In short
- R125 to register a private company using the standard Memorandum of Incorporation.
- R50 to reserve a name electronically, or R75 for a manual submission.
- You can skip the name reservation. CIPC will use the registration number as the company name and you can change it later.
- New close corporations can no longer be formed.
- CIPC
Registering a private company with CIPC costs R125 using the standard Memorandum of Incorporation. Reserving a name first costs an extra R50. The registration fee is genuinely small; the costs around it are what catch people out.
The fee list
| What | Fee |
|---|---|
| Private company, standard MOI | R125 |
| Private company registered with a name via BizPortal | R175 |
| Name reservation, electronic | R50 |
| Name reservation, manual submission | R75 |
| Customised MOI, or a non-profit company without members | R475 |
CIPC states that a company registration may vary between R125 and R475, with R125 being the private company route. The R475 figure appears in a lot of blog posts as though it were the norm. It is not, unless you need a customised MOI.
Skipping the name
You do not have to reserve a name. If you register without one, CIPC assigns the registration number as the company name, in the format 2026/123456/07, and you can apply for a name later. That saves the R50 and is the fastest route through.
A reserved name is valid for six months. Reservation does not guarantee approval, and if your choices are rejected you pay again for a fresh application.
What people forget to budget
- A business bank account. Monthly fees, and most banks want the CIPC documents in hand first.
- SARS registrations. Income tax is automatic on registration; PAYE, UIF and VAT are separate.
- Annual returns. Payable every year to CIPC, scaled by turnover, with penalties for late filing.
- An accountant. Annual financial statements are an ongoing cost that dwarfs the R125.
The registration fee is the smallest number involved. The annual cost of staying compliant is what should decide whether incorporating is right for you.
Common questions
Can I register a company myself?
Yes, through CIPC's BizPortal or the CIPC website. Service providers charge for convenience, not because the process is closed to you.
Can I still register a close corporation?
No. New close corporations can no longer be formed. Existing ones continue.
How long does registration take?
Registrations through BizPortal, the CIPC mobile app or a partner bank are typically processed very quickly. Manual routes take longer.
Do fees change?
CIPC publishes a fee schedule and updates it from time to time. Confirm on cipc.co.za before you budget.
Once you are registered, Quote to Invoice puts your company details and registration number on every document you send. Free to use.
Start invoicing- CIPC, Company Forms and Fees
- CIPC, Name Reservation
- CIPC BizPortal
Disclaimer: This content is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, accounting or financial advice. Always confirm important requirements with SARS, the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
