Overview of business names
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What is a business name?
A business name (sometimes called a ‘trading name’) is a name that you use for your existing business if you do not want to use your own legal name.
It is not a new business: Registering a business name does not create a new, separate legal entity.
- Example 1: If a company is called ABC Limited, they might use the business name Betio Bakery.
- Example 2: A person working alone (sole trader) named Katikoua Rimon might call her plumbing business Blocked Drain Busters.
Why use a business name?
Using a registered business name can provide several advantages to your business:
- To tell the public what you do. A business name helps people understand your business or can be used for advertising.
- To manage many businesses. If you have more than one business, using different names makes it easier for customers to tell them apart.
- Prove that your business is legitimate. Sometimes other people – like banks or government authorities – ask to see your business registration before you can access services such as a business bank account or accessing government grants.
Is a business name the same as a business operational licence?
No. Registering a business name only connects the real person running the business to the name that the public sees.
If you have a registered business name, you must still:
Law in Kiribati
The Business Names Act 2021 and the Business Names Regulations 2026 are the rules for how business names work in Kiribati.
Using a business name
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Who can use a business name?
Any business can choose to use a business name. This includes:
- people running a business by themself (sole traders)
- companies
- co-operative societies
- partnerships
- other incorporate bodies and registered entities.
When must you register a business name?
You must register a name with MTCIC if you are carrying on business in Kiribati using a name that is different to your actual name.
You are carrying on business if you:
- establish a place of business in Kiribati, or
- solicit or procure an order from a person in Kiribati while you are in Kiribati.
You are not carrying on a business in Kiribati if you only:
- become a party to a legal or administrative proceeding or an arbitration
- buy or hold a particular property
- create a charge over property or create evidence of a debt secured by property
- maintain a bank account
- invest money in Kiribati
- conduct an isolated transaction that is completed within 28 days, not being one of a number of similar transactions repeated from time to time
- wind up a bankrupt estate or liquidates a body corporate.
When do you not have to register a business name?
You do not need to register a business name if you use your actual name for your business:
| You are |
You can use this name without registering |
Example |
| Individual |
Full name or first name (or its initial) and surname |
John Betiota
J. Betiota |
| Company under the Companies Act 2021 |
Full name on register of companies |
ABC Limited |
| Co-operative society under the Co-operative Societies Ordinance |
Full name on register |
Kiribati Fishing Cooperative Society Ltd |
| Partnership |
Actual name of each of the partners |
Akka Bauro and Peter Timon |
| Other body corporate or registered entity |
Name incorporated or registered |
Tuna Fleets GmBH |
What business names cannot be registered?
Some business names are not allowed under the law. You cannot register a name if:
- It is too similar to another name. The name is the same (or almost the same) as a name already in use by another business or company or is on the list of prohibited names. This includes names that have current registration or re-registration applications.
- It was used recently. The name is the same as a business name that was removed in the last 6 months (unless the previous owner gives you written permission).
- It will not be used. MTCIC will refuse to register if we believe you do not really plan to do business using that name.
- It breaks other laws. Using the name would go against another law or infringe on someone else's intellectual property (like a trademark).
- It suggests a government connection. The name suggests that it is connected to a Kiribati or foreign government.
- Other reasons. MTCIC will refuse to register if we believe that the name is likely to mislead, deceive, or offend the public. MTCIC will also refuse to register banned (prescribed) names.
Rules for having a business name
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Use your registered name in business communications
If you have a registered business name, you must use clearly state it in your business communications.
A business communication includes:
- a letter
- a written order for goods or services
- a written offer to supply goods or services
- a notice
- an invoice, an account or a receipt
- a written demand for payment
- a business communication issued in electronic form.
Keep your information up to date
If you have a registered business name, you must inform MTCIC if there is a change in business information for you or the business. These notifications must be provided using the official form and sent through the Online Business Registry.
You must tell MTCIC within 28 days if you change:
- your foreign investment status
- the details of the business name owners
- the details of the nominee or trustee owners
- the principal place of business and/or website
- your business activities.
You must tell MTCIC if you stop using your business name.
You can also apply to MTCIC to request:
- to change your registered business name
- a different month to file your annual return
- a correction to the information MTCIC holds on the Online Business Registry about your business name
- a change to the information MTCIC holds on the Online Business Registry because a Court has made an order.
File your annual return
You must file an annual return confirming your business information during your allocated return month.
Your allocated month will generally be the anniversary month of your registration.
If you do not file your annual return, your business name will be de-registered after 6 months.
