How To Get Your Business Registration Documents From The CIPC
Get your business officially registered with CIPC and ensure all your paperwork is sorted for a smooth start.
Eager to know how to get your business registration documents from CIPC?
Registering your business establishes your company as a legal entity, provides certain legal protections, and allows you to do things like open a business bank account, apply for business licences and permits, hire employees, and solicit funding.
The first step in this process is to register your business with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). This regulatory body oversees the registration of companies in South Africa and ensures compliance with the necessary legal requirements.
You can register with or without selecting a company name upfront. Going without just means your registration number becomes your temporary name, while still letting you trade under a business name if you wish. This path also allows you to reserve a preferred name later for only R125. Whether you’re forming a private company or non-profit, registration costs the same affordable rate when you forego naming it now.
Minimum requirements must still be met for directors even when skipping the naming step initially. Private companies need at least one director, while non-profits require three. But the good news is that successful registration comes bundled with your new tax number, getting you fully set up to operate.
Types of businesses you can register
Private Company
A private company is owned by its shareholders, who cannot freely trade their shares on public markets. These close-knit companies must appoint at least one director to make strategic decisions. The director(s) and shareholders agree on a Memorandum of Incorporation to govern operations. Private companies can register online, at self-service terminals, or through partner banks to get up and running smoothly.
Public Company
Public companies can raise capital by selling shares to the public via the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. They must appoint at least three directors and produce annual audited financial statements for shareholders. Larger public companies may also need oversight committees for auditing and ethics. With more complex reporting, public companies must register by email.
Co-Operative
A co-operative is a voluntary enterprise owned by members who share in profits based on their patronage. Members address common needs by pooling resources and working together democratically. Co-ops provide services or products directly to their members.
Personal Liability Company
Directors of personal liability companies are personally responsible for any debts and liabilities during their tenure. These uncommon company types hold directors financially accountable. Personal liability companies must complete manual registration.
Non-Profit Company
Nonprofits aim to benefit the public rather than make profits. They pursue social, cultural, communal, or group interests. Nonprofits must craft a unique Memorandum of Incorporation and name. Those with members can manually register as public benefit companies.
External Company
External companies are incorporated overseas but conduct business activities in South Africa. They must register with CIPC and meet requirements around public securities offers. Foreign companies complete manual registration as external companies before operating locally.
How To Get Your Business Registration Documents From CIPC
Registering a new business with CIPC is a straightforward process if you follow these steps:
- Use your South African ID number and CIPC password to login to Bizportal. If you don’t have a CIPC account yet, you can easily register using your ID number.
- Once logged in, your user profile will appear. Select “Company Registration” to begin the process.
- You can submit between one and four proposed company names. If one name is approved, it will be registered to your company. If none are approved, the company will be registered without a name, and you can reserve a new name for R50 and then change it later at no cost.
- Select the type of company you want to register, then click “Continue”.
- Enter the South African ID numbers for all directors, clicking the plus sign after each one. Once all directors are added, click “Continue”.
- Each director will go through Home Affairs verification by answering random questions based on their Home Affairs profile, like ID document issue date, marriage date, or spouse’s ID number.
- For each director, enter their contact details – cell phone number, email address, and physical address. Directors cannot share the same phone number or email. CIPC will use these details for all correspondence.
- Enter all required company details, select your name options, and do an availability check for your proposed company names.
- You can also opt to register for the Compensation Fund, UIF, request a B-BBEE certificate, and open a business bank account.
- Make payment using card payment if you don’t have CIPC account credit.
Forms needed
Compulsory forms for all manually registered companies, except foreign companies
Additional forms for Non-Profit Companies (NPC)
CoR15.1C (compulsory for NPC without members and with standard MOI)
CoR15.1D or draft your own MOI (not required if CoR15.1C is used)
CoR15.1E (not required if CoR15.1C or CoR15.1D is used)
Compulsory forms for foreign companies
Following these steps will ensure you get all the proper documentation from CIPC to register your new business smoothly and efficiently. You’ll gain access to key structures like LLCs or corporations that limit personal liability. Your business will seem more legitimate to customers, vendors and lenders when properly registered. And you may qualify for new tax benefits and incentives for registered businesses.
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