Somalia: public company lookup and official record copies

Basic search: Free [1]
Entry: No sign-in [1]

Search and document delivery at a glance

Search online: Search by name, UBI or licence number without sign-in or payment. [1]
Search language: Search results are in English. Some licence descriptions are in both English and Somali. [1]
Digital documents: Public HTML basic information. Record copies are a separate account service. [1] [3]
Document language: Public view in English with some Somali licence descriptions. Confirm the ordered record copy’s language separately. [1]
Paper and collection: Not specified
International delivery: Not specified

Fees at a glance: Basic search free; record-copy application USD 20 under the Banaadir schedule
Access: Public search without account; record copies through an SBRL account

Choose the right register

SBRS or SBRLS refers to the Somali Business Registration and Licensing System. The ministry’s Company Registrar handles company registration and business licensing. A licence category in a search result is not a full registry extract and does not replace verification of the specific licence. [5] [1]

The company view has fields for the business identifier, incorporation date and licence category. “N/A” means no information is supplied in that field. Ask the responsible office for missing registry details. [1]

Names and abbreviations explained

UBIBusiness identifier in the registry: The search field accepts the identifier labelled UBI as well as company name and licence number. [1]
Copy of RecordsCopy of registry records: A separate service for requesting records. It is distinct from the public search result. [3] [2]

Search step by step

From basic search to a record copy

Enter the company or number
Use “Quick Business Name Search” on the homepage. Enter the company name, UBI or licence number. Use the spelling and identifier from an existing document where possible. [1]
Specify the records needed
Record the identifier and specify the required document, such as a registration certificate, articles or a particular amendment filing. The public search does not display these files. The ministry lists Application of Copy of Records separately. [1] [2] [6]
Confirm account access and delivery
Open the official How to apply for copy of records guide. It describes an application through an SBRL account. The current fee table lists USD 20 for all business types in Banaadir. Before payment, overseas applicants should confirm identification, accepted payment methods, copy scope and delivery with registrar@moci.gov.so or +252 61 312 1213. [3] [2] [4]

Documents and fees

Document / information	Contents and purpose	Fee	How to get it
Public verification view [1]	Company name, UBI, incorporation date and listed licence categories; some values may be missing.	Free	Quick Business Name Search by name or number. Format / delivery HTML browser view, not a certified extract. [1] Document language Data view in English; some licence descriptions in English and Somali. [1] International delivery Available online; no delivery needed for this view. [1]
Copy of Records [2] [3] [4]	Requested copy of the specified registry records. Confirm scope and certification in advance.	USD 20, table entry for Banaadir and all business types; confirm applicable scope before payment.	Apply through an SBRL user account using the official guide; contact the Registrar if access is unavailable.

Public access and its limits

The official 2021 regulation provides for public access to registry information and copies of records. Article 17 permits electronic storage and downloadable or printable records. Use the regular eBusiness portal for applications and select the service for the information you need. [6]

Check beneficial ownership separately

The ministry maintains a beneficial ownership register under Regulation LR.167. Make a separate request for shareholding and beneficial ownership information, specifying the details you need. [5] [1]

Check the fee area and responsible office

The displayed tariff is explicitly assigned to Banaadir. Do not assume it applies to other jurisdictions or authorities. The registry lists Mohamud Harbi Road, behind the National Theater in Mogadishu, as its contact address. For an existing certificate, first compare its named issuing authority. [2] [4]

Avoid common mistakes

The USD 20 Copy of Records charge is not a licence or incorporation fee. The fee table lists these procedures separately. [2]
The 2021 guide is listed as a DOCX file. [3]

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the search from abroad?

Public search requires neither an account nor identification. Agree account, payment and delivery requirements separately with the Registrar when ordering file copies. [1] [3] [4]

Original sources

Sources reviewed: 16 September 2026. The guidance is based on the linked information published by registers and public authorities.

Somali Company Registry: public verification Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Fee Schedule Ministry of Commerce and Industry
How to apply for copy of records Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Contact Us Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Licensing & Business Registration Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Company Law Regulations No. 001/2021, English Ministry of Commerce and Industry; legislative text on its sandbox host

Somalia