Search and document delivery at a glance
- Digital documents
- Not specified
- Document language
- Not specified
- Paper and collection
- Not specified
- International delivery
- Not specified
- Fees at a glance
- Free CIPO online search; certification XCD 10
- Access
- Name search without account; document application requires login
Choose the right register
The Commerce and Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) handles ordinary companies. Business Companies from the former IBC regime are registered with the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Both provide a public search entry point. [1] [5] [6]
Names and abbreviations explained
- CIPOCommerce and Intellectual Property Office
- Office maintaining the ordinary company register. [4]
- FSAFinancial Services Authority
- Financial regulator with a separate register covering Business Companies and other regulated entities. [5] [6]
- BC / IBCBusiness Company / former International Business Company
- FSA describes the former IBCs as Business Companies. Use the FSA registry route for these entities. [5]
Search step by step
Check the entity and obtain the appropriate copy
Select the registry
Use CIPO for ordinary companies and FSA Entity Name Search for a BC or former IBC. FSA labels its table as updated weekly; check the displayed data date. [4] [5] [6]
Use CIPO Business Search
Use “Entity search by Name or Number” and enter a name fragment or number. No account is needed for name search. Compare the number and entity type, then read “Status” together with “Reason”. [1]
Select the document service
Contact CIPO for a plain file copy. E-services directory lists Certification of Company Documents for certified copies. The description permits individuals and companies and provides copies to any person paying the fee, except specified inspector reports under section 519(2). [4] [2]
Prepare a certification request
Register and complete the application with any required attachments. Digitally sign the generated application, then pay and submit it. “Apply for service” leads to email and password login. General instructions specify a national identity or passport number. [2]
Confirm output and total charges
Use office.cipo@gov.vc for registry enquiries or ecipo@gov.vc for the portal. Specify the company name, number and document. Confirm copying, certification and file or paper delivery before paying. [2] [3]
Documents and fees
| Document / information | Contents and purpose | Fee | How to get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIPO: Uncertified Copy [3] [4] | Plain copy of all or part of a filed company document. | XCD 1 per page in addition to the XCD 5 search fee. | CIPO says any member of the public may inspect the register and obtain copies for the fees. |
| CIPO: Certification of Company Documents [2] [3] | Certified copy of a company document received by the Registrar, excluding specified inspector reports. | XCD 10 certification fee; confirm any additional copying and search charges. | Online application requires an account. Individuals and companies may apply; stated processing time two to three business days. |
Public search fields and conflicting status information
CIPO results show name, number, registration date, entity type and available address details. Read both “Status” and “Reason”. If activity and removal labels conflict, obtain a current response from the registry. [1]
CIPO fees and processing time
CIPO’s public-access guidance lists XCD 5 per file search and XCD 1 per copy page. The fee schedule explicitly adds copying to the search charge. Certification costs XCD 10 per document. The current online service confirms XCD 10 and quotes two to three business days of processing. This is the authority’s processing estimate, not an international delivery commitment. [4] [3] [2]
Business Company information at the FSA
The FSA table lists company names and numbers, entity types, status, incorporation dates and registered agents. It displays a data date and a weekly update notice. FSA describes document applications through a local registered agent. Ask for the fee for the particular document; the general fee for other applications does not specify that product’s price. [6] [5]
Signing an application is separate from receiving a certified PDF
CIPO guidance describes digitally signing the application. Its final step is notification of application status. Electronic certification of the resulting register copy is not specified. Confirm the actual output format and any international postal delivery for the order. [2]
Avoid common mistakes
Frequently asked questions
Can I search without an account?
Yes. CIPO name search is free and requires no sign-in. Certification applications require an account. [1] [2]
How do I submit an online request to CIPO?
Complete the application in the portal and sign it digitally. After payment and submission, you receive an update on its processing status. [2]
Original sources
Sources reviewed: 15 September 2026. The guidance is based on the linked information published by registers and public authorities.
- CIPO: Business Search Commerce and Intellectual Property Office
- CIPO: Certification of Company Documents Commerce and Intellectual Property Office
- CIPO: Companies Fees Commerce and Intellectual Property Office
- CIPO: public access to company filings Commerce and Intellectual Property Office
- FSA: Business Companies Financial Services Authority
- FSA: Entity Name Search Financial Services Authority