboard takes the stress out of business registration. Here’s what makes it a game-changer:

• Effortless Online Registration: Skip the paperwork! Register entirely online from the comfort of your home. It’s that easy.
• Quick Process: Get your business registered 2x faster with the Simplebooks dashboard. By automating most of the process, we help you streamline tasks and get your business up and running in a fraction of the time it takes through traditional methods. 
• Assured Compliance: Our system ensures that you meet all legal requirements. No more worries about missing a crucial step. Focus on building your business, not legal complexities. We at Simplebooks will help you stay compliant. 
• Real-Time Progress Tracking: Stay updated on the progress of your registration every step of the way. Get real-time insights into the registration process, allowing you to plan your next steps confidently.
• Human Support and Collaboration: Our dedicated team is on hand to answer your questions and guide you through any complexities. Get the support you need, whenever you need it, via direct contact or email. 
• Organized Document Management: Say goodbye to the paper trail! Simplebooks dashboard securely stores all your documents in one convenient location. 

With Simplebooks, you can register your business from the comfort of your home, on your schedule. Focus on what truly matters, building your dream business, and leave the registration hassle to us.

Steps to Register Your Business Using the Simplebooks Dashboard

By following these clear instructions, you’ll have all the guidance you need to complete each step—from creating an account to receiving your official business documents. Here’s everything you need to know to get started and keep the process moving smoothly.

Step 1: Create Your Account and Log In

Head over to the Simplebooks website and create a free account. Once you’re signed in, you’ll find the user-friendly dashboard!

Step 2: Enter Your Basic Company Details

• Check Your Company Name Availability: Make sure your dream business name is available before you proceed. Simplebooks helps you check instantly!
• Fill in Contact Information: Provide your name, email address, and phone number so we can keep you updated throughout the process.
• Secure Your Payment: Choose your preferred payment method, credit/debit card, or bank transfer. For bank transfers, simply upload a copy of the slip for verification.

Step 3: Company Details Breakdown

Here’s where you’ll provide some key information about your business:

• Company Name (English & Sinhala): Enter your desired company name in English. Simplebooks dashboard provides a handy tool to convert it to Sinhala.
• Business Address: Provide your physical business address in Sri Lanka (PO Boxes are not accepted). Simplebooks guides you through selecting the relevant province, district, and other details.

Price of a share: Enter the price of a share of your company. (Please provide the name of each shareholder along with the percentage (%) they hold in the company, and specify the share price. If you’re unsure of the share price, you can mention it as LKR 100 or LKR 1000 for now. Alternatively, calculate your initial investment using this equation: Share price x No. of shares = Initial investment.)

Adding shareholders

• Shareholder Details: Enter the number of shareholders in your company and their details such as the NIC number, upload a copy of their ID, provide their address details (province, district, divisional secretariat, postal code), and Contact Information.
• Shareholder as Director: If the shareholder will also manage the business, tick the box “Shareholder is also a Director.
• Number of Shares: Indicate how many shares the shareholder will own. This typically reflects their investment amount in the company.

Adding Directors

If you have a director  you can add their details here. This includes their residential address, NIC number, contact information, and similar details as you provided for shareholders.

Company Activities and Contact Information:

• Describe Your Business: Briefly mention the activities your business will be involved in (imports, exports, both, or other).
• Stay Connected: Provide your business email address and contact number for official communication.

Step 4: Sign Documents

To register your business, the following documents must be signed and uploaded:

• Form 1: This form includes the company’s basic details, as well as information about directors, shareholders, and the company secretary. It must be signed by the same three individuals: the director, shareholder, and secretary.
• Form 18: Contains only the director’s details and must be signed exclusively by the director.
• Articles of Association (AOA): This document outlines the company’s business objectives and clauses from the Companies Act of 2007, specifying how the company should operate. It requires the signatures of all shareholders.
• Simplebooks Engagement Letter: This agreement between Simplebooks and the client details the rules and regulations for the services Simplebooks will provide. It must be signed by both the client and Simplebooks.

These signed documents must be uploaded to the dashboard to proceed with the company incorporation process.

Step 5: Authorization

Once uploaded, these documents will be received by the Simplebooks backend system for review. Our team will check the quality, clarity, and ensure that all signatures are in the correct places.

The four documents listed above are mandatory. If any document is unclear, has incomplete signatures, or is missing details from a shareholder or director, it will need to be resubmitted through the dashboard.

You may either sign the documents electronically and upload them, or sign physical copies, scan them using a proper scanner, and then upload them.

Step 6: Final Documents

Once your company is approved by the Registrar of Companies, the following documents will be uploaded to your dashboard as proof of registration.

These documents are digital only—no physical copies are issued by the registrar:

• Business Registration Certificate (Virtual – PDF)
• Form 1 (Virtual – PDF)
• Articles of Association (AOA) (Virtual – PDF)

*Please Note: Form 1 and the AOA are valid for 90 days from the issuance date. If you need them beyond this period, they can be renewed upon request, and a government fee will apply.

After following these steps, you’ll have everything in place to complete your registration with confidence. The entire process is streamlined and supported by our expert team, making sure your documents are accurate, compliant, and ready for approval.

Register Your Business with the Simplebooks Dashboard

Now you’re equipped with everything you need for company registration in Sri Lanka using the Simplebooks dashboard. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to set up your business quickly and efficiently, all while staying compliant with local regulations. With the dedicated support of our expert team, Simplebooks makes the entire process seamless and prepares you for long-term success. Start your business journey with confidence, knowing Simplebooks is here to support you at every step!

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