Restricted Words in Company Names: Country Guide

TL;DR: Words like "Bank," "Royal," "University," "National," and "Government" are restricted in company names across most jurisdictions. Using them without approval can result in a rejected application — or worse, a post-registration legal requirement to change your name.

The Problem

Restricted words in company names are one of the least-publicised aspects of company formation — but they're one of the most consequential. Every jurisdiction maintains a list (or several lists) of words and expressions that cannot appear in a company name without prior regulatory approval. These lists are longer than most founders expect, and they vary significantly between countries.

The UK's Companies House has three tiers of restricted words: words that require a request to the Secretary of State, words that require prior approval from a specific regulatory body (like "Bank" requiring PRA approval), and words that are outright prohibited. The lists include obvious entries (Government, Parliament, Police) and less obvious ones (Trust, Association, Chamber of Commerce).

Australia's ASIC has its own restricted word regime under the Corporations Act. France has additional restrictions related to language use and certain professional designations. Sweden's Bolagsverket requires that company names be clearly distinctive and not mislead the public about the nature of the business. New Zealand's Companies Office considers whether a name implies a connection with the government or a local authority.

The problem for founders is that these lists are not always intuitive. A fintech company might assume "Credit" is unrestricted. A healthcare startup might not realise "Clinic" or "Medical" could trigger review requirements. A legal services business might be surprised that "Law" in a company name may require professional body approval in some jurisdictions.

How the Name Checker Solves It

The MmowW Scrib🐮 Name Checker checks your proposed company name against the restricted words lists for your chosen jurisdiction automatically, flagging any restricted words and explaining what approval process applies.

How the restricted words check works:

When you enter your proposed company name, the Name Checker scans it against each jurisdiction's restricted words database. For each restricted word found, the tool returns:

• The specific word or phrase that triggered the flag
• The regulatory body whose approval is required (if applicable)
• The process for obtaining approval (if a path exists)
• Alternative words that achieve the same meaning without triggering the restriction

For example, if you propose "National Healthcare Ltd" for a UK company, the Name Checker flags "National" as a word requiring Secretary of State approval, and suggests that if your business has a national scope, you may be able to support the approval request with evidence of that scope. If your business is not national in scope, an alternative name would be advisable.

This structured guidance helps you make an informed decision: pursue the approval process, or adjust your name to avoid the restriction.

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: The Fintech Startup and "Credit"

A UK fintech startup proposes the name "Clearance Credit Solutions Ltd." The Name Checker flags "Credit" as a word that, in combination with certain other words, may require Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) oversight. Specifically, if the company intends to engage in credit-related regulated activities, using "Credit" in the name may require FCA authorisation before the name is approved.

The startup adjusts to "Clearance Financial Solutions Ltd," which avoids the trigger word while maintaining the brand positioning. They separately undertake the FCA authorisation process that their business model requires, but their company name is now unconflicted.

Scenario 2: The Education Business and "Academy"

An Australian education provider proposes "National Training Academy Pty Ltd." The Name Checker flags both "National" (which implies an Australia-wide scope the business may not have) and "Academy" (which in the Australian context may imply a registered training organisation under the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) framework).

Without the Name Checker, the founders would have filed an application that might have been rejected or required clarification. With the Name Checker output, they adjust to "Meridian Training Institute Pty Ltd" and file successfully.

Scenario 3: The Non-Profit Using "Foundation" in the USA

A US founder wants to name their LLC "Wellington Foundation LLC." The Name Checker flags that "Foundation" in a US company name may mislead the public into believing the entity is a charitable organisation or non-profit, which is regulated under state law and may require specific organisational structure. An LLC using "Foundation" in its name may trigger state-level scrutiny or rejection.

The Name Checker explains the distinction and recommends consulting a qualified attorney about whether an LLC structure is appropriate for the intended activities, or whether a non-profit corporation would be more suitable.

Country-by-Country Requirements

Try It Now — It's Free

Name Checker is completely free — no signup required. Scan your proposed name for restricted words before filing.

Other MmowW Scrib🐮 free tools:

• Cost Calculator — Estimate company formation costs
• Director Checker — Check director eligibility requirements
• Filing Deadlines — Track compliance deadlines
• Employment Checker — Verify employment contract requirements

Ready to prepare your documents? Start your Scrib🐮 pass — unlimited document preparation across 7 countries from $149/month.

MmowW Scrib🐮 is a document preparation service, not a law firm. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney or solicitor for advice specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I use a restricted word without the required approval?

A: Consequences vary by jurisdiction and word. In the UK, using a restricted word without approval is a criminal offence under the Companies Act 2006. Companies House can require you to change your name, and you may be fined. In some cases, the registration may not be accepted at all. In others, a post-registration notice to change your name is issued — requiring you to go through a name change process with all associated costs. Checking before you file is significantly cheaper than correcting after.

Q: Can I get approval to use a restricted word?

A: Yes, in most cases. Restricted words typically have defined approval pathways. "Royal" in the UK requires evidence of royal patronage or connection. "Bank" requires PRA authorisation (which requires meeting regulatory capital and fitness requirements). The approval process is often complex and time-consuming. For most startups, choosing an alternative name is faster and more practical. The Name Checker explains the approval pathway for each restricted word it flags.

Q: Are there words that are completely prohibited (not just restricted)?

A: Yes. In the UK, certain words are prohibited outright and cannot appear in any company name regardless of approval — these include offensive words and certain expressions that would constitute criminal offences. Other jurisdictions have similar absolute prohibitions. The Name Checker flags both restricted words (where an approval pathway exists) and prohibited words (where no approval pathway exists) distinctly.

Loved for Safety. MmowW Scrib🐮 — Document preparation made simple across 7 countries.

Loved for Safety.