New Business Registration Requirements in South Africa

Starting a business in South Africa can be exciting, but the registration process involves several key steps. Here’s a practical guide on the requirements you’ll need to meet when registering with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).

Get Your Company Registered + Business Emails in 2 Days

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Name

First

Last

Current Email address*

Mobile Number*

Which Service are you Looking for?*

Please selectCompany Registration Package – R700 (Once-off)5X Business Emails and Domain Registration – R950 per year10X Business Emails + Free Company Registration – R1700 (Once-off)

Next

Choose Company Name

All companies will be registered as (PTY) LTD. This will automatically be added to the end of your company name.

What is your company name?

Company Name*

Example: Bakang Projects

2nd choice*

If your name is unavailable, what is your next best choice?
Example:Bakang Project Services

What does your company do?*

Example: business consulting, information technology, general purpose

Business Street Address*

Building/Flat Number (optional)

City*

Province*

Please selectEastern CapeFree StateGautengKZNLimpopoMpumalangaNorthern CapeNorth West Western Cape

How Many Directors Your Company Has?*

Please selectOneTwoThreeFour

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Next

1st Company Director's Details

Name

First

Last

Street Address*

Building/Flat Number (optional)

City*

Province*

Please selectEastern CapeFree StateGautengKZNLimpopoMpumalangaNorthern CapeNorth West Western Cape

Postal Code*

Certified copy of the Identity Document or passport of the Director

Upload a Certified ID or Passport Document*

PDF, or Jpeg file format

Back

Next

2nd Company Director's Details

Name

First

Last

Street Address*

Building/Flat Number (optional)

City*

Province*

Please selectEastern CapeFree StateGautengKZNLimpopoMpumalangaNorthern CapeNorth West Western Cape

Postal Code*

Certified copy of the Identity Document or passport of the Director

Upload a Certified ID or Passport Document*

PDF, or Jpeg file format

Back

Next

3rd Company Director's Details

Name

First

Last

Street Address*

Building/Flat Number (optional)

City*

Province*

Please selectEastern CapeFree StateGautengKZNLimpopoMpumalangaNorthern CapeNorth West Western Cape

Postal Code*

Certified copy of the Identity Document or passport of the Director

Upload a Certified ID or Passport Document*

PDF, or Jpeg file format

Back

Next

4th Company Director's Details

Name

First

Last

Street Address*

Building/Flat Number (optional)

City*

Province*

Please selectEastern CapeFree StateGautengKZNLimpopoMpumalangaNorthern CapeNorth West Western Cape

Postal Code*

Certified copy of the Identity Document or passport of the Director

Upload a Certified ID or Passport Document*

PDF, or Jpeg file format

Back

Next

Preferred Domain Name*

E,g: www.example.co.za

Email Address 1*

Email Address 2

Email Address 3

Email Address 4

Email Address 5

More information about you business

Back

Next

Preferred Domain Name*

E,g: www.example.co.za

Email Address 1*

Email Address 2

Email Address 3

Email Address 4

Email Address 5

Email Address 6

Email Address 7

Email Address 8

Email Address 9

Email Address 10

Back

Next

 

Please make a payment of R700 to proceed with your order.

Payment Option 1 - Bank Transfer:

• Bank name: FNB Bank
• Name: EmailPros
• Account Number: 62923340955
• Branch: 210835
• Type: Cheque
• Amount: R700
• Reference: “Your Company Name”
• Email proof of payment to hello@emailpros.co.za

Payment Option 2 - PayFast:   Pay Now

Back

Next

Please make a payment of R950 to proceed with your order.

Payment Option 1 - Bank Transfer:

• Bank name: FNB Bank
• Name: EmailPros
• Account Number: 62923340955
• Branch: 210835
• Type: Cheque
• Amount: R950
• Reference: “Your Company Name”
• Email proof of payment to hello@emailpros.co.za

Payment Option 2 - PayFast:     Pay Now

Back

Next

Please make a payment of R1700 to proceed with your order.

Payment Option 1 - Bank Transfer:

• Bank name: FNB Bank
• Name: EmailPros
• Account Number: 62923340955
• Branch: 210835
• Type: Cheque
• Amount: R1700
• Reference: “Your Company Name”
• Email proof of payment to hello@emailpros.co.za

Payment Option 2 - PayFast:     Pay Now

Back

Send

This field should be left blank

Step 1: Register a Customer Code

To begin, you’ll need a Customer Code with the CIPC. This unique code allows you to access CIPC services online, manage payments, and track your business registration status. Here’s what to do:

• Sign up on the CIPC website (www.cipc.co.za).
• Make sure you have credit loaded onto your Customer Code for any fees.

If you need help setting this up, CIPC’s step-by-step Customer Registration Guide is available on their website.

Step 2: Log in and Start the Registration Process

Once your Customer Code is ready and funded, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the CIPC Portal with your Customer Code and password.
2. Select “Private Company Registration” under Online Transacting.
3. Enter the necessary details for your business, including director information and company structure.

Step 3: Add Director and Incorporator Details

For a company to be registered, you need to provide the personal information of all directors and incorporators. Be prepared with:

• ID or passport numbers of all directors.
• Unique email addresses and cell numbers for each director (directors can’t share this information).

You’ll also need to ensure each director’s details are up-to-date and that the information aligns with South African law. This step is essential to comply with CIPC’s legal requirements.

Step 4: Reserve a Company Name (Optional)

CIPC offers three options for naming your company:

1. Apply for a new name during registration: List up to four names, in order of preference. If all are unavailable, your company will be registered under an enterprise number.
2. Use a pre-approved name: Enter the reservation number if you’ve already secured a name.
3. Use the enterprise number as the company name: Skip the name search and proceed directly with registration using the assigned enterprise number.

Step 5: Submit Supporting Documents

Once the registration form is completed online, CIPC will email you a form for director signatures and any additional supporting documents needed, which may include:

• Certified ID copies of the directors.
• Power of attorney if applicable.
• For companies with trust or juristic persons as incorporators, you’ll need a resolution and a certified ID of the authorised representative.

Learn more about Required Documents to Register a Business in South Africa

Finalising the Process

After submitting your signed documents and required IDs, you’ll receive a confirmation email with access to your disclosure certificate and Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI). This officially completes the company registration.

Ready to Skip the Admin Work?

We can make this whole process easier for you! Just complete the form below, and for only R700, we’ll handle everything—from setting up your Customer Code to securing your official registration in 2 days.