Keywords: Form 1 Sri Lanka, business registration form, Pvt Ltd company registration, e-ROC Form 1, company incorporation Sri Lanka
Introduction
When starting a Pvt Ltd company in Sri Lanka, Form 1 is the very first and most important step in registering your business legally with the Registrar of Companies (RoC). This form officially establishes your company as a legal entity and provides the government with essential information about your business.
Filling Form 1 correctly is crucial. Mistakes can delay registration or lead to rejection. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Form 1, including:
- Purpose of the form
- Required details
- Step-by-step filling instructions
- Submission process
- Government fees and VAT
- Tips and common mistakes to avoid
What is Form 1?
Form 1, also known as the Business Registration Form, is used to register a company under the Companies Act of Sri Lanka. This form:
- Registers your company name officially
- Declares your registered office address
- Lists company objectives
- Records details of directors and shareholders
Form 1 serves as the foundation of your company’s legal existence. Without it, your company cannot be incorporated or operate legally in Sri Lanka.
Who Should Fill Form 1?
- Founders of a new Pvt Ltd company
- Foreign investors looking to establish a business in Sri Lanka
- Individuals acting on behalf of the company with a registered company secretary
Important: Every Pvt Ltd company, whether local or foreign-owned, must submit Form 1 during registration.
Details Required in Form 1
When filling Form 1, you will need to provide the following:
- Company Name
- Must be unique and approved by the Registrar of Companies
- Check availability through the e-ROC portal
- Registered Office Address
- Full physical address
- Province, district, divisional secretariat, Grama Niladhari division
- Postal code and contact email
- Company Objectives
- Main activities your company will engage in
- Select objectives from the standard menu or draft specific objectives
- Directors’ Details
- Full name, NIC or passport number, contact details
- Province, district, and address
- Shareholders’ Details
- Names and contact information
- Number of shares held by each shareholder
- Share value
- Company Secretary Details
- Name, registration number, NIC, and contact info
Step-by-Step Instructions to Fill Form 1
Step 1: Download Form 1
- Access Form 1 through the e-ROC online portal
- Make sure you have a PDF reader installed
Step 2: Fill Out Company Details
- Enter the company name, office address, and objectives
- Ensure all fields are accurate and match supporting documents
Step 3: Add Director and Shareholder Information
- List all directors and shareholders
- Include NIC/passport numbers and signatures where required
Step 4: Add Company Secretary Information
- Must be a resident company secretary
- Include registration number and signature
Step 5: Sign the Form
- Form 1 requires signatures from all directors and the company secretary
- Ensure signatures are clear and in the correct sections
Step 6: Upload to e-ROC
- Save as PDF
- Upload via the e-ROC portal during company registration
Government Fees for Form 1
| Fee Type | Amount (LKR) | VAT 18% | Total LKR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Fee | 4,000 | 720 | 4,720 |
Note: Bank processing charges may apply.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect company name or not matching e-ROC reservation
- Missing or illegible signatures
- Incomplete director/shareholder information
- Wrong office address or postal code
- Uploading non-PDF formats
Tips for Smooth Form 1 Submission
- Double-check all details before uploading
- Ensure your company secretary reviews the form
- Keep a copy of the completed form for your records
- Use high-quality scans if signing physically
Conclusion
Form 1 is the first crucial step in registering your Pvt Ltd company in Sri Lanka. Filling it correctly ensures:
- Legal recognition of your company
- Smooth subsequent registration steps (Form 18, 19, AoA)
- Compliance with the Companies Act
By following this detailed guide, entrepreneurs and foreign investors can avoid delays and errors, setting a strong foundation for their business operations.
