How a Company Name Search Works in Zimbabwe
To search a company name in Zimbabwe, you submit up to three proposed names for an official CR21 check against the register of all existing companies, PBCs, trusts and trade names. The CR21 form is the official application for a company name search and reservation, handled by the Registrar of Companies. It is the mandatory first step in registration — you cannot incorporate a company until a name is approved and reserved.
Zimbabwe company registration is fully electronic. Rather than chasing the filing yourself, we run the name search and reserve your approved name for you as part of every registration package — including a free preliminary availability check before anything is lodged. Once approved, your name is reserved exclusively for 30 days, during which the rest of the registration must be completed.
- A company name search and reservation is the mandatory first step in registration under the Companies and Other Business Entities Act (Chapter 24:31).
- You may submit up to three proposed names in order of preference on a single CR21 application.
- The Registrar of Companies checks proposed names against all registered companies, PBCs, trusts and trade names for conflicts.
- An approved name is reserved for 30 days, extendable by a further 30 days on application before expiry.
- Once incorporated, the company must register for tax with ZIMRA (income tax, and VAT once the threshold is exceeded).
- Restricted words such as “Bank”, “Insurance”, “Zimbabwe” and “National” require prior ministerial or regulatory approval.
How to Check If a Company Name Is Available
You confirm availability by running the names through an official CR21 search, which compares them against the live register of existing entities. There is no reliable way to be certain a name is free without this check — two names can look different but still be ruled “confusingly similar”. The safest route is to send us your shortlist and let us run a free preliminary check first, then lodge the CR21 to confirm and reserve the winning name.
Submit up to three names in order of preference. The Registrar checks the first; if it is taken or refused, it moves to the second, then the third — which is why you should never leave the backup choices blank.
Get Your Free Company Name Check
Send us up to three proposed names and we run a free preliminary availability check, then lodge the CR21 and reserve your name — included in your registration. Pvt Ltd or PBC: flat $150, all government fees included. We handle the entire filing for you.
Check & Reserve My Name WhatsApp UsCR21 Form Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Form Name | CR21 — Application for Name Search & Reservation |
| Cost to You | Included free — we run the search and reserve as part of your package |
| Processing Time | Approximately 7 working days |
| Names Per Application | Up to 3 (in order of preference) |
| Reservation Period | 30 days from approval |
| Extension | One further 30-day extension on application before expiry |
| Submission | Fully electronic — we submit it for you |
How to Complete the CR21 Form
Section 1: Applicant Details
Enter the full name, ID number, address, and contact details of the person submitting the application. This does not need to be a director — it can be a registration agent acting on behalf of the applicants.
Section 2: Proposed Names
Provide up to three proposed names in order of preference. The Registry will check the first name; if it is taken or rejected, it moves to the second, and then the third.
Each name should include the appropriate suffix:
- Pvt Ltd: Must end with “(Private) Limited” or “(Pvt) Ltd”
- PLC: Must end with “Limited” or “Ltd”
- PBC: No specific suffix required, but the name must be distinguishable
Section 3: Nature of Business
Briefly describe the intended business activities. This helps the Registrar assess whether the proposed name is misleading (e.g., a name suggesting banking activities for a retail company).
Names That Will Be Rejected
The Registrar will refuse a name that:
- Is identical or confusingly similar to an existing registered entity
- Is offensive, obscene, or objectionable
- Is misleading as to the nature of the company’s business
- Contains restricted words without appropriate approval:
| Restricted Word | Approval Required From |
|---|---|
| “Government”, “National”, “State” | Minister responsible for companies |
| “Zimbabwe”, “Zimbabwean” | Minister responsible for companies |
| “Bank”, “Banking” | Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe |
| “Insurance”, “Assurance” | Insurance and Pensions Commission |
| “University”, “College” | Ministry of Higher Education |
| “Council”, “Authority” | Relevant ministry |
Tips for Getting Your Name Approved
- Be specific and distinctive: Unique names get approved faster
- Avoid common words: “Trading”, “Holdings”, “Investments” combined with common prefixes are often taken
- Use made-up or coined words: These are almost always available
- Include all three options: Do not leave the 2nd and 3rd choices blank
- Check availability first: we run a free preliminary check before submitting your CR21 to reduce the risk of rejection
- Avoid restricted words: Unless you have the necessary approvals
After Name Approval
Once your name is approved, you have 30 days to complete the registration process. During this period:
- The name is reserved exclusively for you — no one else can register it
- Prepare your Memorandum and Articles of Association using the approved name
- Complete the CR14 and CR6 forms
- Submit the full registration pack before the reservation expires
If you need more time, apply for a 30-day extension before the reservation expires. When you register with us, we track this deadline and complete every form for you so the name never lapses.
Ready to Search & Reserve Your Company Name?
We run the CR21 name search and reserve your name as part of registration — Pvt Ltd or PBC for a flat $150, all government fees included. Send your proposed names and we handle the entire filing for you.
Start Registration WhatsApp UsExplore: Company Registration overview · Private Limited Company · Private Business Corporation · Register from the Diaspora
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I do a company name search in Zimbabwe?
A company name search in Zimbabwe is done by lodging a CR21 form with up to three proposed names. The Registrar of Companies checks them against all registered entities and, if a name is clear, reserves it. The process is fully electronic — we run the search and reserve your approved name as part of registration, with results in approximately 7 working days.
How can I check if a company name is available in Zimbabwe?
You check availability by submitting proposed names for an official CR21 name search, which compares them against the register of existing companies, PBCs, trusts and trade names. Send us up to three names through our /register form and we run a free preliminary check first, then lodge the CR21 to confirm availability and reserve the name.
Is there a free company name search in Zimbabwe?
Yes — we run a free preliminary name check for you before lodging anything. Submit your proposed names through our /register form and we check them against existing entities at no cost. The official CR21 name search and reservation are then included in your registration package, so there is nothing extra to pay.
How much does a company name search cost in Zimbabwe?
The name search and reservation are included free in our registration packages, with all government fees included. A Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) or PBC is a flat $150, which covers the CR21 name search, reservation and full incorporation. We run a preliminary check at no charge before you commit.
How long is a company name reservation valid in Zimbabwe?
A reserved company name is valid for 30 days from the date of approval under the Companies and Other Business Entities Act (Chapter 24:31). You must complete registration within that window, or apply for a further 30-day extension before it expires, otherwise the name is released for anyone to register.
What company names are not allowed in Zimbabwe?
The Registrar of Companies rejects names that are identical or confusingly similar to an existing entity, that are offensive or misleading, or that contain restricted words such as “Government”, “National”, “Zimbabwe”, “Bank”, or “Insurance” without the relevant ministerial or regulatory approval. Distinctive, coined names are approved fastest.
Can I reserve a company name from the diaspora?
Yes. Registration in Zimbabwe is fully electronic, but reserving a name and self-filing requires a Zimbabwean national ID, which most diaspora applicants do not have. We act for you — you send your proposed names and details, and we run the search, reserve the name, and complete the entire CR21 filing on your behalf. See diaspora registration.