To check the availability of a company name in Gibraltar, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the Gibraltar Companies House Website

The Gibraltar Companies House is the official body responsible for the registration and regulation of companies in Gibraltar. Their website provides tools and resources for checking company name availability.

2. Use the Online Company Name Search Tool

Most companies' registration offices, including Gibraltar Companies House, provide an online search tool for checking the availability of a company name. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Go to the Gibraltar Companies House Website: Visit the official website at Gibraltar Companies House.
2. Navigate to the Company Name Search Section: Look for a section or link labeled “Company Name Search” or similar. This is typically found under services or tools offered by the website.
3. Enter the Proposed Company Name: Input the company name you wish to check for availability. Make sure to try variations if your preferred name is not available.
4. Check Results: The search tool will indicate whether the name is available or if it is already in use by another company.

3. Contact the Companies House Directly

If you prefer a more personalized service or if the online tool is unavailable, you can contact the Gibraltar Companies House directly:

1. Phone: Call the Companies House at their official contact number to inquire about name availability.
2. Email: Send an email to the Companies House with your proposed company name and request a name availability check.
3. Visit in Person: If you are in Gibraltar, you can visit the Companies House office to perform the name check and receive assistance in person.

4. Guidelines for Company Names

When choosing a company name, keep in mind the following guidelines:

1. Uniqueness: The name must be unique and not identical or too similar to an existing company name.
2. Prohibited Words: Certain words and phrases may be restricted or require special permission (e.g., words implying government affiliation or regulated activities).
3. Appropriateness: The name should not be misleading, offensive, or inappropriate.

Conclusion

Ensuring the availability of your desired company name is a crucial step in the company registration process in Gibraltar. Utilizing the online search tool provided by the Gibraltar Companies House, contacting them directly, and adhering to the naming guidelines will help you secure an appropriate and unique name for your new company.