Business Registration & Compliance

Start your business on the right foot. We handle your company registration, tax compliance, and certification so you can focus on growth.

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1. Business Registration (CIPC)

To register a new Private Company (Pty) Ltd in South Africa, the process is now largely digital and paperless through CIPC’s BizPortal or e-Services.

Requirements:

• Director Details: Full names, ID numbers (SA Citizens), or Passport numbers (Foreign Nationals).
• Certified ID/Passport: Clear, scanned copies of IDs for all directors. Certification must be by a Commissioner of Oaths (e.g., SAPS) and not older than 3 months. Both sides of Smart IDs must be scanned.
• Proof of Address: A utility bill or bank statement (not older than 3 months) for the business or its directors.
• Company Name: Up to 4 proposed names (optional; you can register using the enterprise number if no name is reserved).

Cost R125 (no name) / R175 (with name)

Timeline Usually 2–4 business days

2. SARS Tax & VAT Registration

All new companies are automatically registered for Income Tax upon CIPC registration. However, VAT and other tax types require separate activation.

VAT Registration Requirements

• Compulsory Registration: You must register if your total turnover for 12 months has exceeded (or is expected to exceed) R1 million.
• Voluntary Registration: You may register if your turnover has exceeded R50,000 in the past 12 months.

Required Documents for SARS

• CIPC Registration Certificate (COR14.3).
• Proof of Business Physical Address.
• Business Bank Account: Proof of an active South African business bank account.
• Representative/Public Officer: An appointed director to act as the tax representative.
• Financial Proof: Invoices or signed contracts proving the turnover threshold.

3. B-BBEE Compliance

For most startups and small businesses, a full "BEE Certificate" is not required. Instead, you use a B-BBEE Sworn Affidavit.

Requirements for Exempt Micro Enterprises (EMEs)

Qualification: Your annual turnover must be less than R10 million.
The Affidavit: A standard form where the owner declares the company’s turnover and level of Black Ownership.

Level 1 Contributor 100% Black Owned

Level 2 Contributor 51% or more Black Owned

Level 4 Contributor Less than 51% Black Owned

* The affidavit must be signed in front of a Commissioner of Oaths. It is free to generate and valid for 12 months.
* If turnover > R10m, a SANAS-accredited B-BBEE Verification Certificate is required.

4. Other Essential Compliance

To be "Tender Ready" or fully compliant for corporate contracts, you may also need:

Compensation Fund (COIDA)

Required if you have one or more employees to cover workplace injuries.

UIF Registration

Compulsory if you employ staff for more than 24 hours per month.

Share Certificates

Proof of ownership for the company shareholders (not issued by CIPC; must be drafted privately).

Beneficial Ownership Filing

A new 2024/2025 requirement where all companies must file their ownership details with the CIPC "BO Register".

Need Help Registering Your Business?

We can assist with your CIPC registration, compliance checks, and setting up your digital presence all at once.

Frequently asked questions

Business registration FAQs

Practical answers to help you plan your next step.

What information is needed to register a company?

The requirements depend on the entity and application route. Typically, prepare director identity details, contact and address information, and the proposed company details. We confirm the applicable CIPC checklist before submission.

Do I need a company name before registering?

CIPC allows a company to be registered without a reserved name, using its registration number as the name. If you want a particular name, reservation and approval need to be addressed as part of the process.

How long does company registration take?

Timing depends on complete information, identity checks, name approval where applicable and CIPC processing. We can help prepare the application, but cannot guarantee an authority’s turnaround time.

Does CIPC registration cover every tax registration?

No. Company income-tax registration and other registrations are different processes. VAT or employer registrations may also be relevant to your activities. We help identify the next steps and confirm the requirements for your circumstances.

What compliance is needed after registration?

Registration is the beginning. Depending on your entity and circumstances, ongoing work can include CIPC annual returns, beneficial ownership information and SARS filings. Check the current requirements with CIPC and SARS for your business.

Can you help with B-BBEE and getting my business online?

Our service covers practical support with business registration, essential compliance and your digital presence. The appropriate B-BBEE documentation and any website, domain or branding work should be confirmed in your project scope.

Have a question about your project? Contact us.