You can register a company in South Africa in a single day for R175 through BizPortal — the process is fully digital, and you never need to visit a CIPC office. But most guides skip the post-registration steps that trip up new business owners within the first 30 days.
This guide covers everything from choosing the right company structure to reserving a name, completing the BizPortal registration, downloading your CoR14.3 certificate, and ticking off every post-registration obligation before the deadlines hit.
Step 1 — Choose the right company structure
South Africa's Companies Act 71 of 2008 provides several entity types. The structure you choose determines your liability, governance requirements, and tax treatment. For the vast majority of new businesses, the answer is a Private Company (Pty) Ltd.
Private Company (Pty) Ltd — the default choice for most businesses. Limited liability, separate legal personality, one or more shareholders and at least one director. This is the structure used by almost every new SME, startup, and sole proprietor who wants to separate personal and business assets.
Non-Profit Company (NPC) — for organisations with a public-benefit objective. Cannot distribute profits to members or incorporate shareholders. Suitable for NGOs, community organisations, and charitable entities.
Personal Liability Company (Inc.) — used by professionals such as attorneys, auditors, and engineers where professional bodies require directors to accept personal liability for the company's debts.
Public Company (Ltd) — for companies intending to list on a stock exchange or offer shares to the public. Requires at least three directors and more onerous governance obligations.
Almost all new businesses should register as a (Pty) Ltd. The rest of this guide assumes that structure unless stated otherwise.
Step 2 — Decide on a company name
You have two options when registering a company with CIPC: register with a reserved name, or register without a name. Each approach has different costs and timelines.
Option A: Register with a reserved name (R50)
You can submit a name reservation application before or during company registration. CIPC allows you to propose up to four names ranked in order of preference. The reservation costs R50 and, once approved, is valid for 6 months. If none of your proposed names are approved, CIPC will reject the application and you can try again.
Option B: Register without a name (R125)
If speed matters more than branding, you can register without a name for R125. CIPC assigns the registration number as the company name — for example, "2026/123456/07". You can apply for a free name change later once you have reserved a name separately.
Tips for choosing a company name
Avoid restricted words such as "bank", "university", or "government" — these require special approval. Search Google and check domain availability before submitting. Add a distinctive element to reduce the chance of rejection — generic names like "ABC Trading" are frequently declined because they are too similar to existing registrations.
Step 3 — Choose your registration platform
CIPC offers two online platforms for company registration. Both achieve the same result, but they differ in who can use them and how the process works.
BizPortal (bizportal.gov.za) — recommended
BizPortal is the recommended platform for South African ID holders. It has a simpler interface, integrates with major banks for business bank account opening, and generally processes registrations faster. If you have a South African ID number, use BizPortal.
CIPC eServices (eservices.cipc.co.za)
CIPC eServices is the older platform and the only option for non-SA-ID holders, including foreign nationals registering a company in South Africa. You will need a CIPC customer code to use eServices, which you can obtain by creating an account on the platform.
Step 4 — Gather what you need before you start
Before beginning the registration process, have the following ready. Missing any of these will stall the application or cause OTP verification failures.
- South African ID number or CIPC customer code (for non-SA-ID holders)
- Each director's ID number, date of issue, and spouse details (if married in community of property)
- A cellphone number and email address that can receive OTPs during registration
- A physical street address for the registered office (not a PO Box)
- A valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or EFT
Step 5 — Register on BizPortal (step by step)
The following walkthrough covers the BizPortal registration process for a Private Company (Pty) Ltd. The process has 10 steps from login to certificate download.
1. Log in to BizPortal. Visit bizportal.gov.za and sign in using your South African ID number. If you do not have an account, create one — you will verify your identity via OTP.
2. Select Company Registration. From the dashboard, choose the company registration option. This starts a new application.
3. Select Private Company (Pty) Ltd. Choose the entity type. For most businesses, this is (Pty) Ltd.
4. Name choice. Select whether you are registering with a reserved name or without a name. If you reserved a name earlier, enter the reservation number. If registering without a name, skip this step.
5. Director ID verification. Enter each director's ID number. BizPortal verifies the identity against the Department of Home Affairs database in real time. Ensure the ID details match exactly.
6. Enter the registered address. Provide the company's physical street address. This becomes the registered office address on the CoR14.3 certificate.
7. Select the standard MOI. BizPortal defaults to the standard Memorandum of Incorporation (CoR15.1A for a single shareholder or CoR15.1C for multiple shareholders). Accept the standard MOI unless you have specific governance requirements.
8. Pay R175. Complete payment by debit card, credit card, or EFT. You have 5 calendar days to pay — if payment is not received within this window, the transaction is deleted and you must start again.
9. Processing. CIPC processes the application within 1 to 7 business days. BizPortal registrations are often approved on the same day. You will receive an email or SMS notification when the registration is complete.
10. Download your CoR14.3 certificate. Once approved, log back in to BizPortal and download your CoR14.3 — this is your official company registration certificate. Save it securely. You will need it to open a bank account, register on SARS eFiling, and for virtually every official interaction as a company.
Step 6 — What you receive after registration
Once CIPC approves your application, you receive three things:
A registration number in the format YYYY/XXXXXX/07 — the "07" suffix denotes a Private Company (Pty) Ltd. This number is permanent and identifies your company in every official interaction.
A CoR14.3 certificate — this is your official registration certificate. It confirms the company name, registration number, date of incorporation, and registered address. Download it from BizPortal immediately after approval.
A SARS income tax reference number — CIPC automatically generates a tax reference number with SARS when your company is registered. This is the starting point for all your tax obligations, but you still need to activate eFiling separately.
Step 7 — Post-registration requirements
Registration is only the beginning. The following six obligations must be completed shortly after your company is incorporated — some within days. Missing these deadlines can result in penalties, non-compliance status, or the inability to operate.
1. Register on SARS eFiling
Activate your company's SARS eFiling profile to file tax returns, submit declarations, and manage your tax affairs online. This is separate from your personal eFiling profile — you need a dedicated company profile.
Read our full guide to registering your company on SARS eFiling →
2. Appoint a Public Officer at SARS
Every company must appoint a Public Officer — the person responsible for the company's tax affairs. This is done via the RAV01 form on SARS eFiling. In most small businesses, the sole director is the Public Officer.
3. File Beneficial Ownership within 10 business days
Since April 2023, every company must file a Beneficial Ownership (BO) declarationwith CIPC within 10 business days of incorporation. This identifies the natural persons who ultimately own or control the company. Failure to file can result in compliance flags on your company record.
Read our full guide to Beneficial Ownership filing →
4. Open a business bank account
You will need your CoR14.3 certificate, director ID documents, and proof of address to open a business bank account. Most major South African banks — including FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, and Absa — allow you to start the application online. BizPortal also offers integrated bank account opening during the registration process.
5. Register for PAYE, UIF, and COIDA (if you have employees)
If your company employs anyone — including a working director who draws a salary — you must register for PAYE (Pay As You Earn) and UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) with SARS, and register with the Compensation Fund (COIDA) within 7 days of hiring your first employee.
Read our full guide to COIDA registration and Letter of Good Standing →
6. Register for VAT (if applicable)
If your company's taxable supplies exceed R2.3 million in any 12-month period, you are required to register for VAT within 21 days. You may also register voluntarily if taxable supplies exceed R120,000 per year.
Read our full guide to VAT registration in South Africa →
Understanding the Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI)
The MOI is the founding document of your company — it sets out the rules governing the relationship between the company, its directors, and its shareholders. You have two options when registering.
Standard MOI (CoR15.1A / CoR15.1C)
The standard MOI is free and uses the default provisions of the Companies Act. CoR15.1A applies to companies with a single shareholder, and CoR15.1C applies to companies with multiple shareholders. BizPortal automatically selects the correct form based on the number of shareholders you declare. For most SMEs, the standard MOI is perfectly adequate.
Custom MOI (CoR15.1B)
A custom MOI costs an additional R400 and requires manual processing by CIPC, which adds time to the registration. A custom MOI is only necessary if you need to deviate from the Act's default provisions — for example, to restrict share transfers, create different classes of shares, or impose specific governance rules.
Most SMEs should use the standard MOI and draft a separate Shareholders Agreement to address any additional governance or ownership arrangements between founders. A Shareholders Agreement is a private contract and does not need to be filed with CIPC.
Registration costs summary
All fees below are CIPC official fees as at April 2026. Third-party service providers may charge additional fees for assistance.
| Item | Cost |
|---|
| Name reservation | R50 |
| Pty Ltd with reserved name (BizPortal) | R175 |
| Pty Ltd without name (BizPortal) | R125 |
| Custom MOI (CoR15.1B) | R400 additional |
| Beneficial Ownership declaration | Free |
| SARS eFiling registration | Free |
Common mistakes to avoid
Name too similar to an existing company. CIPC rejects name reservations that are too close to registered names. Search the CIPC database before submitting and add a distinctive element to reduce the risk of rejection.
OTP contact details not ready. BizPortal sends one-time passwords to the cellphone number and email address linked to your profile. If these are outdated or inaccessible during registration, you cannot complete the process. Update your contact details before you start.
Missing the 10-day Beneficial Ownership deadline. This is the most commonly missed post-registration obligation. The BO declaration must be filed within 10 business days of incorporation — not 10 calendar days. Set a reminder on day one.
Not activating eFiling. Your company receives a SARS tax reference numberautomatically, but the eFiling profile must be activated separately. Without it, you cannot file returns, submit declarations, or manage your tax affairs online.
Using your personal SARS profile for the company. Your personal eFiling profile and your company's eFiling profile are separate. Do not file company returns from your personal profile — register the company as a separate taxpayer on eFiling and link it to your login.
Mixing up the financial year deadline and the anniversary date. Your company's financial year end determines tax filing deadlines, while the anniversary datedetermines when CIPC annual returns are due. These are different dates with different consequences for non-compliance.
Read our guide to company anniversary dates and CIPC annual returns →
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner register a company in South Africa?
Yes. South Africa permits 100% foreign ownership of companies. However, BizPortal requires a South African ID number, so non-SA-ID holders must use CIPC eServices with a customer code to register. Foreign directors and shareholders are permitted — there are no nationality restrictions on company ownership.
How long does it take to register a company?
Registration typically takes 1 to 7 business days. BizPortal registrations are often processed on the same day. You have 5 calendar days to complete payment after submitting the application — if payment is not received within this window, the transaction is deleted and you must start again.
Do I need to visit CIPC in person?
No. Company registration in South Africa is fully digital. You can complete the entire process online through BizPortal or CIPC eServices without visiting any CIPC office.
Can I register more than one company?
Yes. There is no limit on the number of companies a person can register in South Africa. You can be a director or shareholder of multiple companies simultaneously.
What is the difference between a director and a shareholder?
A director manages the company and makes day-to-day decisions. A shareholder owns shares in the company. In small businesses, the same person is often both director and shareholder. The Companies Act requires at least one director, but there is no minimum number of shareholders for a (Pty) Ltd.
What happens if my company name is rejected?
If your name reservation is rejected, CIPC assigns an enterprise number as the company name. You can reserve a new name separately for R50 and apply for a free name change once the reservation is approved. This does not affect your registration — the company is still incorporated and operational.
Post-registration checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you complete every obligation after your company is registered. Tick each item off within the first 30 days of incorporation.
- Download your CoR14.3 certificate from BizPortal
- Activate SARS eFiling for your company
- Register the Public Officer via RAV01 on eFiling
- Add banking details to your SARS profile
- File Beneficial Ownership declaration within 10 business days
- Open a business bank account
- Register for PAYE and UIF if you have employees
- Register with COIDA within 7 days of hiring your first employee
- Register for VAT if taxable supplies exceed R2.3 million (or voluntarily if above R120,000)
- Note your anniversary date and set reminders for CIPC annual returns