How to register a company on CIPC / BizPortal in 2025

You can register a private company in South Africa through the CIPC eServices portal or through BizPortal. BizPortal is the newer, integrated platform that also links to SARS, UIF, B-BBEE and domain registration. The process is online and paperless if you have the right documents ready.

What you need before you start

• Valid South African ID or passport for each director
• Proof of residential address for each director (not older than 3 months)
• A valid email address and cell phone number for the applicant
• At least one director (the company can have only one)
• A proposed company name, or choose to use a standard name

Step-by-step registration

1. 1Reserve a company name on BizPortal or CIPC eServices, or use a standard name with a number.
2. 2Register a customer profile on the CIPC eServices portal or BizPortal.
3. 3Complete the company registration application, including director and shareholder details.
4. 4Upload certified ID copies and proof of address for each director.
5. 5Pay the registration fee. Name reservation and company registration have separate fees.
6. 6Receive the company registration certificate (CoR14.3) and memorandum of incorporation (MOI).
7. 7Open a business bank account using the company registration documents.

After registration

Once registered, the company must file annual returns with CIPC every year, keep a beneficial ownership register, and register for tax with SARS if applicable. If the company employs staff or has turnover above the VAT threshold, additional registrations are required.

How AccPro Lite helps after registration

• CIPC annual return deadline tracking from the incorporation date
• Beneficial ownership register and change reminders
• Director change workflows with resolution templates
• SARS tax and payroll compliance from the start