eROC Sri Lanka is the official online portal for company registration in Sri Lanka. It stands for e-Registrar of Companies. The Department of the Registrar of Companies operates it. Furthermore, it handles the entire registration process from start to finish — completely online.
Before eROC Sri Lanka existed, entrepreneurs had to visit government offices in person to submit paperwork. Today, everything happens through the eROC portal. You can reserve a company name, submit registration forms, make payments, and download your Certificate of Incorporation — all without leaving your home or office.
This guide explains what eROC Sri Lanka is, how it works, and exactly how to use it to register your company.
What Is eROC Sri Lanka?
eROC Sri Lanka is a government-operated digital platform. It is the only official portal for registering a Private Limited Company in Sri Lanka. The eROC portal went live as part of Sri Lanka’s push to digitalise business registration and make it easier for both local and foreign entrepreneurs to set up companies.
Through eROC Sri Lanka, you can:
- Search for available company names
- Reserve your preferred company name
- Upload all registration documents
- Pay government registration fees online
- Track the status of your application
- Download your Certificate of Incorporation
- Access your company’s official documents at any time
Furthermore, eROC Sri Lanka stores all registered company data in one centralised database. As a result, anyone can search for and verify whether a company is registered in Sri Lanka — quickly and for free.
Who Uses eROC Sri Lanka?
eROC Sri Lanka serves several groups of users. Understanding which category you fall into helps you navigate the portal correctly.
Entrepreneurs and business owners use eROC to register new companies, update company details, and file Annual Returns.
Company Secretaries use eROC on behalf of their client companies. They prepare and submit all statutory forms, manage director and shareholder changes, and maintain company records through the system. ASAC manages eROC submissions for all our client companies as part of our company secretarial services.
The general public can use the eROC name search function to check if a company name is already registered. This is free and requires no account.
Banks, lawyers, and investors use eROC to verify company details, check director information, and confirm a company’s legal status before entering into contracts or agreements.
How to Create an eROC Sri Lanka Account
Before you can register a company through eROC Sri Lanka, you need to create an account. Here is how to do it:
Step 1. Go to eroc.drc.gov.lk.
Step 2. Click on the registration or sign-up option on the homepage.
Step 3. Enter your full name, NIC number (for Sri Lankans) or passport number (for foreigners), mobile number, and email address.
Step 4. Confirm your email address by clicking the verification link sent to your inbox.
Step 5. Log in with your email and password to access your eROC dashboard.
Your email address becomes your permanent login for eROC Sri Lanka. Furthermore, all official correspondence from the Registrar of Companies — including name approval notifications and incorporation certificates — will arrive at this email address. Use a reliable email you check regularly.
How to Search for a Company Name on eROC Sri Lanka
Before reserving a name, check whether it is available. Here is how to search:
Step 1. Visit eroc.drc.gov.lk — you do not need to log in for a basic name search.
Step 2. Enter your preferred company name in the search field.
Step 3. Choose either “Begins with” or “Contains” to broaden or narrow your search.
Step 4. Review the results. If a similar name already exists, the system will show it. As a result, you can decide whether to try a different name before applying.
The Registrar will reject names that are identical to or too similar to existing registered companies. Therefore, always search thoroughly and prepare two or three backup names before you apply.
How to Reserve a Company Name on eROC Sri Lanka
Once you confirm your chosen name is available, reserve it through eROC. Here is how:
Step 1. Log in to your eROC Sri Lanka account.
Step 2. Navigate to the name reservation section on your dashboard.
Step 3. Enter your preferred company name and any backup names.
Step 4. Pay the name reservation fee online by debit or credit card.
Step 5. Wait for the Registrar’s response. This typically takes 2 to 3 business days.
Once approved, your name reservation is valid for three months. You must complete your full company registration within this period. Furthermore, if you miss this window, you must apply again and pay the reservation fee again.
How to Register a Company Through eROC Sri Lanka
After your name is approved, you can begin the full registration process. Here is a step-by-step overview:
Step 1 — Select your company type. Choose Private Limited Company from the options available on your eROC dashboard.
Step 2 — Enter company details. Fill in your company name, registered office address, business objectives, share structure, and director and shareholder information.
Step 3 — Upload your documents. Upload the following as PDF files:
- Form 1 — completed and signed
- Form 18 — one for each director, completed and signed
- Form 19 — completed and signed by your licensed Company Secretary
- Articles of Association — signed and ready
All files must be in PDF format. Furthermore, handwritten documents are not accepted.
Step 4 — Review and confirm. Check all details carefully before submitting. A name mismatch, a missing signature, or an incorrect NIC number will cause rejection. As a result, review everything twice before you proceed.
Step 5 — Pay the registration fees. Pay all government registration fees online through the eROC portal by debit or credit card. The Registrar issues a receipt immediately upon payment.
Step 6 — Track your application. Log in to your eROC dashboard to check the status of your application at any time. The Registrar typically responds within 5 to 7 business days.
Step 7 — Download your Certificate of Incorporation. Once approved, the Registrar sends your digital Certificate of Incorporation to your registered email. You can also download it from your eROC dashboard at any time. This certificate is your company’s official proof of legal existence.
What Can You Do on eROC Sri Lanka After Registration?
eROC Sri Lanka is not just for new registrations. After your company is registered, you use the portal for ongoing compliance as well.
File Annual Returns (Form 15). You must file your first Annual Return within 18 months of incorporation. After that, file it annually through the eROC portal. Your Company Secretary handles this on your behalf.
Notify director changes. When a director joins or leaves your company, you must notify the Registrar through eROC. This must happen promptly after the change takes effect.
Notify shareholder changes. Share transfers and new share issuances must also be reported through eROC and reflected in your company’s statutory records.
Update your registered address. If your company moves to a new address, update this through the eROC portal immediately.
Download certified copies. You can obtain certified copies of your company’s registered documents — including your Certificate of Incorporation and Articles of Association — directly from your eROC dashboard.
Conduct a company search. Use the eROC search function to look up any registered company in Sri Lanka and view its publicly available details.
Common Problems People Face on eROC Sri Lanka
eROC Sri Lanka has made registration much easier. However, some users still face challenges. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them.
Rejected documents. The most frequent problem is document rejection. This usually happens because of missing signatures, incorrect company names, or handwritten forms. Always type your forms, check every detail, and make sure every signature is in place before uploading.
Name reservation expiry. Some applicants get their name approved but then take too long to complete the registration. Your reservation expires after three months. Therefore, have all your documents ready before you apply for name reservation.
Email issues. All notifications from the Registrar go to your registered eROC email. If you use an unreliable email or miss the notifications, your application can sit unanswered. Check your eROC email — including your spam folder — regularly.
Login and access problems. If you forget your password or cannot access your account, use the password reset function on the eROC login page. However, if your account has a technical issue, contact the Department of the Registrar of Companies directly at their official website.
System downtime. The eROC system occasionally undergoes scheduled maintenance. The DRC publishes maintenance notices on their website. Furthermore, ASAC monitors these notices and plans submissions around downtime windows for all client companies.
eROC Sri Lanka for Foreign Investors
Foreign investors can use eROC Sri Lanka fully remotely. You do not need to be physically present in Sri Lanka to create an account, submit documents, or download your Certificate of Incorporation.
However, there are a few important points for foreign users:
- Use your passport number instead of an NIC number when creating your eROC account
- All uploaded documents must be in PDF format
- Certified copies of passports must be prepared before upload
- Your company name must appear in English, Sinhala, and Tamil in the Articles of Association if any shareholder is foreign
ASAC manages the entire eROC Sri Lanka process for foreign clients. As a result, you do not need to navigate the portal yourself. We handle everything from account setup to Certificate of Incorporation download on your behalf. Learn more about our foreign company registration services here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is eROC Sri Lanka? eROC Sri Lanka stands for e-Registrar of Companies. It is the official online portal operated by the Department of the Registrar of Companies for registering and managing companies in Sri Lanka.
Is eROC Sri Lanka free to use? Creating an account and searching for company names is free. However, name reservation and registration involve government fees that you pay through the portal by debit or credit card.
Can I use eROC Sri Lanka from overseas? Yes. eROC Sri Lanka is fully accessible online from anywhere in the world. Foreign investors can create accounts, submit documents, and download their Certificate of Incorporation without travelling to Sri Lanka.
How long does eROC Sri Lanka take to approve a company registration? Name reservation typically takes 2 to 3 business days. After document submission, the Registrar usually approves the registration within 5 to 7 business days.
What file format does eROC Sri Lanka accept? eROC Sri Lanka only accepts PDF files for document uploads. Word documents, images, and handwritten scans are not accepted.
Can I track my application on eROC Sri Lanka? Yes. Log in to your eROC dashboard at any time to check the current status of your name reservation or registration application.
How ASAC Can Help
Navigating eROC Sri Lanka for the first time can be confusing — especially for foreign investors or entrepreneurs unfamiliar with Sri Lankan company law. At Ananda Sirisena & Company (ASAC), we manage the entire eROC Sri Lanka process on your behalf.
We create your eROC account, prepare and upload all documents, pay fees, track your application, and download your Certificate of Incorporation when it is ready. Furthermore, we continue to use eROC Sri Lanka to manage your company’s ongoing compliance — Annual Returns, director changes, share transfers, and more.
All ASAC clients also get access to The Boardroom — our 24/7 company records platform available on mobile and desktop. Your Certificate of Incorporation, statutory documents, and company records are always accessible, wherever you are.
If you want to register your company through eROC Sri Lanka without the complexity, book a free 15-minute call with our team below.
![Sole proprietorship vs Pvt Ltd Sri Lanka — this is one of the most common questions first-time entrepreneurs ask. Both structures let you run a legal business. However, they are very different in terms of liability, credibility, tax, and growth potential. This guide compares both business structures clearly and simply. By the end, you will know exactly which one suits your situation — and what steps to take next. Sole Proprietorship vs Pvt Ltd Sri Lanka: What Is the Difference? The biggest difference is legal identity. A sole proprietorship is not a separate legal entity from its owner. You and your business are the same person in the eyes of the law. As a result, you carry full personal liability for every debt and obligation your business creates. A Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd), on the other hand, is a separate legal entity. It exists independently from its owners. Furthermore, shareholders are only liable up to the value of their shares. As a result, your personal assets stay protected if the business runs into trouble. This one difference — personal liability vs limited liability — drives almost every other comparison between sole proprietorship vs Pvt Ltd Sri Lanka. What Is a Sole Proprietorship in Sri Lanka? A sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure available in Sri Lanka. One person owns and runs the business. Furthermore, that person takes full responsibility for everything the business does. How to register. Sole proprietorships register at the local Divisional Secretariat — not through the eROC portal. Registration fees are very low. However, the process requires an in-person visit to the Divisional Secretariat. You cannot register online. Who can register. Only Sri Lankan citizens and permanent residents can register a sole proprietorship. Foreign nationals cannot. Instead, they must register a Private Limited Company through the Department of the Registrar of Companies. Liability. The owner carries unlimited personal liability. If the business cannot pay its debts, creditors can go after your personal savings, property, and other assets. Tax. Sole proprietors pay personal income tax on all business profits. There is no separation between business and personal income for tax purposes. Bank accounts. Most banks in Sri Lanka do not offer full business banking facilities to sole proprietorships. As a result, accessing loans, trade finance, or business credit cards is much harder. Compliance. Ongoing compliance requirements are minimal. There is no Annual Return to file, no board resolutions required, and no Company Secretary needed. What Is a Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) in Sri Lanka? A Private Limited Company is a separate legal entity registered under the Companies Act No. 07 of 2007. It is the most popular business structure in Sri Lanka for startups, SMEs, and foreign investors. How to register. Pvt Ltd companies register through the eROC portal operated by the Department of the Registrar of Companies. The entire process is online. Furthermore, ASAC can complete the registration on your behalf remotely. Read our full company registration guide here. Who can register. Both Sri Lankan nationals and foreign investors can register a Pvt Ltd company. Moreover, 100% foreign ownership is permitted in most sectors. Liability. Shareholders carry limited liability only. Your personal assets are protected from business debts. As a result, the company's financial risk stays separate from your personal finances. Tax. Pvt Ltd companies pay Corporate Income Tax on profits. Furthermore, companies have access to certain tax incentives and deductions not available to sole proprietors. Bank accounts. Banks treat Pvt Ltd companies as proper business entities. As a result, they offer full corporate banking facilities — including business loans, trade finance, overdrafts, and corporate credit cards. Compliance. Pvt Ltd companies must meet ongoing compliance requirements. These include filing an Annual Return (Form 15) every year, maintaining statutory registers, holding AGMs, and appointing a licensed Company Secretary. However, ASAC manages all of this for our clients year-round. Sole Proprietorship vs Pvt Ltd Sri Lanka: Key Differences Compared Here is a clear side-by-side comparison of sole proprietorship vs Pvt Ltd Sri Lanka. FeatureSole ProprietorshipPrivate Limited CompanyLegal identityNo — owner and business are the sameYes — separate legal entityPersonal liabilityUnlimitedLimited to share valueWho can registerSri Lankan citizens and PRs onlyAnyone — including foreignersRegistration authorityDivisional SecretariatDepartment of Registrar of Companies via eROCOnline registrationNoYes — fully onlineMinimum directorsN/A1Company Secretary requiredNoYes — legally mandatoryCorporate bank accountLimited accessFull accessForeign ownershipNot permittedPermitted in most sectorsAnnual Return requiredNoYes — within 18 months, then annuallyCredibility with clientsLowerHigherAccess to investmentVery limitedGood — can take on shareholdersCost to registerVery lowModerateOngoing compliance costVery lowModerate Which Is Right for Your Business? The answer depends on your situation. Furthermore, it depends on where you want your business to go in the next few years. Choose a sole proprietorship if: You are testing a business idea with very low risk You operate a small, local, cash-based business You are a Sri Lankan national or permanent resident You want the absolute minimum in compliance and cost You do not plan to take on investors or partners Choose a Pvt Ltd company if: You want to protect your personal assets from business risk You plan to grow, scale, or take on investment You want to open a proper corporate bank account You are a foreign national investing in Sri Lanka You want to build credibility with clients, banks, and partners You plan to apply for government contracts or tenders You intend to hire employees and manage payroll properly For most serious entrepreneurs — local or foreign — a Private Limited Company is the right choice. The cost of registration is modest. Moreover, the protection, credibility, and growth potential it provides far outweigh the additional compliance obligations. How to Register Each Business Type Registering a sole proprietorship: Visit your local Divisional Secretariat in person Submit your application form and supporting documents Pay the registration fee — typically a few hundred rupees Receive your Certificate of Registration of Business Name Display the certificate at your business premises Registering a Pvt Ltd company: Check name availability on the eROC portal Reserve your preferred company name Prepare Form 1, Form 18, Form 19, and Articles of Association Upload all documents through eROC in PDF format Pay government registration fees online Await Registrar approval — typically 5 to 7 business days Download your Certificate of Incorporation ASAC manages every step of Pvt Ltd registration for you. Furthermore, we act as your Company Secretary from day one. Contact us to start your registration here. Sole Proprietorship vs Pvt Ltd Sri Lanka: Cost Comparison Sole proprietorship costs: Registration fee: A few hundred rupees at the Divisional Secretariat Ongoing compliance: Minimal — no Annual Return, no Company Secretary required Total annual cost: Very low Pvt Ltd company costs: Government registration fees: Published on the Department of Registrar of Companies website Professional service fees: Depend on your specific situation — ASAC provides a clear quote after a short consultation Annual company secretarial retainer: Covers Annual Return filing, board resolutions, and ongoing compliance Total annual cost: Higher than a sole proprietorship but manageable — and worth every rupee for the protection and credibility it provides The real cost of a sole proprietorship is not what you pay to register. It is what you risk by having no limited liability protection. Furthermore, it is the business opportunities you miss because you lack corporate credibility. Can You Convert a Sole Proprietorship to a Pvt Ltd Company? Yes. Many business owners start as sole proprietors and convert to a Pvt Ltd company as they grow. However, conversion is not automatic. You need to register a new Private Limited Company through eROC. Furthermore, you must transfer your business activities, contracts, and assets to the new company. The good news is that your existing business name may be available for registration as a company name — provided no other company has already registered it. Check availability on the eROC name search before you start. ASAC manages the conversion process for clients who want to upgrade from sole proprietorship to Pvt Ltd. Book a call with our team below to discuss your options. Common Mistakes When Choosing a Business Structure Choosing a sole proprietorship because it is cheaper. The registration cost is lower. However, the risk is far higher. One lawsuit or unpaid debt can wipe out your personal savings. Furthermore, you will struggle to open a proper corporate bank account or win contracts from larger clients. Registering a Pvt Ltd company without understanding the ongoing obligations. A Pvt Ltd company comes with real compliance requirements. Annual Returns, board resolutions, statutory registers, and tax filing are all mandatory. As a result, many business owners get caught out by late filing penalties. ASAC manages all of this for our clients so they can focus on their business. Waiting too long to upgrade from sole proprietorship to Pvt Ltd. Many entrepreneurs plan to upgrade "later." However, later often means after a problem has already happened. Registering a Pvt Ltd company early protects you from day one. Foreign nationals trying to register a sole proprietorship. Foreign nationals cannot register a sole proprietorship in Sri Lanka. Only Sri Lankan citizens and permanent residents qualify. Furthermore, even permanent residents should consider a Pvt Ltd company for the additional protection and credibility it offers. Frequently Asked Questions What is the main difference between sole proprietorship vs Pvt Ltd Sri Lanka? The main difference is legal identity and liability. A sole proprietorship has no separate legal identity from its owner — you carry unlimited personal liability. A Pvt Ltd company is a separate legal entity — your personal liability is limited to the value of your shares. Can a foreigner register a sole proprietorship in Sri Lanka? No. Sole proprietorships in Sri Lanka are only available to Sri Lankan citizens and permanent residents. Foreign nationals must register a Private Limited Company through the Department of the Registrar of Companies. Is a Pvt Ltd company better than a sole proprietorship in Sri Lanka? For most serious business owners — yes. A Pvt Ltd company offers limited liability, higher credibility, full corporate banking access, and the ability to take on investors. Furthermore, it allows foreign ownership and opens more opportunities than a sole proprietorship. How much does it cost to convert a sole proprietorship to a Pvt Ltd company in Sri Lanka? There is no formal conversion process — you register a new Pvt Ltd company and transfer your business to it. The cost depends on your specific situation. Book a call with ASAC and we will give you a clear breakdown. Do I need a Company Secretary for a sole proprietorship in Sri Lanka? No. A Company Secretary is only mandatory for Private Limited Companies and other incorporated entities under the Companies Act. Sole proprietorships have no such requirement. Can I have employees as a sole proprietor in Sri Lanka? Yes. Sole proprietors can hire employees. However, you must comply with all labour laws, EPF and ETF obligations, and employment contracts regardless of your business structure. Learn more at the Department of Labour Sri Lanka. How ASAC Can Help Ananda Sirisena & Company (ASAC) helps entrepreneurs choose the right business structure from the start. We have over 30 years of experience in company registration Sri Lanka and corporate governance. As a result, we know exactly which structure works best for different situations — and how to set it up correctly from day one. If you decide a Private Limited Company is right for you, ASAC manages the entire registration process. We prepare all documents, act as your Company Secretary, and handle all ongoing compliance obligations. Furthermore, all ASAC clients get access to The Boardroom — our 24/7 company records platform on mobile and desktop. If you want to protect your business, build credibility, and set yourself up for growth — a Pvt Ltd company is the right move. Book a free 15-minute call with our team below. We will assess your situation and give you a clear recommendation. [INSERT HUBSPOT CALENDAR HERE] Related guides: How to Register a Pvt Ltd Company in Sri Lanka Cost of Company Registration Sri Lanka Documents for Company Registration Sri Lanka Company Secretary Sri Lanka: Do You Really Need One?](https://anandasirisena.lk/wp-content/uploads/Sole-Proprietorship-vs-Pvt-Ltd-sri-lanka-700x350.jpg "Sole Proprietorship vs Pvt Ltd sri lanka")
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