Registering a company through the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is the foundation of any formal business in South Africa. In 2026, the process is primarily done online through the BizPortal platform, and it is more streamlined than many people expect. This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire CIPC registration process, from name reservation to receiving your company registration certificate — including the mistakes that cause delays and how to avoid them.
What Type of Company Are You Registering?
Before logging in, know which company type you need:
- Private Company (Pty Ltd): The most common choice for small and medium businesses. Offers limited liability, can have 1 to 50 shareholders, and cannot offer shares to the public. This is what most entrepreneurs register.
- Personal Liability Company (Inc.): Used by certain professionals (lawyers, doctors, engineers). Directors are personally liable for debts incurred while they were directors.
- Non-Profit Company (NPC): For charities, NGOs, and social enterprises. Does not distribute profit to members.
- Public Company (Ltd): For companies intending to list on a stock exchange. Complex and not relevant for most startups.
For 99% of entrepreneurs reading this guide, a Private Company (Pty Ltd) is the right choice.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents and Information
Before starting the registration, have the following ready:
- Your South African ID number (all directors and shareholders need this)
- A South African residential address for yourself and all directors
- A registered address for the company (can be your home address)
- Three company name choices, in order of preference
- A clear idea of the company's main business activity (for the CIPC classification)
- A debit or credit card for the R175 registration fee
Step 2: Go to BizPortal — Not the CIPC Website
The old CIPC website (cipc.co.za) still exists but the current recommended registration route is through bizportal.gov.za — the South African government's integrated small business registration portal. BizPortal allows you to simultaneously:
- Register your company with CIPC
- Register for SARS income tax
- Open a business bank account (with Absa, FNB, Nedbank, or Standard Bank)
- Register for UIF as an employer
- Register for the Compensation Fund (COIDA)
Create an account at bizportal.gov.za using your South African ID number and email address. Verify your email before proceeding.
Step 3: Check Name Availability
On BizPortal, before submitting your registration, you can search for existing company names to avoid conflicts. CIPC will reject names that are:
- Identical or very similar to an existing registered company name
- Offensive, misleading, or contrary to public policy
- Suggesting government affiliation without authorisation (e.g., "National Department of...")
- Using names of existing well-known brands (trademark infringement risk)
Submit three name options in priority order. CIPC will use your first choice if available. Name reservation (before full registration) is also available for R50 and is valid for 6 months — useful if you are not ready to register but want to secure a name.
Step 4: Complete the Registration Form
The BizPortal registration form asks for:
- Company name choices
- Company type (select Private Company)
- Financial year end (choose any month — many SA businesses use February or March to align with SARS tax deadlines)
- Registered office address (the address where CIPC correspondence will be sent)
- Director details: full name, ID number, residential address for each director
- Shareholder details: who owns what percentage of the company
- Business activities (general description of what the company does)
Step 5: Pay the R175 Fee
The CIPC registration fee is R175 payable by debit or credit card through the BizPortal payment gateway. This covers the name check and registration. Keep the payment confirmation for your records.
Step 6: Wait for Your COR14.3
After submission, processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days. You will receive your company registration certificate (COR14.3) and incorporation documents electronically. The COR14.3 contains your company registration number (typically formatted as YYYY/XXXXXX/07 for a Pty Ltd).
You can check your registration status on the CIPC website using your reference number.
Step 7: Post-Registration Essentials
Once you have your company registration number:
- Open a business bank account: Required for a Pty Ltd. Most SA banks need your COR14.3, your company MOI, and certified IDs for all directors.
- Register for income tax with SARS: This may have happened automatically if you used BizPortal. If not, register on eFiling (efiling.sars.gov.za).
- Register for PAYE and UIF once you employ your first staff member (including yourself as a salaried director).
- Annual return filing: All companies must file an annual return with CIPC each year (fee: R100–R450 depending on turnover) to remain active. Failing to file results in deregistration.
Common Reasons for Rejection or Delay
- Name too similar to an existing company — always check availability first
- Incorrect or incomplete ID number for a director
- Residential and registered address fields confused
- Payment processing failure — use a credit or debit card with sufficient available funds
- System downtime on BizPortal — if you experience errors, try again during off-peak hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a company if I am under 18?
No. You must be 18 or older to be a director of a South African company. Minors cannot enter binding legal contracts. A parent or legal guardian can form a company on behalf of a minor's interest but cannot appoint the minor as a director.
Do I need a lawyer or accountant to register?
Not for a standard Pty Ltd registration. The BizPortal process is designed to be self-service. However, if your company has complex shareholding structures, multiple classes of shares, or specific MOI customisations, a company secretary or attorney can assist. Standard registration fees charged by company secretaries are R800–R2,500 for a straightforward Pty Ltd.
What is a Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI)?
The MOI is the foundational governance document of your company — it sets out the rights, duties, and responsibilities of shareholders, directors, and officers. For most small businesses, the standard CIPC MOI (included in your registration documents) is sufficient. You only need a customised MOI if you have specific shareholder agreements or governance requirements.
Once registered, read our guide to setting up a small business in South Africa for the full picture on tax compliance, B-BBEE, and funding options.