How to register a company in South Africa for R175 on BizPortal
A private company costs R175 to register through BizPortal, often in a day. The steps, what you get, and the duties that start afterwards.
South Africa's Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) registers companies. The quickest route for South African citizens is BizPortal, the government's one-stop online service, which lets you register a private company for just R175. Registering a company gives your business its own legal identity, protects your personal assets and makes it easier to open a business bank account, win contracts and raise funding. This guide explains how to register a company in South Africa on BizPortal, the cost, and your ongoing duties.
How much it costs to register a company
Registration on BizPortal costs R175 in total: R50 for name reservation and R125 for incorporation. If you register using the enterprise number instead of a chosen name, it costs only R125, and you can change the name later. After the first anniversary of registration, annual returns start from R100 a year, depending on the company's turnover.
How to register a company on BizPortal, step by step
1. Create an account. Register on BizPortal with your South African ID number and confirm the one-time PIN sent to your phone by SMS.
2. Choose the company type. Select Company Registration, then Private Company, which is the right choice for most small businesses.
3. Propose names. Enter up to four proposed names in order of preference. CIPC rejects names that are identical or too similar to existing companies or trademarks, so choose distinctive names.
4. Add directors. Add each director's details exactly as they appear on their ID. A mismatch in spelling or ID number is one of the most common reasons for rejection.
5. Enter the address and financial year end. Provide the company's physical address and choose a financial year end. February is common because it matches the tax year.
6. Add optional services. You can add a business bank account application or a domain name during the process, which saves time later.
7. Pay and wait. Pay R175 by card, then wait for the email with your registration certificate (CoR 14.3) and Memorandum of Incorporation.
Clean applications often come back within one to three working days. A rejected name or ID mismatch means starting the process again, so double-check every detail. Foreign nationals with only a passport must use CIPC's own e-services instead of BizPortal.
Private company or sole proprietor?
You do not have to register a company to trade in South Africa; a sole proprietor can trade under their own name and pay tax as an individual. A private company, however, is a separate legal person, so its debts are generally not the owners' personal debts. It also looks more established to customers and lenders. The trade-off is more admin, including annual returns and keeping company records.
Tax and ongoing duties after registration
Income tax. SARS issues the company's income tax number automatically, but you must appoint a director as the company's registered representative on eFiling before you can file returns.
Annual returns. File an annual return with CIPC every year in the company's anniversary month, even if the company is dormant, or risk deregistration. Companies must also file information about their beneficial owners with CIPC.
VAT, PAYE and UIF. Register for VAT once taxable turnover passes the compulsory threshold, and for PAYE and UIF when you employ staff. See our South Africa tax calculator for payroll, and our guide to the 2026/27 tax tables.
Tips for new company owners
Open a separate business bank account and keep business and personal spending apart. Put deadlines for annual returns and tax filings in a calendar. If you plan to borrow, our loan calculator shows what repayments would cost, and building a good credit record helps; see our guide to credit reports and scores in South Africa.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to register a company in South Africa?
R175 on BizPortal, or R125 using the enterprise number as the name.
How long does CIPC registration take?
Clean applications often take one to three working days.
Can foreigners use BizPortal?
Foreign nationals with only a passport must use CIPC's own e-services.
Sources
This article is general information, not financial advice.