How to Register Your Business with CAC in Nigeria (Step-by-Step Guide)
Registering your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is a crucial step for anyone who wants to operate legally in Nigeria. Whether you are a small business owner, online entrepreneur, consultant, or startup founder, CAC registration gives your business legal recognition, credibility, and access to opportunities such as bank accounts, loans, and government programs. In this guide on Hausanet.com.ng, you will learn how to register your business with CAC in Nigeria step by step, including requirements, cost, and common mistakes to avoid.
What Is CAC?
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is the Nigerian government agency responsible for the registration and regulation of businesses, companies, and incorporated trustees under CAMA 2020 (Companies and Allied Matters Act).
Simply put, CAC is the body that:
Registers business names and companies
Issues Certificates of Incorporation
Keeps records of business owners
Regulates corporate compliance
Without CAC registration, a business is not legally recognized in Nigeria.
Why You Should Register Your Business with CAC
Registering your business is not just a legal requirement; it also offers many benefits:
1. Legal Recognition
A registered business can operate legally anywhere in Nigeria.
2. Business Bank Account
Banks require CAC documents before opening a business account.
3. Trust and Credibility
Customers, partners, and investors trust registered businesses more.
4. Access to Loans and Grants
Most grants, loans, and government programs require CAC registration.
5. Protection of Business Name
Once registered, no other business can legally use your business name.
Types of Business Registration with CAC
Before registering, you must choose the correct business structure.
1. Business Name (Sole Proprietorship / Partnership)
This is the most common type for small businesses.
Suitable for:
Traders
Online sellers
Freelancers
Small shops
Partnerships
Features:
Owned by one or more individuals
Easy and cheap to register
Owner bears full responsibility
2. Private Limited Company (Ltd)
This is a separate legal entity from its owners.
Suitable for:
Medium and large businesses
Startups seeking investors
Schools, tech companies, factories
Features:
Limited liability
More credibility
Can raise capital
Requires directors and shareholders
3. Public Limited Company (Plc)
Mainly for large corporations listed on the stock exchange.
4. Incorporated Trustees (NGO, Church, Mosque, Foundation)
Used for non-profit organizations.
Examples:
NGOs
Religious organizations
Associations
Foundations
Requirements for CAC Registration
A. Business Name Registration Requirements
You will need:
Two proposed business names
Owner’s full name
Residential address
Phone number and email
Nature of business
Means of identification (NIN recommended)
B. Limited Company Registration Requirements
You will need:
Company name (two options)
Registered office address
Directors’ details
Shareholders’ details
Share capital
Memorandum & Articles of Association
PSC (Persons with Significant Control) details
C. NGO / Incorporated Trustees Requirements
You will need:
Organization name
Trustees’ details
Constitution
Minutes of meeting
Passport photographs
Newspaper publication
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Your Business with CAC
Step 1: Visit the CAC Portal
Go to the official CAC Company Registration Portal (CRP).
Create an account using:
Email address
Phone number
Password
Step 2: Name Reservation
Search and reserve your business name.
Tips for approval:
Avoid restricted words (Federal, National, Government)
Avoid existing or similar names
Make the name unique
Name reservation is valid for 60 days.
Step 3: Fill the Registration Form
Provide:
Business details
Owner(s) details
Nature of business
Address
Ensure all information matches your ID.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Upload:
Means of ID
Passport photograph
Signed documents (where required)
Step 5: Pay CAC Fees
Payments are made via Remita.
Approximate fees:
Business Name: ₦30,000 – ₦35,000
Limited Company: ₦50,000 – ₦80,000+
NGO: Higher depending on requirements
Step 6: Submit Application
After payment:
Review all details
Submit for processing
CAC will review and either approve or query your application.
Step 7: Download Your CAC Certificate
Once approved:
Download Certificate of Registration
Download Status Report
Download Memorandum (for companies)
Understanding CAC Queries (Common Issues)
CAC may query your application for reasons such as:
Missing PSC details
Inconsistent share structure
Incomplete documents
Incorrect information
When queried:
Log into your CAC portal
Correct the issue
Resubmit without extra payment
Cost of CAC Registration in Nigeria
Costs depend on business type:
| Business Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Business Name | ₦30,000 – ₦35,000 |
| Limited Company | ₦50,000 – ₦80,000+ |
| NGO | ₦100,000 – ₦150,000+ |
Using an agent may increase cost but saves time.
How Long Does CAC Registration Take?
Business Name: 1–5 working days
Limited Company: 3–10 working days
NGO: 1–3 months
Delays may occur if there are queries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using restricted words in business name
Entering wrong personal details
Ignoring PSC requirements
Paying twice on Remita
Uploading unclear documents
Avoiding these saves time and money.
Can You Register CAC Without an Agent?
Yes. CAC allows self-registration online.
However, beginners may prefer an agent to avoid errors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is CAC registration compulsory?
Yes, if you want to operate legally and professionally.
Can one person register a company?
Yes. One person can be director and shareholder.
Do I need NIN for CAC?
NIN is strongly recommended and often required.
Can I change business details later?
Yes, through CAC post-incorporation services.
Conclusion
Registering your business with CAC is a crucial step toward building a legitimate, trusted, and successful business in Nigeria. With the online CAC portal, registration is now easier than ever.
Whether you are starting small or aiming big, CAC registration lays the foundation for growth, access to finance, and long-term success.
Need Help?
If you need help with:
CAC registration
Name reservation
Query resolution
Business documentation
You can contact a CAC-approved agent or consult a professional