If you want to start a legally recognised business in Nigeria, one of the most important steps is registering it with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Whether you are starting a technology company, publishing business, consultancy, fashion brand, logistics company, restaurant, construction business or another type of enterprise, CAC registration gives your business formal legal recognition and makes it easier to operate under a registered business identity.

The good news is that you can register a company with CAC online without visiting a CAC office. The Corporate Affairs Commission now operates an improved, AI-powered Company Registration Portal (i-CRP), where individuals can create an account, reserve a business name, submit registration information, make payments and receive electronic registration documents.

This guide explains how to register a company with CAC in Nigeria step by step, the documents you need, the difference between a company and a business name, CAC registration costs, how long registration takes, common mistakes to avoid and what to do after registration.

What Is CAC?

CAC stands for the Corporate Affairs Commission, the government agency responsible for registering and regulating companies, business names, incorporated trustees and certain other business entities in Nigeria.

The Commission operates under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, which provides the legal framework for the registration and administration of companies and other registered entities in Nigeria.

CAC maintains Nigeria’s corporate registry and is responsible for incorporation, post-incorporation filings, annual returns, corporate records and other regulatory matters.

You can access the official CAC website here:

Corporate Affairs Commission official website

For registration itself, CAC uses its Company Registration Portal (CRP/i-CRP):

CAC Company Registration Portal

What Does It Mean to Register a Company with CAC?

When people say they want to “register their company with CAC”, they sometimes mean different things.

There is an important distinction between:

• Business Name registration
• Company incorporation

A business name is generally used by sole proprietors or partnerships. For example, an individual may register “Charles Creative Hub” as a business name.

A company, on the other hand, is incorporated as a separate legal entity. A common example is a private company limited by shares, usually written as “ABC Limited” or “ABC Ltd.”

Therefore, if your goal is specifically to incorporate a company, you should select the appropriate company structure rather than simply registering a business name.

CAC provides separate registration processes for companies and business names.

Company vs Business Name: Which Should You Register?

Before starting your application, decide what type of entity you actually need.

Business Name

A business name may be appropriate if:

• You are operating as a sole proprietor.
• You are starting a small business.
• You do not need a separate incorporated company structure.
• You want a relatively simple registration.

CAC states that individuals/proprietors can register business names without using a lawyer, chartered accountant or chartered secretary.

Private Limited Company

A private limited company may be more appropriate if:

• You want an incorporated company.
• You have business partners or shareholders.
• You want to structure ownership through shares.
• You plan to bring in investors.
• You want to build a company that can continue independently of its founders.
• You intend to enter significant commercial contracts.
• You want the formal corporate structure commonly associated with “Ltd”.

For most entrepreneurs asking specifically, “How do I register a company with CAC?”, the private company limited by shares is usually the structure they are referring to.

However, your circumstances may require a different structure, so consider professional advice if you are uncertain.

Requirements for Registering a Company with CAC in Nigeria

Before you begin, prepare the information and documents you will need.

The exact requirements depend on the type of company and the circumstances of the registration, but you should generally be prepared with the following:

1. Proposed company name

You should have one or more names you want to use for the company.

It is advisable to have alternative names because your preferred name may already be registered or may not be approved.

2. Nature of the business

You will need to describe what the company will do.

For example:

• Publishing
• Information technology
• Real estate
• Consulting
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Logistics
• Marketing
• Manufacturing
• E-commerce

Choose descriptions that accurately reflect the company’s intended activities.

3. Registered office address

You need a registered office address for the company.

CAC’s company registration documentation requires the registered office address to be provided and states that the address should be easily traceable.

4. Details of directors

You will need the required information about the company’s directors.

This can include personal information such as:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Occupation
• Residential address
• Identification details
• Other information requested by the portal

5. Details of shareholders

You will also need information about the company’s shareholders and their shareholding.

The distribution of shares should be decided before completing the registration.

For example:

The figures above are only an illustration. Your actual shareholding should reflect the agreement between the owners.

6. Identification

The CAC portal requires identification information when creating a public user account. The current account-registration page asks for personal details and a means of identification and identification number.

7. Company email and contact details

You should have an active email address and phone number because CAC communications and portal notifications may be sent electronically.

8. Share capital information

You will need to determine the company’s share capital and how the shares will be allocated.

The appropriate capital structure can depend on the nature of the business and whether the industry has additional regulatory capital requirements.

How to Register a Company with CAC in Nigeria Step by Step

The process is now primarily online through the CAC’s i-CRP.

Step 1: Decide on Your Company Structure

Before creating the application, determine the type of company you want to register.

For many entrepreneurs, this will be a private company limited by shares.

CAC’s company registration framework also provides for public companies, unlimited companies and companies limited by guarantee, among other structures.

Do not choose a structure simply because another business used it. Your structure should correspond with how you intend to operate and own the business.

Step 2: Choose a Company Name

The next step is to choose a suitable name.

For example:

Black Tower Global Enterprise Limited

or

Example Technologies Limited

Your proposed name should be sufficiently distinctive and should not improperly conflict with an existing registered entity.

It is a good idea to prepare at least two possible names.

You can use CAC’s public search facility to check existing entities:

CAC Public Search

The public search allows users to search existing entities using information such as the entity name, RC number or availability code.

However, a search result is not the same thing as formal name reservation. The actual reservation process takes place through your CAC account.

Step 3: Create an Account on the CAC Registration Portal

Go to the official CAC Company Registration Portal.

CAC i-CRP Registration Portal

You need an account before you can register or manage a business or company.

CAC’s current portal provides a public-user registration option. The account creation process asks for personal details, contact information, occupation, identification and address information.

Complete the registration carefully.

Use an email address that you actively control because it may be needed for verification, notifications and account recovery.

Step 4: Log Into Your CAC Account

After creating your account, log into the i-CRP.

The current system also uses additional security features, including two-factor authentication for first-time login in applicable circumstances.

Once inside your dashboard, you can begin the name reservation process.

Step 5: Reserve Your Company Name

From your dashboard, select the option for Name Reservation.

CAC’s current process allows you to:

1. Select the business classification.
2. Select the business type.
3. Enter your proposed name.
4. Select the nature and specific nature of the business.
5. Check availability.
6. Proceed to payment if the name is available.
7. Receive the availability code after successful payment and approval.

CAC’s current FAQ states that name reservation on the new i-CRP is automated and that approval is issued instantly after successful payment for names that do not require additional consent.

The CAC’s official fee schedule lists ₦1,000 for name reservation. Names involving restricted words may attract additional fees and approval requirements.

Important: Some Names Require Consent

Not every proposed name follows the ordinary automated process.

Names containing certain restricted words or categories may require additional consent.

CAC explains that consent applications are handled separately and manually reviewed by an approving officer.

If your proposed name requires consent, expect the process to take longer than a straightforward name reservation.

Step 6: Obtain Your Availability Code

Once your name has been successfully reserved, you will receive an Availability Code (AV Code).

Keep this code safe.

You will use it when proceeding with the actual company registration.

Think of the process as two connected stages:

Name reservation → Company registration

Reserving a name does not by itself mean that your company has been incorporated.

Step 7: Start the Company Registration Application

After securing your approved name, proceed to register the company.

You will provide the information required by CAC for the company’s incorporation.

This includes information such as:

• Approved company name
• Company type
• Principal business activity
• Registered office
• Company contact information
• Directors
• Shareholders
• Share capital
• Shareholding structure
• Persons with relevant control information
• Other required corporate details

CAC’s official company registration process describes the process as completing the digital pre-registration application and submitting the supporting information through the Company Registration Portal.

Step 8: Enter the Company’s Registered Office Address

Enter the company’s registered office address carefully.

You should ensure that the address is genuine, accurate and traceable.

The CAC company registration form specifically requires details such as:

• Building/house number
• Street
• City/town/village
• Local government
• State
• Postcode
• Company email
• Phone number

The official CAC form also distinguishes between a registered office address and a head office address where they are different.

Avoid using an address simply because it looks professional. Make sure you have the right to use the address for the purpose for which it is being supplied.

Step 9: Add the Directors

Enter the required details of the company’s directors.

Check every detail carefully before moving forward.

Common mistakes include:

• Incorrect spelling of names
• Wrong date of birth
• Incorrect identification number
• Wrong residential address
• Incorrect nationality
• Typographical errors

An error in a director’s information can create problems later when opening bank accounts, completing regulatory filings or making changes to the company.

Step 10: Add the Shareholders

Next, enter the shareholders and their ownership interests.

This is an important part of company registration because it establishes who owns the company’s shares.

For example:

Founder A: 600,000 shares

Founder B: 400,000 shares

Total:

1,000,000 shares

This represents:

• Founder A: 60%
• Founder B: 40%

Do not choose a shareholding arrangement casually. If there are multiple founders, shareholders should ideally agree in writing on ownership, responsibilities, voting rights and what happens if one person leaves the company.

Step 11: Determine the Company’s Share Capital

You will need to provide information concerning the company’s share capital.

The CAC fee payable for incorporation of a company with share capital is linked to the amount of share capital.

Under the CAC’s current published fee schedule, the incorporation filing fee for a small company or a private company other than a small company is ₦10,000 for every ₦1 million or part thereof of share capital. For a public company, the published rate is ₦20,000 for every ₦1 million or part thereof.

This is one reason you should not simply assume that every company registration costs the same amount.

The amount you pay can depend on your company type, share capital and other services included in your application.

Step 12: Upload the Required Documents

The current CAC system incorporates an Electronic Document Management System (EDMS).

This allows applicants to upload required documents directly through the registration portal rather than using a separate document-upload system. CAC says the newer system also allows signatures and passport photographs, where required, to be uploaded within the registration process.

The documents required will depend on your registration and circumstances.

Make sure:

• Documents are clear.
• Names match the information entered into the application.
• Identification documents are valid.
• Signatures are properly provided where required.
• Uploaded files meet the portal’s specifications.

Do not upload documents belonging to another person or information that does not correspond with your application.

Step 13: Review the Application Carefully

This is one of the most important steps.

Before payment and submission, review everything.

Check:

Company information

• Company name
• Company type
• Business activities
• Registered address

Directors

• Names
• Dates of birth
• Identification information
• Addresses

Shareholders

• Names
• Number of shares
• Ownership percentages

Contact information

• Email
• Phone number

Documents

• Correct files
• Clear copies
• Correct signatures

A small error can result in a query or require a correction later.

Step 14: Pay the CAC Registration Fees

Once you have completed the application, proceed to payment.

CAC’s registration system provides an integrated payment process, while its FAQ also states that applicants can use available electronic payment options and can generate a bill for payment through a bank where applicable.

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company with CAC?

There is no single universal answer to this question because the total official cost depends on the type of entity, share capital and services involved.

The CAC’s published fee schedule includes, among others:

These are CAC’s published statutory fees; the total amount shown on your portal can depend on the particular registration and applicable charges.

Important: CAC fees can change. Always check the current fee displayed on the official CAC portal before making payment rather than relying on an old blog post or social-media price.

Step 15: Submit Your Application

After completing payment and confirming your information, submit the application.

Your application will then move through the CAC approval process.

CAC’s published service timeline currently lists 24 working hours for company registrations upon receipt of all relevant documents or compliance with any query raised.

This does not necessarily mean every application will be completed within exactly 24 hours. Applications can take longer where:

• Information is incomplete.
• Documents are inadequate.
• A query is raised.
• The proposed name requires consent.
• There are technical issues.
• The application requires additional review.

Step 16: Monitor Your Application

After submission, regularly check your CAC dashboard and email.

There are generally three things you should be prepared for:

Approved

Your application has been accepted and your registration documents can be obtained.

Queried

CAC has identified an issue that needs to be corrected or clarified.

If your application is queried, read the query carefully, make the necessary corrections and resubmit.

Pending

The application is still being processed.

Do not panic if your application does not immediately change to approved.

Step 17: Respond to Any CAC Query

A query does not necessarily mean that your company registration has failed.

It usually means CAC needs something corrected, clarified or supplied.

For example, the issue could involve:

• Company name
• Business activity
• Director information
• Shareholder information
• Identification
• Address
• Uploaded documents
• Restricted activities

Log into your account, review the query and make the required correction.

If you are uncertain about a legal or technical issue, an accredited CAC agent or appropriate professional can help.

CAC recognises accredited agents as individuals or institutions certified to process pre-incorporation and post-incorporation filings on behalf of clients.

Step 18: Download Your CAC Certificate and Registration Documents

Once the company is approved, your registration documents are made available electronically.

CAC has introduced an E-Certificate system that replaces the former process where applicants had to visit the Commission to collect a physical certificate.

According to CAC, after approval, the electronic certificate is automatically generated on the applicant’s dashboard and can be downloaded.

The new system also provides an E-Status Report. CAC says this replaces the former CAC forms issued upon registration, including the previous Form CAC 1.1 for company registration.

Download and securely save all your company documents.

What Documents Do You Receive After CAC Registration?

Depending on the registration, your electronic documents may include your:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• E-Status Report
• Certified extracts or other relevant registration documents

CAC’s current registration system provides electronic registration documents directly through the portal.

Keep copies in multiple secure locations.

For example:

• Cloud storage
• External storage
• Company email
• Secure business records

Do not rely on one laptop or phone to store your company’s legal documents.

What Is an RC Number?

After incorporating a company, CAC assigns it a registration number commonly referred to as an RC number.

For example:

RC1234567

The number identifies the registered company in CAC’s records.

You may need your RC number when:

• Opening a corporate bank account
• Signing contracts
• Applying for certain services
• Dealing with government agencies
• Completing corporate filings
• Providing corporate information to customers or partners

How Long Does CAC Company Registration Take?

CAC’s current published service timeline says that new company registrations have a 24-working-hour timeline once all relevant documents have been received or any raised query has been complied with.

However, you should not treat 24 hours as a guaranteed completion time.

The actual time can depend on the application.

A straightforward application may move quickly, while an application involving a restricted name, query or documentation problem may take longer.

CAC currently lists four working hours for ordinary name availability on its service timeline, although the newer i-CRP FAQ says ordinary name reservation is now automated with instant approval after successful payment. This distinction means applicants should follow the current status and instructions displayed on the portal for their specific application.

Can I Register a Company with CAC Myself?

Yes.

You do not necessarily have to pay an agent to register a company.

The CAC’s online system allows members of the public to create accounts and use pre-incorporation services.

However, whether you should do it yourself is a different question.

Registering Yourself

You may prefer to do it yourself if:

• Your company structure is straightforward.
• You understand the information required.
• You are comfortable using the portal.
• You want to reduce professional-service costs.

Using a CAC Accredited Agent

An accredited agent may be useful if:

• You have multiple shareholders.
• Your ownership structure is complicated.
• Your business operates in a regulated sector.
• You need a restricted name.
• You are unsure about the appropriate company structure.
• You have previously had a CAC application queried.
• You are registering a company for investors.
• You need help with post-incorporation compliance.

The important thing is to distinguish between CAC’s official statutory fees and the professional fees charged by an agent.

If an agent quotes you ₦100,000, for example, that does not automatically mean CAC’s own registration fee is ₦100,000. The quotation may include professional service fees, documentation, consultation and other services.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Registering a Company with CAC

1. Choosing a name without checking availability

Do not build your entire brand around a name before checking whether you can actually register it.

Search existing entities and then submit the formal name reservation.

2. Choosing the wrong company structure

A business name and a limited company are not the same thing.

Think carefully about whether you need a business name, private limited company, public company, LLP, LP or another structure.

3. Entering incorrect personal information

Do not rush through director and shareholder information.

Check names and identification details carefully.

4. Choosing a shareholding structure without thinking about ownership

If two or more people are starting a company, do not simply divide shares randomly.

Consider:

• Capital contribution
• Responsibilities
• Voting rights
• Decision-making
• Future investment
• Exit arrangements
• Transfer of shares

A lawyer can help founders document these arrangements properly.

5. Using an inaccurate address

Make sure your registered office information is accurate and traceable.

6. Choosing vague business activities

Your business activity should communicate what the company actually intends to do.

If your company will operate across several related areas, ensure the description adequately covers its intended activities.

Some sectors may also require additional licences or approvals from regulators.

CAC registration does not automatically give you every licence required to operate a regulated business.

7. Assuming CAC registration is the end of compliance

It is not.

Incorporation is the beginning of your company’s formal compliance obligations.

Depending on your business, you may need to deal with matters involving:

• Tax
• Annual returns
• Corporate records
• Sector-specific licences
• Beneficial ownership/Persons with Significant Control requirements
• Employment obligations
• Data protection
• Intellectual property
• Financial reporting
• Other regulatory requirements

What Should You Do After Registering Your Company?

Getting your CAC certificate is an important milestone, but there are several things you should consider afterwards.

1. Open a Corporate Bank Account

Once the company has been incorporated, you can approach a bank to open a corporate account.

The bank may request your:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• CAC registration documents
• RC number
• Identification documents
• Tax information
• Information about directors and shareholders
• Other documents depending on the bank and company structure

Requirements vary between banks.

2. Organise Your Corporate Records

Create a proper corporate folder containing:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• E-Status Report
• Shareholding information
• Director information
• Company resolutions
• Important contracts
• Tax documents
• Annual returns
• Regulatory licences

Do not wait until you need a document urgently before organising your records.

3. Understand Annual Returns

CAC registration does not mean you can forget about the Commission.

Companies have continuing obligations, including annual returns.

CAC’s current fee schedule also provides penalties for defaults relating to annual returns, with different penalties depending on the type of entity.

This is why company owners should maintain a compliance calendar.

4. Register for the Appropriate Tax Obligations

CAC registration and tax administration are related but distinct.

Registering a company with CAC does not mean that all tax obligations have automatically been dealt with.

Depending on your activities, turnover, employees and other circumstances, your business may have obligations involving the relevant Nigerian tax authorities.

You should obtain appropriate tax advice for your particular business.

5. Protect Your Brand

CAC registration protects your corporate registration, but entrepreneurs should also think about intellectual property.

If your brand name, logo, product or creative work is commercially important, consider whether you need trademark, copyright or other intellectual-property protection.

A company registration should not be confused with trademark registration.

CAC Company Registration: Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to register a company with CAC in Nigeria?

There is no single fixed price for every company.

CAC’s current published fee schedule lists ₦1,000 for name reservation and, for a small company or private company other than a small company, ₦10,000 for every ₦1 million or part thereof of share capital for incorporation. Other charges may apply depending on the type of company and services involved.

Always confirm the amount shown by the official CAC portal before payment.

Can I register a company with CAC online?

Yes. CAC’s current Company Registration Portal allows users to complete registration online, make payments and obtain electronic registration documents.

Do I need a lawyer to register a company with CAC?

Not necessarily.

Individuals can use the CAC portal themselves. However, professional assistance may be useful for complex company structures, regulated businesses, restricted names, multiple shareholders or complicated ownership arrangements.

Can a foreigner register a company in Nigeria?

Foreign participation in Nigerian companies is possible, but additional legal, immigration, investment or regulatory requirements may apply depending on the circumstances and sector.

A foreign investor should obtain appropriate professional advice before commencing the registration.

Can one person register a company in Nigeria?

Nigerian company law permits certain private companies to be formed with a single member, subject to the applicable legal requirements.

The precise requirements should be checked against the current CAC rules and the circumstances of the proposed company.

What is the difference between CAC and TIN?

CAC is responsible for corporate registration and regulation.

A TIN, or Tax Identification Number, relates to tax administration.

They serve different purposes.

Do not assume that having a CAC registration automatically means that every tax or regulatory obligation has been completed.

Does CAC registration give me a business licence?

Not necessarily.

CAC incorporation establishes the company’s legal registration, but some industries require separate licences, permits or approvals.

For example, highly regulated industries may have requirements beyond CAC registration.

Always check the regulatory requirements for your specific industry.

What happens if my CAC application is queried?

A query means that CAC requires something to be corrected, clarified or supplied.

Log into your dashboard, read the query, make the required correction and resubmit the application.

Can I change my company information after registration?

Yes. CAC provides post-incorporation services through its registration system.

Changes may include matters such as directors, shareholders, registered address, company name and other corporate information, depending on the applicable procedure.

The current i-CRP uses a single-sign-on approach that allows users and accredited agents to access post-incorporation services from the portal.

How to Register a Company with CAC: Quick Checklist

Before submitting your application, make sure you have:

• Chosen your company structure
• Selected a suitable company name
• Checked existing registered entities
• Created a CAC i-CRP account
• Reserved your company name
• Obtained your availability code
• Prepared your registered office address
• Prepared director information
• Prepared shareholder information
• Decided on your shareholding structure
• Determined your share capital
• Prepared identification documents
• Prepared required photographs/signatures where applicable
• Completed the digital registration form
• Reviewed all information
• Paid the applicable CAC fees
• Submitted the application
• Monitored your CAC dashboard
• Responded to any query
• Downloaded your electronic certificate
• Downloaded your E-Status Report
• Organised your corporate records
• Planned for ongoing compliance

Final Thoughts

Registering a company with CAC in Nigeria is considerably more straightforward than it used to be. The process can now be completed largely online through the CAC’s i-CRP, from creating an account and reserving a name to submitting the incorporation application and downloading your electronic certificate.

The most important thing is not to rush.

Choose the appropriate company structure, select a name carefully, provide accurate information, understand your shareholding arrangement and review your application before submission.

Most importantly, remember that CAC registration is only the beginning of running a compliant company. Once your company has been incorporated, you need to maintain proper corporate records, understand annual-return requirements and attend to applicable tax and industry-specific obligations.

If you are registering a straightforward company, you may be able to complete the process yourself through the official CAC portal. If your company has multiple shareholders, complicated ownership arrangements, foreign investors, restricted activities or other unusual circumstances, professional assistance can save you from costly mistakes.

The official CAC portal and fee schedule should always be treated as the final authority because registration procedures and government fees can change over time.

Official CAC Resources

CAC Company Registration:
Register a Company with CAC

CAC Company Registration Portal:
CAC i-CRP

CAC Public Search:
Search Registered Companies and Businesses

CAC Frequently Asked Questions:
CAC i-CRP FAQ

The information above reflects CAC’s current online registration system and the published CAC fee schedule available at the time of writing.

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