Company Name Search in Zimbabwe

How Zimbabwe Company Name Search Works

Before you can register a company in Zimbabwe, you must first confirm that your proposed company name is available. This is done by submitting a CR21 form (Application for Name Search) to the Companies and Deeds Registry.

The CR21 form allows you to propose up to 5 names in order of preference. The Registrar checks each name against the register of all existing companies, private business corporations, trusts, and trade names. If your first choice is taken, the Registrar moves to your second choice, and so on.

Where to Submit

The CR21 form can be submitted at:

• Century House, Harare — the main Companies and Deeds Registry office (100 Nelson Mandela Avenue)
• Tredgold Building, Bulawayo — the Bulawayo branch of the Registry
• ZimConnect Portal — the government online services platform (requires a Zimbabwe national ID to register an account)

Government Fees

The official government fee for a name search is approximately $10 – $20 USD (paid in ZWL equivalent at the prevailing rate). The fee is the same regardless of how many names you include on the CR21 form (up to the maximum of 5).

Processing Time

The official processing time is 7 working days from submission. In practice, turnaround can vary — during busy periods (January and start of financial year) it may take longer. Our service delivers results faster because we submit in person and follow up directly with the Registry.

Name Reservation Period

Once the Registrar approves your name, it is reserved for 30 days. During this window, no one else can register a company with that name. You must complete your full company registration (CR14 form and supporting documents) within this 30-day period, or the reservation lapses and the name becomes available again.

Why You Cannot Do This From Abroad

If you are in the diaspora (UK, South Africa, Australia, USA, Canada, or elsewhere), you face several practical barriers to conducting a name search yourself:

ZimConnect Requires a Zimbabwe National ID

The ZimConnect online portal — the government’s digital services platform — requires a Zimbabwe national ID number to create an account. If you do not have a Zimbabwe ID (or if your ID has expired), you cannot access the portal. There is no passport-based registration option for diaspora users.

No Public Searchable Database

Unlike the UK (Companies House), South Africa (CIPC), or the US (state SOS websites), Zimbabwe does not have a free, publicly searchable company name database. You cannot go to a website, type in a name, and see if it is taken. The only way to check is to submit a formal CR21 application.

No Real-Time API or Online Results

There is no API, email notification system, or online status tracker. Results are communicated in person at the Registry counter or, in some cases, by phone. Someone needs to be physically present in Harare or Bulawayo to collect the results.

This is why using a local agent is not a luxury — it is a practical necessity for anyone outside Zimbabwe.

Our Name Search Service

We make the process simple. Here is exactly what we do for your $25:

1. Receive Your Proposed Names

Send us up to 5 proposed company names via WhatsApp, email, or our contact form. We recommend providing at least 3 options in case your first choice is already taken.

2. Submit CR21 on Your Behalf

We prepare and submit the CR21 form to the Companies and Deeds Registry in Harare. We pay the government fee on your behalf — it is included in the $25 service charge.

3. Results Within 24 Hours

Because we submit in person and follow up directly with the Registry, we typically have your results within 24 hours of submission. We will message you with the outcome: which names are available and which are taken.

4. Name Acceptability Advice

Before submitting, we review your proposed names and advise on:

• Whether the name is likely to be accepted (based on our experience with the Registry)
• Whether it contains restricted words that require additional approval
• Whether it is too similar to known existing companies
• Correct formatting and suffix requirements

5. Name Reservation for 30 Days

Once approved, your name is reserved for 30 days. If you choose to proceed with full company registration through us, the name search fee is credited toward your registration package.

Pricing

Name Rules in Zimbabwe

The Registrar will reject names that do not comply with the rules set out in the Companies and Other Business Entities Act (Chapter 24:31). Understanding these rules before you submit will save you time and avoid rejected applications.

Required Suffix

• Private Limited Company: Must end in “(Private) Limited” or “(Pvt) Ltd”
• Public Limited Company: Must end in “Limited” or “Ltd”
• Private Business Corporation: No mandatory suffix, but must be distinguishable

Restricted Words

Certain words require written approval from the relevant government ministry before the Registrar will accept them. These include:

• “Bank” or “Banking” — requires Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe approval
• “Insurance” or “Assurance” — requires IPEC (Insurance and Pensions Commission) approval
• “University” or “College” — requires Ministry of Higher Education approval
• “Zimbabwe” or “National” — requires ministerial consent
• “Government” or “State” — generally prohibited for private entities

Prohibited Names

• Names identical to an existing registered company
• Names that are “deceptively similar” to existing companies (including phonetic similarity)
• Names that imply government endorsement or connection
• Offensive, vulgar, or misleading names
• Names that falsely suggest a connection to a foreign government or international organisation

Tips for Choosing a Good Company Name

Based on our experience processing hundreds of name search applications, here is what works best:

1. Be specific and unique. Generic names like “Zimbabwe Trading (Pvt) Ltd” are almost certainly taken. Combine words in unusual ways or use coined terms.
2. Avoid common English words alone. Names like “Premium Services (Pvt) Ltd” or “Golden Holdings (Pvt) Ltd” are very likely to conflict with existing registrations.
3. Consider using a founder’s name or initials. “Moyo & Partners (Pvt) Ltd” or “JMK Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd” are more distinctive and less likely to conflict.
4. Check the domain name too. If you plan to have a website, check whether the .co.zw or .com domain is available before committing to a company name.
5. Submit 5 options. Always use the full 5-name allowance on your CR21. Your top choice may be taken, and having backup options avoids delays.
6. Think long term. Avoid overly narrow names that limit future growth. “Harare Plumbing Services (Pvt) Ltd” locks you into one city and one service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a company name search take in Zimbabwe?

When you use our service, we report back within 24 hours. If you file directly with the Registrar, the official processing time is 7 working days, though it can take longer during busy periods.

How much does a name search cost?

Our name search service costs $25 per application, which covers up to 5 proposed names and includes the government filing fee. This is a flat fee with no hidden charges.

Can I search for a company name online in Zimbabwe?

There is no public online database to search Zimbabwe company names. The ZimConnect portal requires a Zimbabwe national ID to register, and there is no real-time search API. The only reliable method is submitting a CR21 form to the Registrar.

How long is a name reservation valid?

A reserved company name is valid for 30 days from the date of approval. If you do not complete company registration within this period, you can apply for an extension. If you let the reservation lapse, the name becomes available for anyone else to register.