Most business names can be used in Vanuatu. However, there some exceptions for names that cannot be used.

A proposed business name will be refused if it is identical (or similar enough to deceive or mislead) to a:

• company name
• business name registered in the past five years, or
• reserved business name.

Other grounds for refusal are where the proposed name:

• suggests a connection with government or other public bodies
• contains the word ‘co-operative’ or ‘building society’, or
• the Registrar otherwise decides the name is undesirable.