How long does it take to register a Pty in South Africa?

With BizPortal, most straightforward registrations complete within a few working days. Complex applications or name reservations can take longer.

Business (CIPC)

How to Register a Private Company (Pty) Ltd at CIPC

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) registers all South African companies. A private company (Pty) Ltd is the most common type and can be registered fully online.

Who needs this

Entrepreneurs and business owners who want a separate legal entity for their business.

What you need before you start

Directors' ID copies (SA ID or passport)
Proposed company name (or use registration number as name)
Registered address
CIPC BizPortal or eServices customer profile with sufficient credit

Step-by-step process

1
Create a CIPC customer profile
Register at eservices.cipc.co.za and load funds. BizPortal (bizportal.gov.za) offers combined services (company + tax + UIF + Compensation Fund + bank account).
2
Reserve a name (optional)
You can reserve up to four proposed names. If no name is reserved, your company registration number becomes its name.
3
Complete the company registration
Enter directors, share capital, and registered address. Upload directors' certified ID copies.
4
Pay CIPC fees
TODO: confirm current fees for name reservation and company registration.
5
Receive your registration documents
You'll get the CoR14.3 registration certificate, MOI, and the company registration number by email.

Where, how much, how long

Where to submit

eservices.cipc.co.za or bizportal.gov.za.

Fees

TODO: confirm current CIPC fees.

Processing time

Company registrations are typically issued within a few working days. TODO: confirm current SLAs.

Common rejection reasons

Certified ID copies older than 3 months
Name conflicts with an existing trademark

Official sources

Always confirm the latest requirements and fees on the official website before submitting.