Register a company

1. 1

   Choose two or three possible names and check they are not already taken.

   CIPC ↗
2. 2

   Create a customer profile on the CIPC site (you need a valid ID).

   CIPC ↗
3. 3

   Reserve a name, or register with your registration number as the name and change it later.

4. 4

   Register the company (incorporation) with the standard Memorandum of Incorporation, directors and shareholders.

5. 5

   Download your registration certificate once approved.

6. 6

   Your company is registered for income tax with SARS automatically — check its tax number on eFiling.

   SARS eFiling ↗
7. 7

   Open a business bank account in the company's name.

8. 8

   Register for VAT if you will pass the compulsory threshold, or voluntarily if it suits you.

9. 9

   Diary your annual return: due every year within 30 business days after the anniversary of incorporation.

   CIPC ↗
10. 10

    Check municipal by-laws: zoning, trading licence, and health certificates if you sell food.

Use only the official CIPC site — copycat sites charge far more for the same thing.

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