Search and document delivery at a glance
- Search online
- MBRS Public Search by name or registration number. No account required. [2]
- Search language
- English interface and result fields. [2]
- Digital documents
- Not specified
- Document language
- Not specified
- Paper and collection
- The official schedule provides for A4 photocopies. Arrange collection or delivery with CRIPC. [5]
- International delivery
- Not specified
- Fees at a glance
- Public basic search free; formal services charged
- Access
- Basic search without login; Official search requires sign-in
Choose the right register
The Companies, Registrations and Intellectual Property Centre (CRIPC) took over the former Registrar General’s functions on 1 April 2026. Its website continues to link to MBRS. Contact details are info@cripc.gov.mw, +265 1 824 355 and +265 1 824 668. [1]
Names and abbreviations explained
Search step by step
From a name to formal registry information
Open Public Search
Select “Entity”. Enter the company name or registration number under “Search by name or Registration number”. Name search is free and requires no account. [2]
Check the similar-name results
Read the list of similar company names even if “Not found” appears above it. Compare the registration number, spelling, date and status. [2]
Choose the formal service
For Official search, open the CRIPC service list in the MBRS account portal. The service leads to sign-in. Use the identified number and specify the information or filed-document copy required. Confirm the total charge and delivery before paying. [3] [5]
Documents and fees
| Document / information | Contents and purpose | Fee | How to get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public result view [2] | Name, registration number, registered date and displayed status. | Free | MBRS Public Search |
| Official search [3] [5] | A separate CRIPC service; specify the required information and registration number. | 2017 other electronic search item: MWK2,000; confirm the current order price. | Official search in the MBRS account portal. |
| Filed-document copy or certified extract [5] | Selected documents from a registry file. | 2017 schedule: MWK500 per A4 copy plus MWK1,000 for certification; request the current price. | Request from CRIPC with the name, number and precise document.
|
Fees for inspection, copies and electronic searches
The authority supplies the Companies Regulations 2017. Their schedule lists MWK5,000 for inspecting documents in one registry file, MWK1,000 for certification, and an additional MWK500 per A4 copy. Any other electronic search is listed at MWK2,000. These are explicitly the published 2017 rates. Confirm the amount currently payable for the chosen service. The public basic search is free. [5] [4] [2]
Access from abroad
The public search is accessible without proof of identity. For company services, CRIPC lists a national ID for citizens, a foreign resident permit for resident foreigners and a passport for visitors. If you are ordering an official search on another company from abroad, ask CRIPC which application route applies to you. [2] [4]
Screen results and filed documents
Public results provide basic information. For shareholder records, director details or accounts, request the particular document and date required. The fee schedule covers inspection and copies from both the Malawi and foreign-company registers. [2] [5]
Avoid common mistakes
Frequently asked questions
Original sources
Sources reviewed: 16 September 2026. The guidance is based on the linked information published by registers and public authorities.
- Companies, Registrations and Intellectual Property Centre CRIPC
- MBRS Public Search: entity results Malawi Business Registration System
- CRIPC online services Malawi Business Registration System
- Services and application requirements CRIPC
- Companies Regulations 2017 Government of Malawi, linked by CRIPC