So you’ve got a great business idea. You’ve been dreaming about the logo, the name, maybe even your first sale. But there’s one step between your dream and reality: Register A Company CIPC. For many aspiring business owners in South Africa, the company registration process can feel like a maze. Terms like “customer code,” “COR9.4,” and “Incorporation (MOI)” sound intimidating, and the risk of rejection due to incorrect documents or expired name reservations only adds more stress.
This guide is here to simplify the process, break it down into manageable steps, and help you register a company through CIPC with confidence—whether it’s your first time or you’re doing it on behalf of a client.
What is the CIPC?
CIPC stands for the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, the official body responsible for business registrations in South Africa. Any private company, from a one-person startup to a fast-growing SME, must register through CIPC to operate legally and gain access to benefits like a business bank account, compliance with SARS, and opportunities for tenders or funding.
Step 1: Get a CIPC Customer Code
Before you can register a company through CIPC, you’ll need a customer code. Think of this as your personal profile for transacting with CIPC.
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Visit www.cipc.co.za
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Click on Online Transacting
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Select Customer Registration and complete your details
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Take note: you’ll also need to top up your CIPC customer account with funds to process your registration. Banking details can be found under “Contact Us” on their homepage.
📝 Tip: Always ensure there are sufficient funds in your customer code account before submitting a registration.
Step 2: Log In and Start Your Company Registration
Once your customer code is set up and funded, go back to Online Transacting and choose:
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Private Company Registrations
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Click Customer Login
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Enter your:
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Customer Code
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Password (case-sensitive)
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Security Code (case-sensitive)
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Accept Terms and Conditions
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If you’ve forgotten your password, send a reset email to:
📧 resetpassword@cipc.co.za
Include: your customer code, full name, ID number, certified ID copy, signed reset request, and your updated email.
Step 3: Add Directors and Incorporators
Next, it’s time to enter the details of all directors and incorporators:
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Enter each person’s ID or passport number and click the ➕ icon.
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Ensure each director has a unique email and cellphone number.
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For each director, complete:
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Full names
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ID/passport number
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Country of origin
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Date of birth
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Appointment date
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Status
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Contact and address details
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📌 Note: If registering for a client, you don’t need to be listed as the incorporator—just input your client’s info accordingly.
Step 4: Fill in the Company Information
Next, you’ll capture your company’s specifics:
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Financial Year End (e.g. February)
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Authorised Shares
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Email and Website (if applicable)
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Physical and Postal Address
Step 5: Name Reservation – 3 Options
You’ve got three choices here when choosing a name during your attempt to Register A Company CIPC:
✅ Option 1: Apply for a name now
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Enter up to 4 proposed names
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The system checks if they’re available
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If all names are taken, the company gets registered with the enterprise number instead (you can change it later)
🔁 Option 2: Use an approved name
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Already reserved your name? Perfect.
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Just input the reservation number and move forward.
🆗 Option 3: Use enterprise number as the company name
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Skip the name reservation and use the assigned company number as your name.
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Quick, but temporary until you change it.
Step 6: Review and Submit Your Application
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Double-check all director and company details.
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Edit anything that’s incorrect.
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Once satisfied, click Lodge Company.
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Your company registration is now officially lodged!
You’ll receive a confirmation email with a tracking number and a form (Annexure B).
Step 7: Email Supporting Documents
Here’s the final leg before your business becomes official.
📧 Email documents to: eservicescoreg@cipc.co.za
Include:
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Certified ID of applicant
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Certified ID/passports of all directors & incorporators
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Name confirmation certificate (COR9.4), if applicable
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Power of attorney (if applicable)
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Resolution documents (for trusts or juristic persons)
Subject line must include your tracking number (e.g., 717291526)
✅ File Format:
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PDF or TIFF
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One attachment only
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Documents must be legible, not embedded in the email body
⚠️ Submit all forms within 10 days from date of lodgement
⚠️ Entire application must be completed within 31 calendar days
Failure to comply will result in automatic rejection
Step 8: Final Registration and Accessing Your Documents
Once CIPC approves the application, you’ll receive a final confirmation via email. This includes instructions to retrieve your:
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Disclosure Certificate
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Incorporation (MOI) Documents
To access:
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Visit Online Transacting
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Sign in with your customer code
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Click on Disclosures/Certificates > MOI Documents
⚠️ Only directors can retrieve these documents.
If You Encounter Delays
Didn’t receive an email after the expected turnaround time? Go to the CIPC home page, scroll to “Enquiries” under Useful Tools, and log a follow-up query.
You can also refer to their Service Turnaround Times for expected timelines.
Final Thoughts
Registering your company through CIPC might feel like a paperwork marathon at first, but once you’re familiar with the steps, it becomes a clear, structured process. Whether you’re registering your first business or doing it on behalf of clients, following this guide will save you time, avoid common pitfalls, and help you kick off your business journey with confidence.
The most important takeaway? Keep your documents organized, stay on top of your deadlines, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it.
So go ahead—Register A Company CIPC, make it official, and start building your vision.