Whether you are opening a business bank account, bidding for a contract, or applying for a loan or grant, the first document you will be asked for is proof that your business is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). This guide covers how to register a business name or a limited company in 2026 — the steps, documents, costs and timelines — and the small portal mistakes that trap applications in weeks of “query” limbo.
Business name or limited company — which do you need?
CAC offers two routes most founders choose between. A Business Name (BN) is the fast, low-cost option for a sole trader or small outfit. A Limited Liability Company (LTD) is a separate legal entity that protects your personal assets, can raise money and take on shareholders, and wins the larger corporate and government contracts.
- Business Name: cheapest and quickest, but no legal separation between you and the business.
- Limited Company: more to file, but limited liability, a shareable structure, and far more credibility with banks and buyers.
Insider tip: If you ever plan to raise money, add a partner, or bid for serious contracts, register the LTD from the start. You cannot “upgrade” a business name into a company later — it means registering again from scratch.
What to prepare before you start
- Two proposed names (a distinctive first choice and a backup)
- Nature of the business and a registered address
- Proprietor or director details, each with a NIN-linked valid ID
- A recent passport photograph and signature
- Email and phone number
- Shareholding structure and share capital (for an LTD)
Easter egg: Name reservation is the number-one cause of delay. CAC rejects names that are identical or “confusingly similar” to an existing one, or that use restricted words — Federal, National, Holdings, Group, Bureau — without special approval. Check availability first and keep a strong second option ready.
How to register, step by step
1. Reserve your name
Run a public name availability check, then submit your preferred name for reservation. Once approved, it is held for you for a limited window, so move to the next step promptly.
2. Complete the registration form
Enter the business details, address, and the proprietor, director and shareholder information exactly as they appear on each person’s ID. Mismatched names and addresses are the most common reason a filing is queried.
3. Pay the fees and stamp duty
Pay the CAC filing fee and, for a company, the stamp duty on your share capital. Keep every payment reference.
4. Upload documents and sign
Upload the IDs, passport photo and signatures, and have each director or proprietor complete their consent. Blurry or cropped documents trigger a query.
5. Download your certificate and status report
Once approved, download your certificate of registration and the status report — the modern replacement for the old CAC forms. You will need both to open a corporate bank account.
What it costs and how long it takes
A business name is the cheaper, faster route, usually completed within a few working days. A limited company costs more — the filing fee plus stamp duty that scales with your share capital — and typically takes one to two weeks when there are no queries. Figures change, so confirm current CAC rates before you pay.
Tip: Set your share capital thoughtfully. A very high figure raises your stamp duty for no real benefit at the start; you can increase it later when you actually need to.
Let RenewPapers register your business for you
We handle CAC registration end to end — name search, forms, stamp duty and filing — and we keep your RC number, certificate and status report in your RenewPapers wallet, so your next filing (annual returns, a change of directors, a tax clearance) takes minutes instead of days. We either file directly through our CAC channels or put a trained person in the queue on your behalf. No portal errors, no wasted trips, no time off work.
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After registration: what not to forget
- Register for tax and get your TIN, then a Tax Clearance Certificate
- File your annual returns on time to keep the company in good standing
- Register for SCUML if your sector requires it
- Open your corporate bank account with the certificate and status report
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. CAC fees and requirements change; confirm current rates and rules before filing.
