The complete guide to registering a company in South Africa (Pty Ltd)

<h2>Why Register a Pty Ltd?</h2><p>A private company (Proprietary Limited, or Pty Ltd) is the most popular business structure in South Africa for good reason: it limits your personal liability, creates a separate legal entity, and makes it easier to open business bank accounts, take on investors and win contracts.</p><h2>Step 1: Reserve Your Company Name</h2><p>Use the CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) website to check name availability and file a name reservation (Form CoR9.1). Cost: R50. Your name is reserved for 6 months.</p><h2>Step 2: Register on the CIPC Portal</h2><p>Visit <strong>cipc.co.za</strong> and create an account. You will complete the CoR14.1 (Memorandum of Incorporation) and pay the registration fee of R175. Most registrations are completed within 5–7 business days.</p><h2>Step 3: Get a Tax Number</h2><p>Once your company is registered, SARS will automatically issue an income tax reference number. Register for VAT (if turnover exceeds R1 million) and PAYE (if you employ staff) on eFiling.</p><h2>Step 4: Open a Business Bank Account</h2><p>Use your COR15.1A (incorporation certificate) and proof of directors to open a business account. Compare our <a href="/compare/business-banking">business banking</a> options.</p><h2>What You Need</h2><ul><li>Certified copy of ID for each director</li><li>Proof of address for the registered office</li><li>R175 registration fee</li></ul><h2>Cost Summary</h2><p>Name reservation: R50 | Registration: R175 | Total: <strong>R225</strong>. Everything else (tax registration, B-BBEE affidavit) is free.</p>