How To Register Your Business with CAC in Nigeria.
Starting a business in Nigeria requires proper registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The CAC is the government agency responsible for business registration and regulation. Registering your business not only gives it legal recognition but also allows you to access loans, contracts, and other business opportunities.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of registering your business with the CAC.
Step 1: Choose a Business Structure
Before registering, you must decide on the type of business entity that suits your needs. The CAC allows you to register:
- Business Name (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) – Suitable for small businesses with single or multiple owners.
- Private Limited Liability Company (Ltd) – Ideal for businesses that want legal protection and separate financial identity.
- Incorporated Trustees (NGO, religious, or charitable organizations) – For non-profit organizations.
- Public Limited Company (PLC) – Suitable for large businesses that intend to trade shares publicly.
Your choice will determine the registration requirements and costs.
Step 2: Check for Name Availability
To ensure that your preferred business name is unique and available, you need to conduct a name search on the CAC portal.
How to Conduct a Name Search:
- Visit the CAC official website: www.cac.gov.ng
- Click on Public Search to check if your desired name is available.
- If available, proceed to reserve the name by creating an account on the CAC e-registration portal.
- Pay the required fee (₦500) and wait for approval, usually within 24-48 hours.
Step 3: Prepare the Necessary Documents
Depending on your chosen business structure, you’ll need to provide certain documents for registration.
For Business Name Registration:
- Name availability approval
- Owner’s personal details (full name, date of birth, email, phone number, and residential address)
- Nature of business
- Business address
- Valid means of identification (NIN, passport, driver’s license, or voter’s card)
For a Limited Liability Company (Ltd):
- Name availability approval
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (prepared by a lawyer)
- Personal details of directors and shareholders
- Share capital structure
- Company secretary’s details (optional for small companies)
- Valid identification of directors and shareholders
Step 4: Complete the Registration Process
Once you have all the necessary documents, follow these steps to register your business:
- Log in to the CAC Portal: Access the e-registration portal on www.pre.cac.gov.ng.
- Fill in the Business Registration Form: Provide your business details, including name, type, address, and owner information.
- Upload Required Documents: Attach scanned copies of identification and other necessary documents.
- Make Payment: Pay the registration fee, which varies based on business type:
- Business Name: ₦10,000
- Private Limited Company: ₦10,000 – ₦50,000 (depending on share capital)
- Submit and Wait for Approval: After submission, CAC will review your application and process the registration within 3-7 working days.
Step 5: Obtain Your Business Certificate and TIN
Once your registration is approved, you will receive your:
- Certificate of Incorporation – Official proof of registration.
- Company Registration Number (RC Number) – Your unique business identification.
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) – Required for tax compliance and banking transactions.
To obtain your TIN, visit the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) website or a nearby FIRS office.
Step 6: Open a Business Bank Account
To operate officially, open a corporate bank account using your CAC certificate, TIN, and valid identification. Most banks require:
- CAC Certificate of Incorporation
- TIN confirmation
- Valid means of identification of business owners/directors
- Passport photographs
- Proof of business address
Conclusion
Registering your business with the CAC is essential for legal recognition, credibility, and access to financial opportunities. By following these steps, you can smoothly complete the registration process and start your business on the right path.
If you need assistance, consider consulting a lawyer or a CAC-accredited agent to guide you through the process.
Have any questions? Drop them in the comments!