How to register a business name or company with CAC in Nigeria
A business name costs about ₦10,000 to register with the Corporate Affairs Commission, plus ₦500 to reserve the name. The steps and documents.
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registers businesses in Nigeria through its online portal on cac.gov.ng. CAC registration gives your business legal recognition, allows you to open a corporate bank account, and is usually required for contracts, loans and government programmes. This guide explains how to register a business name or company with CAC in Nigeria, the fees, the documents you need and what to do after registration.
Business name or company?
A business name covers a sole proprietorship or a partnership. It is simple and cheap to register, but the owners are personally liable for the business's debts, so creditors can pursue their personal assets. It suits small traders, freelancers and service providers who are starting out.
A private company limited by shares (Ltd) is a separate legal entity. It can own property, borrow and sign contracts in its own name, and shareholders' liability is limited to their shares. Companies are better for raising money, bringing in partners and bidding for contracts, but they must file annual returns and keep statutory records. Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, a private company can be formed by a single person.
CAC registration fees
Name reservation costs ₦500, and a reserved name is held for 60 days. Business name registration costs ₦10,000 as standard, although the fee is sometimes waived under government small-business schemes. A private company costs ₦10,000 for share capital up to ₦1 million, plus ₦5,000 for each additional ₦1 million. Keeping share capital modest at the start keeps costs down, and it can be increased later. Professional fees are extra if you use an accredited agent.
How to register with CAC, step by step
1. Sign up on the CAC portal. Create an account with your email address and set a password.
2. Search and reserve a name. Submit two proposed names for availability. Names that are identical or too similar to existing businesses, or that include restricted words, are rejected. Once one name is approved, reserve it.
3. Complete the registration form. Fill in the form for your business type (BN 1 for a business name), upload each owner's or director's ID and passport photograph, and pay online. For a company, you will also provide shareholder details and adopt articles of association.
4. Track and download. Track the application on the portal, respond to any queries from CAC, and download your certificate once it is approved.
Documents you need
You need a valid ID for each owner or director, such as a National Identification Number (NIN) slip, driver's licence or international passport, and a passport photograph, both in digital form. Have your residential and business addresses, phone numbers and email addresses ready, along with a short description of the business's activities.
What to do after CAC registration
Get a tax ID. Obtain a tax identification number and register for the taxes your business must pay. Companies pay company income tax, while business name owners are taxed as individuals.
Open a business bank account. Open a corporate or business account in the registered name, so business and personal money stay separate.
Run payroll correctly. If you hire staff, deduct PAYE under the new tax bands and register for pensions. See our Nigeria PAYE calculator and our guide to the Nigeria Tax Act 2025.
File annual returns. Registered businesses must file annual returns with CAC. Missing them can lead to penalties and, for companies, removal from the register.
Avoid registration scams
Use the official CAC portal or a CAC-accredited agent. Be cautious of people offering "fast-track" registration for large fees or asking you to pay into personal accounts. Our guide on how to spot scams in Nigeria explains common warning signs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does CAC business name registration cost?
₦10,000 as standard, plus ₦500 for name reservation.
Can one person register a company in Nigeria?
Yes. CAMA 2020 allows a private company to have a single shareholder and director.
How long is a CAC name reservation valid?
60 days.
Sources
This article is general information, not financial advice.