Starting a Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) for operations in Jaffna City Centre (Jaffna Town) is now a fully digital process via the eROC portal. Use this comprehensive checklist to secure your business foundation in the Northern Province’s capital. This guide emphasizes compliance with both national registration and mandatory local licenses from the Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC).
Phase 1: Pre-Incorporation (Name & Setup)
| Action | Details & Compliance | Fee (Incl. 18% VAT) |
| 1. Check Name Availability | Verify uniqueness on the DRC website. (Crucial for businesses targeting high-profile commercial locations like Hospital Road or Kandy Road). | N/A |
| 2. Create eROC Account | Register as a new user. All official company documents are issued digitally. | Free |
| 3. Reserve Company Name | Submit the reservation request via eROC dashboard. The name is reserved for 3 months. | LKR 2,360.00 |
Phase 2: eROC Incorporation (Forms & Fees)
All Pvt Ltd registration documents are filed centrally with the Department of Registrar of Companies (DRC) in Colombo, regardless of the operating location in Jaffna Town.
| Action | Mandatory Stakeholder Details | Compliance Requirement |
| 4. Input Company Data | Registered Office Address (Specify precise location: e.g., Hospital Road, Power House Road, or Main Street), Main Business Objective. | The address determines your relevant local authority (Jaffna Municipal Council/JMC). |
| 5. Enter Stakeholder Details | Director(s) (Min. 1), Shareholder(s) (Min. 1), and a Resident Registered Company Secretary. | 360 Accountants provides the mandatory Company Secretary service to ensure accuracy. |
| 6. Disclose Beneficial Ownership | Report any natural person holding $10\%$ or more ownership/control. | Mandatory 2025 Requirement: Maintain an accurate and up-to-date Beneficial Ownership register. |
📝 Statutory Document Filing & Fees
The eROC system generates these forms. They must be downloaded, manually signed, scanned, and uploaded.
| Document (Form) | Description | Total Fee (Incl. 18% VAT) |
| Articles of Association (AoA) | The company’s internal constitution and rulebook. | LKR 2,360.00 |
| Form 1 | Application for Incorporation | LKR 4,720.00 |
| Form 18 | Consent and Certificate of Director | LKR 2,360.00 (per director) |
| Form 19 | Consent and Certificate of Secretary | LKR 2,360.00 |
Phase 3: Mandatory Local Compliance (Jaffna Municipal Council)
Businesses operating in the Jaffna City Centre must obtain specific permits from the Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC). This phase is crucial for urban operations.
| Compliance Task | Authority | Deadline/Requirement |
| 1. Obtain TIN | IRD | Register for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) at the IRD regional office in Jaffna or online. |
| 2. Trade License / Annual Permit | Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC) | MANDATORY for all commercial, retail, and service businesses operating within the JMC limits. Renewal is strictly required before January 1st annually. |
| 3. Health & Environment Permits | JMC / MOH Office | Required for all businesses, especially food services, retail, and lodging. Compliance with sanitation, public health, and waste management is rigorously checked by the Public Health Inspector (PHI). |
| 4. Land Use / Building Permit | Municipal Council Planning Division | Essential for new construction, significant renovations, or changes in building use. Subject to strict urban planning and zoning laws for the central city. |
| 5. Financial Records | Companies Act | Maintain accurate bookkeeping records from the start for annual audit and filing. |
🔑 KEY LOCAL INSIGHT: The Jaffna Municipal Council enforces stringent rules on fire safety, building structure, commercial signage, and public space utilization (including pavement use and parking) due to the central location and high traffic volume. Businesses must secure JMC approvals before operating.
🏆 Launch Faster in Jaffna City Centre with 360 Accountants
Don’t let errors in eROC filing or delays in local permit acquisition slow your launch in the competitive Jaffna City Centre. 360 Accountants ensures total compliance:
- National Registration: We manage the error-free submission of all eROC forms to secure your Certificate of Incorporation.
- Local Permit Assistance: We provide guidance and support for obtaining the essential Jaffna Municipal Council Trade License and navigating specific urban planning approvals.
