Registering your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria is one of the most important steps you'll take as an entrepreneur. It gives your business legal recognition, makes you eligible for contracts, and builds trust with clients and investors. Here's the complete, up-to-date guide.
Types of Business Registration in Nigeria
- Business Name (Sole Proprietorship / Partnership): Simplest and cheapest option. Best for freelancers, small traders, and startups. Cost: ₦10,000 – ₦15,000.
- Private Limited Company (Ltd): More credible, preferred by clients and investors. Allows multiple shareholders. Cost: ₦35,000 – ₦55,000+.
- Public Limited Company (PLC): For large enterprises that want to raise capital from the public.
- NGO / Incorporated Trustee: For non-profit organizations.
Requirements for Business Name Registration
- Two proposed business names (in order of preference)
- Nature of business (what you do)
- Business address in Nigeria
- Valid means of ID (NIN, Driver's License, or International Passport)
- BVN (Bank Verification Number)
- Passport photograph
Requirements for Private Limited Company (Ltd)
- Proposed company name (2 options)
- Nature of business
- Registered address
- Names, addresses, and IDs of all directors (minimum 2)
- Shareholders information and share capital
- BVN and NIN of each director
- Passport photographs of all directors
Step-by-Step CAC Registration Process
- Name Search: Search the CAC portal (search.cac.gov.ng) to confirm your preferred name is available.
- Create Account: Register on the CAC portal (registrar.cac.gov.ng).
- Fill Application Form: Complete the online application with all required details.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of required documents.
- Pay Registration Fee: Pay via the CAC payment portal using Remita, card, or bank transfer.
- Await Approval: Processing takes 3–10 business days. You'll receive email notification.
- Download Certificate: Once approved, download your Certificate of Registration from the portal.
CAC Registration Fees (2026)
- Business Name Registration: ₦10,000 – ₦15,000
- Limited Liability Company: ₦35,000 – ₦55,000 (depending on share capital)
- CAC annual return: ₦3,000 – ₦10,000 per year
Post-Registration Requirements
- Tax Identification Number (TIN): Register with FIRS for your TIN — required for contracts, banking, and government deals.
- VAT Registration: Required if your annual turnover exceeds ₦25 million.
- Business Bank Account: Open a corporate bank account using your CAC certificate.
- Annual Returns: File annual returns with CAC every year to keep your registration active.
Let Us Handle Your CAC Registration
Don't want to deal with the paperwork? Muddy X Digital handles CAC Business Name and Limited Company registration on your behalf — fast, affordable, and stress-free. Focus on your business while we handle the compliance.
