Trust registration procedures vary between jurisdictions, but generally differ in one key feature: registering a trust does not simply mean registering a company, as the company must be licensed to operate as a trust. In other words, a company must first register as a company and then apply for a trust license.

Normally, when the company is first registered, there are no additional restrictions and the company is registered like any other. The required documents are the same: the articles of incorporation, the memorandum, details of the owners and shareholders, etc.

To apply for a trustee license, the registered company must provide some additional information. For example, many jurisdictions require proof of qualifications and/or other documents supporting the claim that the entity is capable of providing trust services. Some jurisdictions also require a certain minimum share capital. There are also additional ownership and management rules: in general, trusts must have more directors and/or other officers than a standard corporation in the same jurisdiction.