How to Register a Company in South Africa

Step 1 — Submit your documents

Send us a certified colour copy of your ID or passport, four preferred company names in order of preference, and contact details for each director. Certification can be done at any police station, bank or attorney — it takes minutes and costs nothing at most police stations.

Step 2 — Name reservation

We submit your name options to CIPC. Names are checked against existing companies and trademarks; the first available option in your preference order gets reserved for your company. Tip: distinctive, made-up or combined words clear far more easily than generic descriptive names.

Step 3 — Registration and filing

Our specialists prepare and file your Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI), director forms and incorporation documents with CIPC. The MOI is your company's constitution — for most small businesses the standard short-form MOI is ideal, and it's included in our R990 package.

Step 4 — Delivery and bank account

Once CIPC approves the registration, you receive your CoR14.3 registration certificate and complete company documents electronically. We then assist with your FNB business bank account application — free — so you can start trading properly from day one.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting uncertified or expired ID copies — the #1 cause of delays
• Choosing only one company name with no backups
• Using generic names that conflict with existing registrations
• Forgetting that directors' details must match their ID documents exactly
• Leaving compliance (annual returns, beneficial ownership) until CIPC issues penalties

At a glance

• Certified ID or passport copy
• Four company name options
• Director contact details
• 1–3 business days once documents are in
• Certificate + bank account assistance at the end

Frequently asked questions