Companies Office adds business closure, renewal to online services

The Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ) recently launched two critical new services on its Electronic Business Registration Form (eBRF) platform - Business Name Renewal and Business Closure.

These features are specifically designed to enhance customer accessibility and promote compliance within the business community.

The services will be accessible via the Agency’s website at www.orcjamaica.com.

Since its launch on August 8, 2019, the eBRF has revolutionized business registration in Jamaica, facilitating the registration of more than 15,000 businesses. By bringing additional services online, the COJ reaffirms its commitment to making the process of managing a business simpler and more efficient for entrepreneurs and stakeholders.

“As part of our strategic vision, the COJ is committed to continuous innovation to better serve our stakeholders,” said Shellie Leon, CEO and Registrar of the COJ. “The integration of Business Name Renewal and Business Closure into the eBRF platform underscores our goal of simplifying processes, improving accessibility, and fostering a culture of compliance among businesses in Jamaica.”

With these services online, business owners can seamlessly renew their business names and close the business through the eBRF platform, eliminating the need for in-person visits and reducing processing time. This service aims to promote compliance by ensuring that businesses maintain their registration status and operate legally.

These online services may also result in savings for entrepreneurs. Businesses that fail to renew 14 days before or on the expiry date of their certificate faces a $1,000 late
fine.

Additionally, failing to close incurs a late fee for each late period (3 years) and must be fully paid before a business can close.

The addition of these services to the eBRF is part of the COJ's broader strategy to leverage digital tools to improve service delivery. By providing these convenient online options, the COJ seeks to reduce barriers to compliance and support the dynamic needs of Jamaican businesses in a competitive and evolving economy.

“We understand the limitations of our physical locations and as such we must pivot to more convenient, technologically driven options. The onboarding of these services represents the strategic steps we are taking to bring other services online and to facilitate a go-green, go-paperless initiative,” Leon noted.