How to Register a (Pty) Ltd in South Africa — 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Why Register as a (Pty) Ltd?

A private company (Pty) Ltd is South Africa’s most popular business structure. It gives you limited liability, a separate legal identity, and the credibility you need to open bank accounts, sign contracts, and pitch for tenders. Registration is handled by the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).

What You’ll Need Before You Start

• Valid South African ID (green book or smartcard) OR foreign passport for each director
• At least one proposed company name (up to 4 is standard)
• The physical and postal address of the business
• Details of directors and shareholders (name, ID, email, phone, residential address)
• A short description of the main business activity

The 5-Step CIPC Registration Process

1. Name reservation — CIPC checks your proposed names against existing companies.
2. Preparation of company documents (MOI, incorporation form CoR14.1).
3. Submission to CIPC with the R125 filing fee.
4. CIPC approval (usually 24–48 hours — sometimes same-day).
5. Delivery of your registration certificate, MOI, and company number.

How Much Does It Cost in 2026?

CIPC’s official filing fee is R125 for name reservation + R125 for the company registration. Most consultancies (including Consultium Group) charge a bundled service fee — our full private company registration package starts from R590 all-in, with delivery in 24–48 hours.

What About SARS and Tax?

Once your company is registered, CIPC automatically notifies SARS and a corporate income tax reference number is issued. You’ll still need to register for VAT (if turnover exceeds R1 million per year), PAYE (if you employ staff), and to get a tax clearance certificate before bidding on tenders.

Ready to Register?

Consultium Group handles the entire process end-to-end — name checks, CIPC filing, SARS notification, and delivery of your registration pack. Start your application from our home page or reach out via the contact form.