0800 007 269 (Toll Free)
Get Compliant from Anywhere, Easy and Fast!
0800 007 269 (Toll Free)

Get Compliant from Anywhere, Easy and Fast!

0800 007 269 (Toll Free)
Get Compliant from Anywhere, Easy and Fast!

FAQ's on CIPC Company Registration in South Africa

Do you have questions about Company Registration in South Africa?

In this article, we will answer the Frequently Asked Questions Entrepreneurs have on Business Registration in South Africa.

Don't have time to read? You can also watch the FAQ Videos below:

Here follows Questions and Answers to the most popular FAQ’s South African Entrepreneurs have about Registering a Company in South Africa. Simply scroll down to the questions that are relevant to you.

Can a Foreigner Register a Company in South Africa?

Yes, you can still register a business in South Africa as a foreign national. If Company Partners is doing the registration for you, you will use our passport service, and we only require a certified copy of your passport. If there is a mix of foreign nationals and SA citizens, we will need the ID copies of the SA citizens as well. The registration process will take about one to two weeks.

You can read more about the process called Foreign Assurance here. 

How long does Company Registration take? Do I have to Submit every Directors ID?

At Company Partners, the process takes about 24 hours after we have received all required documents, where applicable, from you.

There’s only an online information form that needs to be completed, and no ID documents are needed unless one of the directors is a foreigner, then we will need the ID copy.

CIPC does experience delays every now and again, which can push the process up to two to three working days.

Can I trade in multiple Industries using the same company registration?

It goes back to the name of your company that could restrict you.

For example, if your company was called Kelly’s Construction Company, it would be assumed that you can only trade in the construction industry. If you are planning on trading in multiple industries under your registered name, or if you are not yet sure what industry you’re going to trade in, you would want to keep the name general. For example, Kelly’s Services.

Can I register more than one PTY in my name?

Yes, there’s no limit on the number of companies you can register under your name. Each entity is separate from each other, and you can have different partners in each company.

Complete-your-business-registration-by-speaking-to-a-business-plan-consultant-today-by-calling-us-toll-free

How do I know my company name was accepted?

When it comes to the names, you should submit at least four names in order of preference and the CIPC will pick one out of the four according to availability. So, for example, if your first name choice was not available, they will automatically pick your second choice. Once the name has been approved, a CoR 9.4 Name Reservation document will be sent to you. If it is not accepted, you need to repeat the name application process again.

As a sole proprietor, can I use my business' company name for my new PTY company?

It depends on the availability. If the name is still available at CIPC, then, yes, you can use it; but if it’s taken by someone else already registered as a trademark, you’ll have to propose new names. We will help you to figure this out.

What if I have a registered company, can I use a "Trading as" name?

Unfortunately, not. You will not be able to use a trading as name, as that was allowed with CCs which have been discontinued since 2011 and the Ptys came into effect. Now, you can only use the company name appearing on your company registration documents.

Are there any fees payable after I've registered my company?

There are no additional fees applicable after your company registration has been completed.

However, there will be Annual Returns which your company needs to pay every year to CIPC. An Annual Return is the process of updating your company’s information at CIPC and paying a fee to them to keep your business registered. This return needs to be filed at CIPC each year on the anniversary of your company’s birthday. If your Annual Return is not filed, CIPC has the right to assume you are no longer actively using your company and, therefore, they may de-register it.

Once again, Company Partners can assist you with filing this return, and we even offer a cost-effective maintenance plan to ensure your company stays active, as we will do the return for you each year.

Do I have to pay taxes if my company is not making any money?

 Once your company is registered, it receives its own income tax number. This income tax number needs to be registered at SARS and a registered representative, who is the person appointed with full rights to act on behalf of the company, for example, one of the directors. Who is also South African, is required to be registered as well.

Now that you have an income tax number, your business is required by SARS to submit tax returns three times per year, whether the company has been trading or not. If your company is making zero income, you will still need to submit your returns as proof of zero income to SARS, as well as to avoid penalties. These returns include one IRP6 tax return in February, an IT14 return in July and another IRP6 return in August each year.

When you work through Company Partners, we’ll take care of all of this. 

How can I register a close corporation (CC) or get a CK document?

If you already have an existing CC company, you may continue to use it.

However, one cannot register for CK documents, a CC or closed corporation anymore. Closed corporations are no longer allowed to be registered at CIPC. Up to 2010, you could register a CC or a private company under the Companies Act of 2008.

These two company formats were merged and only a Pty company format have been registered since. If you desperately need a CC for a specific reason, we can assist with a CC shelf company.

What are the requirements and steps to register a Pty company?

To register a company at CIPC through Company Partners, we only require your ID number and director’s information from you. If you are a foreign national, we’ll require a copy of your passport document as well. You can complete your registration within three easy steps at Company Partners. Step number one, fulfil any requirements, if applicable. Step number two, payment. And, lastly, number three, complete the online information form. It’s as simple as that.

What do I get when I register a Pty company?

If you register your Pty with CIPC directly, you’ll receive your company registration documents including the details of your company along with your company income tax number registration.

Should you choose to register your company with Company Partners, you’ll receive everything you get from CIPC and receive free essential services for your company, such as business bank account, BEE affidavit, tender assistance, website design, business training and more. We also offer special discounted packages if you need to register a business that is fully compliant in a specific industry. For example, construction package, which is all inclusive of everything you’ll need to start a construction company.

Is it necessary to have my company registered if I want to apply for tenders?

Having a registered company will not give you an unfair advantage in winning a tender, however, it is a standard requirement just to apply for any tender. If you’re on a tight deadline to apply for a tender or contract, as mentioned previously, there’s also a pre-registered shelf company which you can purchase with multiple compliance certificates included. This is perfect when applying for urgent tenders or contracts.

At which governing bodies are Company Partners registered?

Company Partners are registered with SEDA, SAIT, SAIBA, and the Institute of Directors.

Company Registration Comparison Table

Below you can find a comparison table, comparing the company registration process at Company Partners and the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission.

Everything from the timeframes, cost and complexities is compared to allow entrepreneurs to make an informed decision.

Category Registering via Bizportal (CIPC) Registering with Company Partners
Registration Process Manual, step-by-step on CIPC portal (up to 15 steps to complete). Requires an account on Bizportal, director details, contact details, manual name reservation, and careful form completion including questions on employees, UIF, COIDA and BEE. Easy 3-step online process. Just provide ID/passport info, pay, and complete a short form. No paperwork for SA citizens.
Support No personalised support. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) prone to issues. Dedicated consultant, toll-free support, expert guidance from over 50 compliance specialists.
Pricing (as of March 2025) R175 once-off for registration with a name. Packages start from R880 once-off. Includes extras like share certificates, tax number, BEE, website, and more.
Value Add-ons Available Only basic company registration. Multiple tailored packages: Basic (R880), Premium (R1990), Tender (R3890), Elite Tender (R6890), Shelf Company (from R3990) which includes several value add-ons for your business.
Timeframe Depends on CIPC queues and document accuracy. As fast as 24 hours after document submission (may vary with CIPC).
Included Services Company registration and income tax number. Additional services like COIDA, VAT, UIF require separate registration. Over 120 services available. Free extras: BEE affidavit, domain, website, bank account. Packages include tax clearance, COIDA, share certs, CSD registration, etc.
Expertise & Guidance None — you manage the full process. Assistance from registered accountants (SAIT, SAIBA, CIMA) and compliance experts.
Business Consultation Not offered. Free consultation with a Compliance Specialist to assess your needs.
Success Guarantee No guarantees or refunds. Money-back guarantee if registration fails.
Compliance Tracking Manual self-tracking via email and the system. Free secure online tracking system for all services.
Industry Packages None. Custom packages for industries like construction, import/export, and VAT registered entities.
Long-term Services None provided. Ongoing monthly services: accounting, payroll, compliance, tax returns.
Legal Protection Yes. Registered company offers limited liability. Yes. Same legal status plus structured support for growth.
Client Experience Due to being a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) process there is a high risk of errors and delays. Hassle-free, professional, and supported from start to scale. 96% satisfaction rate with over 911 reviews.

We hope we have answered your questions about the Pty company registration process in South Africa.

If you have more questions or need assistance with your Company Registration, call us Toll-Free on 0800 007 269. Or simply signup for a Free Business Consultation with a Compliance Specialist HERE. 

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