The eROC (Electronic Registrar of Companies) portal is Sri Lanka’s official online platform for registering companies. It allows entrepreneurs, locals, and foreigners to complete company registration entirely online.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to register a company using eROC in 2025, from name reservation to receiving the Certificate of Incorporation.
🏢 Step 1: Create an eROC Account
- Visit the eROC official website: www.roc.gov.lk
- Click on “New User Registration”
- Fill in personal details:
- Full name
- Email address
- Contact number
- National ID (for Sri Lankans) or Passport (for foreigners)
- Create a secure password
- Verify your email
Tip for expats:
- Use a valid email you check regularly; all eROC communications are digital
🏢 Step 2: Name Reservation
- Log in to your eROC account
- Select “Name Reservation”
- Submit 3 alternative names for your company
- Choose the company type (Pvt Ltd, Public Ltd, BOI, Branch)
- Pay the nominal reservation fee online
Processing time: Usually 1 business day
Tip: Names are valid for 3 months from approval
🏢 Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
You will need:
For Directors & Shareholders:
- Passport copy or NIC
- Address proof (utility bill, bank statement)
- Recent photograph
- Digital signature
Company Documents:
- Form 1 – Application for Company Registration
- Form 18 – Director Consent
- Form 19 – Company Secretary Consent
- Articles of Association (AoA)
Optional for BOI companies:
- BOI approval documents
- Notarized translations if not in English
Tip: Keep digital copies in PDF format for easy upload
🏢 Step 4: Appoint a Company Secretary
A qualified company secretary is mandatory for all Pvt Ltd and Public Ltd companies.
Responsibilities:
- Submit forms on eROC
- Ensure legal compliance
- File annual returns
- Liaise with banks and government departments
Tip: Choose a secretary experienced with remote clients, especially for foreigners
🏢 Step 5: Submit Documents Online
- Upload all documents to your eROC account
- Ensure digital signatures are included where required
- Pay the registration fee online
- Confirm submission with your company secretary
Processing time: Typically 1–3 business days if documents are complete
🏢 Step 6: Certificate of Incorporation
Once approved, eROC will issue:
- Digital Certificate of Incorporation
- Company registration number
- Approved Articles of Association
Benefits:
- Legal recognition for contracts
- Ability to open corporate bank accounts
- Recognition for international operations
🏢 Step 7: Post-Incorporation Registrations
After registration, complete:
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) – Mandatory
- VAT/SVAT registration – If turnover exceeds thresholds
- EPF/ETF registration – If hiring employees
- Business bank account setup – Required for operations
Tip: Local accountants can handle tax registrations remotely for foreign directors
📝 Common Issues & Tips
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Name rejected | Submit alternatives; ensure no existing trademarks |
| Missing documents | Keep PDFs ready and notarized if needed |
| Digital signature problems | Obtain valid Sri Lankan e-signatures via company secretary |
| Delayed approval | Follow up with your company secretary; check portal regularly |
🌍 Advantages of eROC Registration
- Fully Online: No physical visits required
- Global-Friendly: Expats and foreigners can register remotely
- Fast Processing: Certificates issued in 1–3 days
- Low Costs: Total registration cost typically $140–$375 USD
- Professional Support: Company secretaries handle compliance
🎯 Conclusion
The eROC portal in 2025 makes company registration in Sri Lanka simple, fast, and accessible for anyone, anywhere in the world.
By following these steps:
✔ Reserve your company name
✔ Upload required documents
✔ Appoint a company secretary
✔ Receive your digital Certificate of Incorporation
You can legally launch a Sri Lankan company remotely, access banking, contracts, and global operations, and enjoy the benefits of a strategic, investor-friendly location in Asia.
