Search and document delivery at a glance
- Search language
- Not specified
- Digital documents
- CIPA lists certificates by email. Confirm the file format and availability of the particular copy ordered. [3]
- Document language
- Not specified
- Paper and collection
- Services for physical files and certified copies are described in the fee table. Arrange collection or delivery specifically. [2]
- International delivery
- Not specified
- Fees at a glance
- CIPA table: file search BWP30, copy/extract BWP50, certification BWP100; confirm price
- Access
- Public search described by CIPA; contact the authority if unavailable
Choose the right register
To research an existing business, choose Search the Register on CIPA’s website. Reserve a Company Name instead concerns reserving a name for a new registration. Alongside companies, CIPA also maintains business-name registrations. Distinguish those record types. [3] [1] [2]
Names and abbreviations explained
- CIPACompanies and Intellectual Property Authority
- The authority responsible for company registers and intellectual property. [4]
- OBRSOnline Business Registration System
- The online system for registration, changes and CIPA’s described public registry search. [3] [1]
- BWPBotswana pula
- The currency used in the official fee table, where P denotes pula. [2]
Search step by step
Searching and requesting documents
Use the official entry point
Open CIPA and choose Search the Register. Its FAQ permits anyone to search companies and business names. [3] [1]
Request specific file information
Use info@cipa.co.bw or +267 367 3700. Provide the name, registration number and document required. The published address is Plot 54358, Prime Plaza, CBD, Gaborone. [4]
Specify certification and delivery
Specify whether a plain file copy is sufficient or a certified copy is required. Confirm total cost, language and format, together with collection or overseas delivery. CIPA describes card payments and deposits through CIPA or First National Bank as payment routes. [2] [1]
Documents and fees
| Document / information | Contents and purpose | Fee | How to get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain file copy or extract [2] [4] | A selected document from the company file; contents depend on the filing requested. | Published CIPA table: BWP50 in the CIPA column, No Fee in the online column. Confirm current availability and price. | Request from CIPA with the name, number and required filed document. |
| Certified copy or extract [2] [4] | A copy or extract with registry certification. | Published CIPA table: certification BWP100 in the CIPA column. Confirm the total order price. | Request from CIPA with the name, number and required filed document. |
The fee table distinguishes two service channels
The CIPA table published in its 2019/10 directory lists BWP30 for a physical-file search, BWP50 for a copy or extract and BWP100 for certification of a copy or extract under CIPA Fee. The adjacent Online Fee column says No Fee for those rows. The table gives no effective date. Confirm the current price for the delivery route actually available. The three items are not an automatically combined flat charge. [2]
Information excluded from the public view
CIPA expressly states that identity numbers, mobile numbers, email addresses and beneficial-ownership details are hidden from the public. [1]
Digital documents and paper files
CIPA’s homepage describes certificates being sent by email. The fee table also provides services involving physical files and certification. Confirm the form and delivery method for the particular record. [3] [2]
Avoid common mistakes
Frequently asked questions
Is the public search limited to citizens?
CIPA’s FAQ describes the registers as public and uses Anyone. It states no citizenship restriction for that search. This does not settle document-ordering conditions. [1]
Can I obtain a PDF extract?
CIPA describes certificates by email. Confirm PDF availability for the particular extract when ordering. [3]
Original sources
Sources reviewed: 16 September 2026. The guidance is based on the linked information published by registers and public authorities.
- Frequently Asked Questions Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA)
- Fees for frequently used services Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA)
- CIPA: Online Business Registration System Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA)
- CIPA contact details Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA)