How to Register a Company in South Africa

Choose Your Company Type

Before registering, decide on the legal structure that best suits your business. The most common type for small and medium businesses is a private company, written as (Pty) Ltd.

Other options include a personal liability company (Inc.), a non-profit company (NPC), or a public company. Each has different governance and reporting requirements under the Companies Act 71 of 2008.

Register via Bizportal (Recommended)

Bizportal at www.bizportal.gov.za is the official South African government portal for business registration. It integrates CIPC registration, SARS tax registration, UIF registration, and a business bank account application into a single process.

The cost for registering a private company on Bizportal is R125. Registration typically takes 5 to 7 business days after payment.

1. Go to www.bizportal.gov.za and create an account using your South African ID number.
2. Choose to register a new company and select the company type (Pty Ltd for most businesses).
3. Choose a company name or allow CIPC to assign a name based on your registration number.
4. Complete the details for directors and shareholders. You need at least one director.
5. Upload a certified copy of each director or member ID document.
6. Pay the R125 registration fee via credit card, debit card, or EFT.
7. Receive your registration certificate and company registration number by email.

Register Directly via CIPC

You can also register directly on the CIPC website at www.cipc.co.za. Manual or branch-based registration costs R175 and may take longer.

CIPC requires you to create a customer account, complete the required forms, and upload supporting documents. Payment is made via CIPC customer account which must be pre-funded.

Documents Required

• Certified copy of the ID document or passport for each director and incorporator
• Completed Notice of Incorporation (CoR14.1) form
• Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) or standard MOI adopted from Schedule 1 of the Companies Act
• Proof of registered address (not a PO Box)
• Signed Power of Attorney if an agent is registering on your behalf

After Registration

Once registered, you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation (CoR 14.3) and a company registration number in the format YYYY/XXXXXX/07 for private companies.

You must then register for income tax with SARS, open a business bank account, and file annual returns with CIPC each year. If your turnover will exceed R1 million per year, you must also register for VAT.

Costs Summary