How To Register A Company In South Africa

How To Register A Company In South Africa.

Are you looking to start a business and need assistance to register your company in South Africa?

Get Started by CFO360 Accountants is the perfect guide for you. It will guide you step-by-step throughout registering your company with CIPC. You’ll have everything you need to get started, and our team of experts are always available to help if you have any questions.

To start your own business is an enriching experience – and it’s easier than ever, thanks to CFO360 Accountants. So what are you waiting for? Register today and get started on building your dream business!

Please read our article below and get your free step by step guide on registering a new company in South Africa!

The following is a summary of the subjects discussed in this article. Please feel free to delve into more detail with any of these sections if you’re interested.

• On Which Platforms Can You Register A Company?
• What Documents Do You Need To Register A Company?
• How To Upload Supporting Documents
• How To Reserve A Company Name: Step By Step Guide
• Can Foreign Nationals Register A Company In SA?
• What Are The Different Types Of Companies You Can Register?
• How Do You Register As A CIPC e-Services Customer: Step By Step Guide
• How To Register A Company in South Africa: Step By Step Guide
• What Can You Do If Your Proposed Company Name Is Rejected?
• What Is The Cost To Register A Company?
• What Payment Methods Are Available?
• CIPC Banking Details & How To Make Payment
• How Can You Get Your Customer Account Statement/Balance?
• How Long Does CIPC Take To Register A Company?
• How Do You Track The Progress Of Your Application?
• How Can You Obtain Your Registration Certificate?
• Who Can You Contact If You Have Technical Difficulties?
• Conclusion

On Which Platforms Can You Register A Company In South Africa?

• CIPC – www.cipc.co.za
• BizPortal – www.bizportal.gov.za
• CIPC – Mobile App
• Terminal For Self-Service
• Banks (When it comes to the procedure of registration of a company)
• Name reservations that are associated with a name or names that need supporting documentation: [email protected]

In this specific article, we will cover everything that you need to know on how to register a company in South Africa through CIPC.

What Documents Do You Need To Register A Company In South Africa?

• The letter confirming the reservation of your name
• The COR 15.1A form that you have signed.
• A copy of your South African ID – must be certified.
• Power of Attorney form – if you act as a representation or proxy for another person.

Scan your documents to your computer and submit them via e-mail to [email protected] with the tracking number shown on the COR15.1A in the e-mail subject line, or alternatively, you can use the method discussed below.

How To Upload Supporting Documents

Check out the CIPC video – How To Upload Supporting Documents (2:29)

Read Through The CIPC Document Upload Guide Below.

Below Is a Transcription Of The Video Made By The CIPC.

This Guides You Through The Process Of Uploading Supporting Documents – Step By Step.

To upload supporting documents via the CIPC eServices system, you will need to log into your account.

1. Visit www.cipc.co.za. 
2. From the top menu bar, select online transacting and select eServices from the drop-down tab.
3. You will be redirected to the eServices login screen.
4. Click on customer login.
5. Complete the required fields. Please note that it is case sensitive.
6. Type in the security code into the required field. The security code is also case sensitive. 
7. Click on CIPC terms & conditions to read it.
8. Then click on the circle next to it to accept the terms and conditions.
9. Click on login.
10. You will then be redirected to the eServices landing page.
11. Click on document upload.
12. Select the button for the type of documents you are uploading.
13. Enter the relevant tracking number and click continue.
14. Click on the select file button to choose the files to upload, or click and drag the files into the dropbox.
15. Once you have selected or dragged the files into the dropbox, click the upload button to submit the documents.
16. It is recommended to use PDF files.
17. If the documents were uploaded successfully, a notice stating “uploaded” will appear next to the attachment.
18. Click each of the buttons in the list to confirm that the files are included in the upload.
19. Once all of the buttons have been ticked, and the conditions have been validated, click confirm.
20. A message will display confirming that the documents have been uploaded.

Here You Can Upload :

• Company Registration Documents
• Annual Financial Statements
• Company Director Amendment Documents
• CC Member Amendment Documents

How To Reserve A Company Name: Step By Step Guide

To reserve a company name, you should have registered as a customer and have adequate credit in your customer code.

If you have not done so yet, please see the video on how to register as a customer.

To add credit to your customer code, you will need to make a deposit into the CIPC bank account using your customer code as reference.

Check out the CIPC Video – How To Reserve A Company Name (3:23)

Read Through The CIPC Name Reservation Guide Below.

Below Is a Transcription Of The Video Made By The CIPC.

This Guides You Through The Process Of How To Reserve A Company Name – Step By Step.

1. To start the process visit www.cipc.co.za
2. From the top menu bar, select online transacting and select eServices from the drop-down tab.
3. You will be redirected to the eServices login screen.
4. Click on customer login.
5. Complete the required fields. Please note that it is case sensitive.
6. Type in the security code. The security code is also case sensitive.
7. Please navigate to the CIPC terms & conditions and read it.
8. Then click on the circle next to it to accept the terms and conditions.
9. Click on login.
10. You will then be redirected to the eServices landing page.
11. Click on name reservations.
12. You can now choose an option suited to you.
13. For a new name reservation, select proposed names. 
14. To extend a proposed name for an additional six months, select the proposed name extension.
15. To reserve a defensive name, select reserve a defensive name.
16. Or, to transfer an approved name, select transfer approved name.
17. The cost for each service is listed below the buttons and will be charged to the available credit balance in your customer account.
18. To continue with reserving a new company name, click on proposed names.
19. Please include a minimum of one and a maximum of four potential company names, listed in order of priority.
20. Click on the “submit proposed name” button.
21. A screen will appear showing whether or not the exact name test was successful.
22. If a suggested name fails the test, it will have a cross next to it.
23. Return to the previous screen and enter an alternative name for the company.
24. Click on the lodged name reservation button if you would like to add another name.
25. The next page will confirm that your suggested name has been submitted and will give you a tracking number.

Once the name is approved, you will get an email confirmation of the name reservation along with the name reservation’s tracking number.

Can Foreign Nationals Register A Company In SA?

Yes. To do so, you must present a valid passport copy or a South African ID document as well as proof of your South African residential address.

What Are The Different Types Of Companies You Can Register With CIPC?

There are several different kinds of companies you can register in South Africa. Below is a list of them.

1. Private Company

• Private company with a standard MOI.
• Private company with a customised MOI.

2. Public Company

3. Non-Profit Company

• Non-Profit Company without members and with a standard MOI.
• Non-Profit Company without member and with a customised MOI.
• Non-Profit company with members.

4. Personal Liability Company

5. State Owned Company

6. External (Foreign) Company

How To Sign Up As A CIPC e-Services Customer: Step By Step Guide.

Check Out The CIPC Video – How To Register As A CIPC Customer (2:50)

Read Through The CIPC Guide On Customer Registration Below

Below Is a Transcription Of The Video Made By The CIPC

This Will Guide You Through The Process Of How To Register A Company In South Africa – Step By Step:

To transact with CIPC, you need to first register as a customer on The CIPC website.

Once you have registered, they will create a virtual account in your name.

You will need the following to register as a CIPC customer:

• South African ID or Passport
• Valid email address
• Cell phone number 

Steps To Follow :

1. Visit www.cipc.co.za to begin the registration process.
2. Locate the top menu bar.
3. Select online transacting from the drop-down menu, followed by eServices.
4. Now click on customer registration.
5. Click on the “yes” or on the “no” buttons to indicate if you have a South African green barcoded ID document or Smart Card.
6. If yes was selected, type in your ID number and surname and click on “continue.”
7. Complete the required fields.
8. Please note that the surname name and ID or passport number will be pre-populated on the screen.
9. Compulsory fields are indicated with an asterisk.
10. These fields are – Country, Cellphone number, E-mail address, Telephone Number, Fax Number, Physical Address, Province, Postal Address and Province.
11. Click on register
12. The information in the fields will be verified.
13. If there is any problem or missing information, an error message will display in red indicating what is required.
14. Once you have completed all the fields that are required and selected register, you will receive this message:
15. Your new CIPC customer code has been sent to your cell phone and email address.
16. Click “continue” below to change your password.
17. Now type in a password and confirm the password.
18. Then type in the security question. 
19. Confirm that all details are correct.
20. Now click on update.
21. A notice will appear verifying that your customer information has been updated.
22. Click on continue.
23. You will be redirected to the eServices landing page.

Congratulations!

You can now start transacting on the CIPC eServices system.

How To Register A Company Online In South Africa Through CIPC : Step By Step Guide

Check out the CIPC video that covers online company registration in South Africa – How To Register A Private Company (6:06)

Read Through The CIPC New Company Registration Guide Below.

Below Is a Transcription Of The Video Made By The CIPC

This Will Guide You Through The Process Of How To Register A Company In South Africa

In order to register a company, you should have registered as a customer and have adequate credit in your customer code.

If you have not done so yet, please see the video on registering as a customer.

You will need to deposit into the CIPC bank account using your customer code as a reference to add credit to your customer code.

1. To start the process visit www.cipc.co.za
2. From the top menu bar, select online transacting and select eServices from the drop-down tab.
3. You will be redirected to the eService login screen.
4. Click on customer login.
5. Complete the required fields. Please note that it is case sensitive.
6. Type in the security code. The security code is also case sensitive.
7. When you click on the CIPC terms and conditions, you can read them. Now click on the circle next to it to accept the terms and conditions.
8. Click on Login. 
9. You will then be redirected to the eServices landing page.
10. Click on company registration.
11. Then select “private company” from the drop-down tab.
12. Enter the ID number or the Passport number of the director of the company and click on the plus sign.
13. The director’s ID number, name, and surname, as well as whether or not the director is disqualified, will be shown.
14. If you want the director removed, click on “remove.”
15. Then click on the plus sign if you want to add another director.
16. Once all the director’s ID numbers are captured, click on continue to add all director’s and incorporator’s details.
17. Click on edit and complete the details. Please note that directors cannot share email addresses and cellphone numbers. 
18. Now click on the “save” button. 
19. You have the option of naming your customer as the incorporator of the company.
20. Click on continue to fill out the company’s information.
21. Please complete all of the required fields related to your company and then click on “Save.”
22. Options regarding name reservations will now be displayed.

Note: If you register a company on behalf of another individual or a client, your personal information as the incorporator is not required.

These Options Are : 

• Submit a name application as part of the process.
• Use an already-approved name or,
• Use an enterprise number as the name to register a company.

Option 1 :

Submit A Name Application As Part Of The Procedure.

1. Choose this option if you would like to apply for a name as part of the procedure.
2. After the suggested name is accepted, the company will be put in the registration queue.
3. If none of the submitted names are accepted, the company will be registered using its enterprise number.
4. You must apply for a new name and, if accepted, go through a company name change procedure.

Option 2 :

The Name Is Approved Already. 

If you have previously applied for a name, your company will immediately be put into the company registration queue, provided your customer account has adequate credit.

Option 3 :

Register Using The Enterprise Number As The Name Of The Company.

1. They will add your company to the registration queue immediately if your customer account has adequate credit.
2. If you are applying for a name as part of the process, you must enter a minimum of at least one or a maximum of four proposed names for the enterprise in order of preference. 
3. Submit the suggested name by clicking the “submit” button.
4. A screen will appear showing whether or not the exact name test was successful.
5. Click on lodge name reservation.
6. The following screen will indicate that the proposed names have been lodged and provide you with a reservation tracking number.
7. Click on “continue”.
8. Once the name reservation has been completed successfully, you will get an email with a confirmation of your reservation.
9. All information about the director and the company will be shown.
10. Verify the accuracy and click on alter if you need to update the company or director information.
11. Click on “lodge company”.
12. A screen will be displayed that confirms if your company registration has been filed.
13. Kindly keep in mind that the transaction is not complete yet.
14. An email will be sent to the email address that you provided, indicating the required supporting documentation needed for registration. 

What Can You Do If Your Proposed Company Name Is Rejected?

You must send any review of a name reservation to the Companies Tribunal.

What Is The Cost To Register A Company In South Africa?

The cost of registering a corporation may range from R125 and R475. For example :

• A Private Company would cost you R125.
• A Non-Profit Company (without members) would cost you R475.

What Payment Methods Are Available?

EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)

You simply need to provide your customer code in the reference area.

Absa Bank : 

• You must provide your customer code.
• The money deposited will be shown within one hour after the deposit is made.

Other Banks :

• Allow for at least 2-3 days for the money to be allocated.
• It is highly recommended that customers deposit money at ABSA bank since the money is credited to their accounts within an hour.

IMPORTANT: The deposit slip’s reference number will help CIPC to accurately and timely allocate the deposit to your virtual account.

How Can I Get My Customer Account Statement/Balance?

To Access Your Account Statement Online, Follow These Steps:

• Navigate to the CIPC website : www.cipc.co.za
• Use your customer code and your password to log in.
• Select “Additional services” and click on it.
• Then click on “Customer Transactions”, the second link on the left.
• If you want to download and save your statement, click on the appropriate icon.

How Long Does CIPC Take To Register A Company In South Africa?

The lead time is anywhere from one to three days.

How To Track The Progress Of Your Application:

To Monitor The Status Of Any Additional Documents, Take The Following Steps:

1. Navigate to online transacting.
2. Select customers.
3. Then select document status.
4. To see the status of your applications, log in using your Customer Code and Password.

How Can You Obtain Your Registration Certificate?

The CIPC website enables customers to check the progress of their applications and reproduce confirmation letters and certificates for processed corporations, and close company applications. 

These features are available through the CIPC website in the following ways:

Status Of Document

• Navigate to the CIPC website : www.cipc.co.za
• Use your customer code and your password to log in.
• Select “Online transacting” and click on it.
• Then Select “Additional Services” and click on it.
• Click “Customers” on the left menu, followed by “Document Status.”

Letter Of Confirmation

• Navigate to the CIPC website : www.cipc.co.za
• Use your customer code and your password to log in.
• Select “Online transacting” and click on it.
• Then Select “Additional services” and click on it.
• Click “Customers” on the left menu, followed by “Customer Confirmation Letter.”

Important: This method will be available only if your application was submitted using your customer code.

If CIPC did not send the confirmation letter via Dispatch, it would not appear on the confirmation letter function.

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

Read Through The CIPC Guide On Electronic Disclosures Below.

Who Should You Contact If You Are Having Technical Difficulties Or A System Error?

A ticket must be submitted using the CIPC’s online inquiry system.

Read Through The CIPC Guide On How To Log A Query Below.

Conclusion: How To Register A Company In South Africa

And there you have it! Everything that you have to know about company registration in South Africa. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. Our team of experts are ready and more than happy to help guide you throughout the process of how to open a company and answer any of the questions that you may have. Thanks for reading!

Contact us if you require any assistance with accounting, bookkeeping, reporting, business advisory, or tax compliance services. Call us on 011 568 2390. Email us directly at [email protected], or you can complete our contact form.