How to Register a Business in South Africa via CIPC and BizPortal

Step-by-Step Guide to Register a Business in South Africa Using BizPortal and CIPC

Step 1: Prepare Your Information and Documents

Before you start, have these ready:

• Your South African ID or Passport (for foreigners)
• Physical address of the business
• Contact details (phone number, email)
• Proposed company name(s) (3 options recommended)
• Details of directors/shareholders (full names, ID numbers, addresses)
• Proof of residential address (e.g., utility bill)

Step 2: Access BizPortal

1. Go to BizPortal
2. Click "Register" to create a new account if you don’t have one.
3. Fill in your personal details and create your login credentials.
4. Log in to your BizPortal account.

Step 3: Reserve Your Company Name (Optional but Recommended)

1. On the BizPortal dashboard, find and click “Reserve a Company Name”.
2. Enter up to 3 preferred company names.
3. Pay the reservation fee of approximately R50 via the available payment methods.
4. Wait for confirmation (usually within 1-2 business days).
5. Once approved, you will receive a reservation number.

Note: You can skip this step and register your company with a generic name, but reserving your name ensures it’s available.

Step 4: Register Your Company

1. On the BizPortal dashboard, select “Register a Company”.
2. Choose the type of company (usually a Private Company (Pty) Ltd).
3. Enter the reserved company name or a new one if you skipped name reservation.
4. Fill in the company details:
   • Registered address
   • Business activities (SIC codes or description)
   • Details of directors and shareholders (including percentages of shareholding)
5. Upload required supporting documents:
   • Certified copies of IDs/passports for directors
   • Proof of address for directors (not older than 3 months)
6. Review the information carefully.

Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee

• The standard registration fee for a Private Company is R125.
• Payment can be made online via debit/credit card or EFT.
• Submit the application after payment.

Step 6: Receive Your Company Registration Certificate

• After submission, CIPC will process your application.
• Processing time can range from a few hours to a few days.
• You will receive:
  • Company registration number
  • Registration certificate (CoR14.3)
  • Confirmation of company name registration

You can download these documents from your BizPortal account.

Step 7: Register for Tax and Other Relevant Registrations

1. From BizPortal, select “Register for Tax”.
2. Complete the SARS tax registration form.
3. Register for VAT if your turnover will exceed R1 million per year.
4. Register for PAYE if you will have employees.
5. Submit the forms online.

Note: SARS registration is free.

Step 8: Open a Business Bank Account

• Use your company registration documents and tax number to open a business bank account.
• Visit your preferred bank with these documents.

Step 9: Register for Other Licenses (If Applicable)

• Depending on your industry, you might need additional licenses or permits.
• Examples include UIF, COIDA, trading licenses, health and safety certificates.
• Check with the relevant regulatory bodies for your specific business.

Additional Tips

• Keep digital and physical copies of all documents.
• Use the BizPortal dashboard to track your application status.
• If you encounter issues, CIPC has a helpdesk reachable via their website or phone.