How to Register a Company in South Africa: 2025 Step-by-Step Guide

Starting a business in South Africa? This guide walks you through each step—from choosing your legal structure to official registration and ensuring full compliance.

1. Choose Your Business Structure

Select a legal entity based on your needs:

• Private Company (Pty) Ltd – Best for small to medium businesses; offers limited liability.

• Non‑Profit Company (NPC) – Ideal for charities, social enterprises, or community projects.

• Personal Liability Company (Inc) – Typically used by professionals (doctors, lawyers).

• Public Company (Ltd) – For larger firms that intend to offer shares to the public.

• Foreign/State‑Owned Companies – For international or government-affiliated entities.

2. Reserve a Company Name

1. Visit the CIPC e-Services portal.

2. Log in or create a new CIPC account.

3. Choose and reserve a business name—expect a 1–3 week processing time.

4. Alternatively, register with a system-generated name (e.g., CK2025/1234).

3. Gather the Required Documents

You’ll need:

• ID or passport copies for each director

• Proof of registered address

• A Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI)—use the default template for simplicity

• Completed Notice of Incorporation and director consent forms

• Certified documents for any foreign directors

4. Register Your Company on CIPC

1. Log in at CIPC e‑Services.

2. Click “Company Registration” → “Register New Company”

3. Include name reservation reference or continue with a generic name

4. Enter company details, financial year-end, and director info

5. Upload MOI (if needed) and other documents

6. Submit and pay the registration fee via credit/debit card before the 5-day deadline

5. Pay Registration Fees

• Standard Pty Ltd registration: ~R125

• With name reservation: ~R175 total

• Public companies or special MOIs: up to ~R425

6. Receive Official Company Documents

Once approved, download:

• Certificate of Incorporation (CoR14.3)

• Your approved MOI

• Welcome letter and company file

Note: Downloads are free for 30 days; nominal fee thereafter.

7. Register with SARS for Tax

Your company is automatically issued an income tax number and registered with SARS upon CIPC registration.

• To activate eFiling, go to SARS eFiling → REGISTER

• Create your SARS eFiling profile to submit income tax, VAT, and other returns

8. Register for VAT, UIF, PAYE (If Needed)

• VAT: Register once turnover exceeds R1 million annually

• PAYE/UIF/COIDA: Required if you plan on hiring staff

• B-BBEE certificate or affidavit: Needed for public sector contracts

9. Open a Business Bank Account

Required documents:

• CoR14.3 Certificate

• Director(s) ID

• Proof of business address

• MOI copy

• Tax Clearance Certificate (if available)

Choose a bank with online capabilities and merchant services.

10. Obtain Any Industry-Specific Licenses

Based on your business type, obtain:

• Trading permits (e.g., liquor, retail)

• Health & safety permits (e.g., food, manufacturing)

• Any additional sector-specific approvals

11. Maintain Ongoing Compliance

• File annual returns with CIPC

• Submit tax returns via SARS eFiling (annual or monthly as required)

• Keep accurate accounting records; engage a registered accountant if necessary

✅ Quick Checklist

• Decide on the right company structure

• Reserve your name at CIPC

• Prepare IDs, address proof, MOI, forms, and director consents

• Lodge your company online via CIPC

• Pay fees within 5 days

• Download official documents (CoR14.3, MOI)

• Register and activate SARS eFiling

• Register for VAT, UIF, PAYE if hiring

• Open a business bank account

• Secure any necessary industry licenses

• File annual returns and maintain records

💼 Useful Links

• CIPC e‑Services portal – https://www.cipc.co.za/

• Register for SARS eFiling – https://www.sars.gov.za/