The Single Business and Social RegistryĀ (RUES)Ā is an entity managed by the Colombian Chambers of Commerce, which has sought toĀ automate the informationĀ related to these type of companies, making it accessible not only to the State, but also to companies, contractors, non-profit entities and society in general.
Do you have an unregistered business?
How to create a company in ColombiaĀ is a necessary diligence, which allows you to be registered in the Single Business and Social Registry toĀ take advantage of its benefitsĀ and, of course, comply with the social responsibility that this entails for the country.
But first, you must perform aĀ name queryĀ in order to verify that the next name of your registered business does not belong to another company nationwide.
Without a doubt, your company, business or small business needs a good name, one that isĀ unique and memorable, to tell your potential clients what you do and that is capable ofĀ strengthening your brandĀ through corporate identity.
When should I check if the name for my business is available?
You must ensure theĀ authenticity of the name for your businessĀ or companyĀ before initiatingĀ an application for registration in the RUES. The most advisable thing is to do it with time, since that way you will have a space to think about different viable options for your company.
Verify that your company name is available to register
If you are going to formalize yourĀ registration in the RUES, you must make sure that the name you chose has not been used, since this is consideredĀ homonymyĀ in the commercial world, which can meanĀ large penaltiesĀ and cumbersome additional procedures.
Commercial homonymyĀ implies the existence of two companies or businesses withĀ identical names,Ā but it cannot be considered in this way if the names areĀ similarĀ or work on the same concept. Identical names include those where theĀ only differenceĀ from an existing name is:
- Certain punctuation marks.
- Special characters, for example, the + sign.
- A word or character that is similar in appearance or meaning to another in the existing name.
- A word or character that is commonly used in Colombian company names.
The Single Registry for Commercial Activities in Colombia may mean coincidences between previously registered company names. To be prepared and select a feasible option, you shouldĀ verify company names in the RUESĀ to ensure that yours is unique and available for registration.
Keep reading! Next, we will tell you step by step how to know if the name you have chosen for your company is available or if it already exists among the list of theĀ Single Business and Social Registry.
- Go toĀ the RUES website.
- In the option on the left side āRegistriesā, put the cursor and choose āCommercial Registryā from the drop-down menu.
- Next, you will see a search form where you must fill in name / keyword.
- In this box,Ā enter the nameĀ you have chosen for your company and click on āconsultā.
- You can receive two different messages: a list of names or the precise name of the company that matches with the one you have chosen, or, information notifying that said query has not produced results.
- If you got the second option, it means that theĀ name is availableĀ for use in your company.
After verifying the availability of the name for your company, it is time to startĀ managing the entire process in the RUES, having the certainty and peace of mind that you are registering aĀ business with a unique name. Remember! It is essential to formalize your commercial activity to fulfill your responsibilities as an entrepreneur and also take advantage of the greatĀ benefits of the Single Business and Social Registry.


