5 min read · Updated 2026
How to register a company on CIPC (step by step)
Register a (Pty) Ltd in South Africa: name reservation, standard MOI, BizPortal, costs, tax number and beneficial ownership filing.
Before you start
- A South African ID for each director
- A customer code on the CIPC or BizPortal site
- Credit loaded on your CIPC account
The steps
- Reserve up to four names
- Register with the standard Memorandum of Incorporation
- Receive your COR14.3 registration certificate
- SARS issues an income tax number automatically
- File your beneficial ownership information
After registration
- Open a business bank account
- Register for eFiling as the company's representative
- Diarise your annual return each year on your registration anniversary
General information only, based on South African legislation as of 2026. Confirm your situation with a registered tax practitioner or attorney.