The Companies Registry
About Us
The Isle of Man Companies Registry has been in existence since 1865. Originally confined to the regulation of Manx companies we are now, as an integral part of the Financial Supervision Commission, also responsible for the administration of legislation relating to foreign companies, limited liability companies, business names, limited partnerships and societies incorporated under the Industrial and Building Societies Acts.
For details of how to contact the Companies Registry, click here.
Our Core Functions
In undertaking our statutory obligations, we have four core functions:
- the incorporation and registration of companies, business names, limited partnerships and societies;
- the registration of statutory documents filed pursuant to relevant legislation;
- ensuring compliance with the appropriate requirements of the law and the striking off of defunct companies;
- the provision of accurate and timely information to the public.
Company Search Facility
All public documents filed with the Registry may be examined upon payment of the requisite fee at the Companies Registry offices located at Bucks Road, Douglas. The Registry is open Monday - Friday from 9.00 am to 4.30 pm.
The Companies Registry will be closed between 9.00am and 11.00am on the first Wednesday of each month for staff training.
The Commission has created an electronic database of all Isle of Man company records going back to the time when the first company was incorporated in 1865. The new service provides a speedy and efficient way in which practitioners around the world can access company records 24 hours a day and has proved highly resilient. The service provides details of all Isle of Man Companies, Overseas Companies registered in the Isle of Man, LLCs and Business Names. You can also purchase company documents, check the availablility of company names and submit an application to reserve a company name.
The launch of the system forms part of an ongoing programme to enhance the services provided by Companies Registry for both local and international users of the Isle of Man as a business centre.
The system can be accessed via the Commission’s web-site www.fsc.gov.im by following the tab “Buy Company Documents”.
Our Aims
We are committed to consistent delivery of the very highest level of service. In delivering our services, we shall always aim to balance the needs of those who are required by law to deliver certain information, against the needs of those who have a statutory right to inspect such information.
Our Company Legislation
The first Companies Act was enacted in 1865 and followed the introduction of company legislation in the United Kingdom in 1862. Current Manx legislation is based on the Companies Consolidation Act 1931, which itself is based on the United Kingdom Companies Act 1929. Nine amending Acts have since been enacted, ensuring that the Isle of Man’s corporate products and the legislation which governs their conduct keeps pace with modern business demands and expectations.
The Companies Acts 1931 - 2004 and related legislation, including amendments made by the Companies, etc (Amendment) Act 2003, can be viewed by clicking here.
A Guide to Isle Of Man Company Law is available in PDF format.
The Advantages of Registering in the Isle of Man
Every country and jurisdiction has its distinct forms of business. The Isle of Man is no exception having been legally and politically distinct for over a thousand years, and in modern times becoming one of the leading centres of the world for offshore financial services.
Companies and other forms of business organisation established under the law of the Isle of Man have been widely used internationally. It is no accident that business organisations established in the Isle of Man have become so widely used. It is arguable that the Isle of Man has the most sophisticated law relating to forms of business organisation of any centre for ‘offshore ’ work, and is among the leading jurisdictions of the world in this respect.
The Isle of Man is a ‘Common Law ’jurisdiction.The basis of Manx law is Manx customary law, itself derived from a combination of Gaelic Brehon law, Norse Udall law, and both being very heavily influenced by English Common Law over the centuries. Equity, as it developed in the English courts, has been applied identically in the Isle of Man since the seventeenth century. With a few exceptions, notably in Land law and Constitutional law, the Isle of Man closely follows English legal precedents and legislation.
Part of the success of the Isle of Man is its professional services industry. The Isle of Man legal profession is a fused profession practicing law to the highest standards. The Judiciary of the Isle of Man enjoys the highest international reputation and its judgments carry great weight internationally. The accountancy profession is well established, with all the major international firms represented from the Chartered, Certified and other branches of the profession. The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators is also represented, as is the banking profession through a thriving centre of the Chartered Institute of Bankers.
The Financial Services Industry is long established and well regulated. All aspects of the financial services industry are regulated by Government Agencies. The Financial Supervision Commission is the regulator for banking business and investment business whilst the Insurance & Pensions Authority regulates pensions and insurance business. The Isle of Man has adopted all internationally agreed measures and plays an active part in combating money-laundering and other criminal activities. The Financial Supervision Commission is also responsible for the Companies Registry and all functions relating to the regulation of companies, corporate service providers, limited liability companies, limited partnerships and industrial and building societies. It also has powers to prescribe fees and duties and to initiate inspections.
| DisabledGo Information |  | Terms & Conditions | ©2008 Isle of Man Government |