Complete Fee Breakdown of Company Registration Costing in Sri Lanka (2026)
The total cost of registering a company in Sri Lanka depends on the type of business, number of directors, and whether you register yourself or use a company secretary/consultant.
Step-by-Step Business and Company Registration Process: Sri Lanka
1. Government Registration Fees (Private Limited Company)
The official fees charged by the Department of the Registrar of Companies include:
| Registration Item | Approximate Cost (LKR) |
|---|---|
| Company Name Reservation | Rs. 1,000–2,000 |
| Form 01 (Incorporation) | Rs. 4,000–5,000 |
| Articles of Association | Rs. 2,000 |
| Form 18 (Director Consent) | Rs. 2,000 per director |
| Form 19 (Secretary Consent) | Rs. 2,000 |
| VAT and other statutory charges | Additional |
Estimated Government Cost:
👉 Rs. 12,000 – Rs. 20,000 for a standard Private Limited Company with one or two directors.
Step-by-Step Business and Company Registration Process: Sri Lanka
2. Professional Service Fees
Most entrepreneurs hire a:
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Company Secretary
-
Lawyer
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Business Registration Consultant
Professional fees typically range between:
👉 Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 50,000+ depending on complexity and services included.
These services often cover:
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Name approval
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Document preparation
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ROC filing
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TIN registration
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Company seal
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Compliance guidance
Step-by-Step Business and Company Registration Process: Sri Lanka
3. Total Cost to Register a Private Limited Company
| Registration Method | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Self-registration | Rs. 12,000 – Rs. 20,000 |
| Through Company Secretary/Consultant | Rs. 30,000 – Rs. 70,000 |
| Foreign-owned company (with additional legal work) | Rs. 75,000 – Rs. 250,000+ |
Step-by-Step Business and Company Registration Process: Sri Lanka
4. Additional Costs After Registration
You may also incur:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Company seal (optional but common) | Rs. 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Business bank account opening | Usually free |
| Accounting services | Rs. 5,000 – 30,000/month |
| Annual Return Filing | Around Rs. 6,000 government fee plus professional charges |
| Audit fees (if applicable) | Varies by company size |
Step-by-Step Business and Company Registration Process: Sri Lanka
5. Sole Proprietorship Registration Cost
A sole proprietorship is much cheaper than a Private Limited Company.
Typical cost:
👉 Rs. 1,000 – Rs. 5,000 depending on the local authority and documentation requirements.
Step-by-Step Business and Company Registration Process: Sri Lanka
Typical Budget for New Entrepreneurs
For most startups and small businesses in Sri Lanka, it is wise to budget:
Rs. 40,000 – Rs. 75,000
This generally covers:
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Company incorporation
-
Company secretary services
-
Tax registration
-
Basic legal documentation
-
Initial compliance requirements
Step-by-Step Business and Company Registration Process: Sri Lanka
Foreigners Owned Company
Foreigners can own 100% of a company in Sri Lanka in most business sectors