Verify Your Business Name With a Puerto Rico Business Name Search

Starting a business in Puerto Rico requires choosing a unique and legally compliant business name. To help you with this process, the Puerto Rico business name search tool provides a simple and efficient way to verify your desired business name's availability.

Using the search tool is free, and there's no commitment. Follow these steps:

1. Submit your business name of choice in the form.

2. Get your results within an hour, delivered to your email.

3. Reserve your chosen name or try again if it's not available.

Using this advanced search tool, you can ensure a smooth registration process and avoid potential legal issues related to your LLC's name.

Key Takeaways

Before diving into the details of the Puerto Rico business name search process, here's a quick overview of the most important aspects this article covers:

• Puerto Rico has specific business naming conventions for LLCs (limited liability companies) and corporations that you must follow for a smooth registration process.

• A Puerto Rico entity search can help verify name availability and prevent costly mistakes, such as registering a name already in use.

• Once you've confirmed name availability, the following steps are to reserve your business name, choose a domain, and consider registering a DBA if necessary.

Puerto Rico's Business Name Conventions

Following the naming conventions set by the Puerto Rico Secretary of State for your LLC or corporation is a mandatory step when starting a new business in the state. These guidelines help maintain consistency among business entities and prevent confusion for consumers.

Here are the naming conventions for Puerto Rico LLCs and corporations to keep in mind:

• The desired company name must be distinguishable from other registered businesses in Puerto Rico.

• Puerto Rico LLC business names cannot include words suggesting the business owner is an insurer or assume insurance risks.

• Business names must incorporate an appropriate designator, such as "LLC," "Corp.," or another suitable abbreviation, to identify the type of legal entity being established.

• Business names can not include restricted words, like "Bank," "Attorney," or "University," without proper authorization.

Adhering to these naming conventions will ensure that your business entity, whether a Puerto Rico corporation or LLC, is registered without issues. Following these guidelines will also make the annual report filing process smoother for your business.

Benefits of a Puerto Rico Entity Search

Performing a Puerto Rico business entity search offers several advantages for entrepreneurs starting a business in the region. Here are three significant benefits of conducting a corporation search:

1. Verifying Name Availability 

A Puerto Rico entity search allows you to ensure that another registered business does not already take your desired company name. This helps you avoid legal issues and ensures a smoother registration process for your LLC or corporation.

2. Preventing Costly Mistakes

By checking name availability through the search page before registering, you can avoid the hassle of registering a taken name and refiling your documents. This saves you both time and resources in the long run.

3. Gaining Valuable Business Insights

When you conduct an advanced Puerto Rico business entity search, such as the one on the Department of State website, you can review the status, registration number, business license, and other relevant details of extant businesses in the database. This information can be helpful for competitive analysis, understanding the local business landscape, and preparing your annual report.

These benefits help you confidently move forward with your LLC or corporation registration, knowing that you have laid a solid foundation for your new business venture.

Next Steps

After completing a Puerto Rico entity search and confirming your chosen business name's availability, you can proceed and take the next steps in establishing your Puerto Rico business. In the sections that follow, we'll outline the necessary actions you should take to solidify your business presence and set your LLC or corporation up.

Here's a brief overview of what you should do next after confirming your business name availability through the Puerto Rico entity search:

Complete Your Name Reservation

Once you have chosen your business name and confirmed its availability using the Puerto Rico business name search tool, the next step is to reserve the name. Reserving your business name through the Puerto Rico Secretary of State involves submitting a name reservation application.

Upon approval, your name reservation ensures the availability of your LLC or corporation name for a specified period, typically 120 days. This gives you ample time to prepare and file your formation documents, such as the Articles of Organization for an LLC or Articles of Incorporation for a corporation, with confidence, knowing that your desired business name is secured.

Also, the name reservation process helps avoid potential issues when filing your annual report.[1] Your LLC or corporation name is registered and protected in the Puerto Rico business database.

Choose a Domain Name

You should also think about securing a domain name after reserving your business name, as it establishes your company's online presence. In the digital world where computers and smartphones seem omnipresent, a robust online presence is essential for directing potential customers to discover your business. Using the Internet, they can learn about your products or services wherever they are.

You create a consistent brand identity when choosing a domain name that aligns with your reserved business name. A strong brand identity contributes to your business's credibility and professionalism.

Squarespace’s easy-to-use domain search tool can help you quickly find and register a domain name that matches your Puerto Rico business. You can then choose from Squarespace’s flexible website templates, pre-designed layouts, and curated design elements to build a website — no coding required. Start your business with Swyft Filings and receive a free domain from SquareSpace for one year.

Keep in mind popular domain extensions like ".com" and ".co" and consider local extensions such as ".pr" for Puerto Rico businesses.

Extensions such as “.gov” are restricted for government and government-adjacent organizations. By securing an appropriate domain name that follows all the rules, you are taking a significant step toward building your LLC's online presence. This presence will be beneficial in setting your business up for long-term success.

Consider a DBA

Consider registering a "doing business as" (DBA) or fictitious name if your desired business name is unavailable. With a DBA, you can operate under a different name without forming a new business entity.[2] A DBA can provide several advantages, such as increased flexibility, enhanced branding opportunities, and the option to open bank accounts under your DBA name.

To register a DBA in Puerto Rico, you must apply to the Puerto Rico Department of State. You may also need to pay the appropriate filing fee. Some jurisdictions may have additional requirements for obtaining a DBA, so research the specific regulations in your area.

File Your LLC Online

With your unique business name ready, Swyft Filings is here to help you file your Puerto Rico LLC online in just a few minutes. Our user-friendly platform and knowledgeable support team make it easy to navigate the process, ensuring your documents are filed accurately and on time.

We’re here to support you every step of the way, from your initial Puerto Rico entity search to managing your company's ongoing compliance and even a business name change, if necessary. Contact us today for more information on our pricing, services, and how we can help your business thrive in Puerto Rico.

FAQs

How do I determine if a business name is available in Puerto Rico?

You can use a Puerto Rico business name search tool to check if the business name of your choice is available. Provide the necessary information, such as the name you want and your founder profile. You'll receive an email, usually within an hour, letting you know if the name is available and how to reserve it.

What is the Puerto Rico Secretary of State Business Entity Search?

The Puerto Rico Secretary of State Business Entity Search is an online database that allows you to search for registered businesses in Puerto Rico. This tool can verify name availability, obtain information about existing businesses, and ensure your chosen business name complies with naming conventions.

How do I verify a business in Puerto Rico?

To verify a business in Puerto Rico, you search for it using the Puerto Rico Secretary of State Business Entity Search. This tool allows you to search all entities by name or register number. This way, you can confirm the business's registration status, view its entity number, and access other relevant information.

How much does a Puerto Rico business entity search cost?

Using the Puerto Rico business name search tool is free and requires no commitment. You only need to provide the necessary information, and you'll receive an email within an hour letting you know if the name is available and how to reserve it.

Can a US company do business in Puerto Rico?

Yes, a US company can do business in Puerto Rico. However, the company must register as a foreign entity with the Puerto Rico Department of State and comply with all local regulations and requirements.

What are the benefits of an LLC in Puerto Rico?

The benefits of doing business as an LLC in Puerto Rico include limited liability protection, flexible management structure, pass-through taxation, and ease of formation. Additionally, Puerto Rico offers attractive tax incentives for certain businesses.

What is the procedure for forming a company in Puerto Rico?

Forming a company in Puerto Rico involves:

• Choosing a unique legal entity name

• Reserving the name with the Puerto Rico Secretary of State

• Preparing and filing formation documents

• Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

• Complying with any additional local requirements

Bibliography

1. Puerto Rico Department of State. "Forms for Corporation." Accessed April 24, 2023.

2. Forbes, Leeron Hoory, Jane Haskins, Rob Watts. "DBA Vs. LLC: What Are The Differences?" Accessed April 24, 2023.