Guide to Register a Business with CAC in Nigeria (2025)

“Register a Business with CAC in Nigeria | Step-by-Step Guide”

Learn how to register your business with CAC in Nigeria in 7 easy steps. From name search to certificate download, this guide has you covered.

Starting a business in Nigeria requires more than just a great idea—you need to formalize your operations by registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The CAC is the official body in charge of regulating and managing companies in Nigeria. Whether you’re launching a startup, a school, or a side hustle, this guide will walk you through each step of the CAC registration process.

✅ Why You Should Register Your Business

Registering your business comes with several benefits:

Legal recognition and protection
Access to business bank accounts
Eligibility for grants and funding
Customer and investor trust
Ability to sign contracts and operate formally

🛠️ Step-by-Step Guide to Register Your Business with CAC in Nigeria

1. Choose Your Business Structure

There are different forms of business recognized by CAC, including:

Business Name (Sole Proprietorship or Partnership) – simple and affordable
Limited Liability Company (Ltd) – separate legal identity, ideal for growth
Incorporated Trustees (NGOs, Churches, Schools) – nonprofit structure

✅ Most small businesses register as “Business Name” to start.

2. Search for Business Name Availability

Visit the CAC Public Search Portal to check if your preferred name is available. You’ll need 2–3 name options in case one is already taken or too similar to an existing business.

3. Reserve Your Business Name

Once a name is available, reserve it using the CAC online portal:
👉 https://pre.cac.gov.ng

Create an account
Pay the name reservation fee (₦500)
Wait for approval (1–2 days)

4. Complete the Registration Form Online

After your name is reserved, complete the business registration form online:

For Business Name, you’ll need:

Approved business name
Business address
Nature of business
Proprietor’s details (name, address, occupation, ID)

For Company Registration, you’ll also need:

Director/shareholder info
Share capital structure
Company Secretary (optional for small companies)

5. Upload Supporting Documents

Prepare and upload:

Means of Identification (e.g., National ID, Passport, Driver’s License)
Passport photo (for Business Name)
Signature (scanned copy)

For Limited Companies, include:

Memorandum & Articles of Association
Form CAC1.1 (automatically generated)

6. Pay Registration Fees

Pay using Remita or other listed gateways. Fees (subject to change) include:

₦10,000 for Business Name
₦20,000+ for Limited Liability Companies (based on share capital)

7. Download Your CAC Certificate

Once your application is approved (typically within 3–5 working days), you’ll receive:

CAC Certificate of Incorporation
Business Name or Company Registration Number
Status report or Form CAC 1.1

🧾 What Next After Registration?

Once registered, you should:

Open a corporate bank account using your CAC certificate
Apply for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from FIRS
Register for VAT, Pension, or other regulatory needs depending on your sector

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting blurry or inconsistent documents
Using names similar to existing trademarks
Registering with incorrect email or phone number
Not selecting the correct business nature/sector

Conclusion

Registering your business with the CAC is a vital first step toward building a legally recognized and sustainable venture in Nigeria. Thanks to the online portal, the process is now simpler, faster, and more accessible. Don’t wait—turn your business idea into a registered reality today!