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How To Register Your Business With Cac In Nigeria: A Step-By-Step Process

Starting a business in Nigeria is a bold and exciting journey. Whether you're launching a fashion brand in Lagos, running a tech startup in Abuja, or opening a food business in Port Harcourt, one of the first steps to legitimacy is registering your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

But let’s face it — for many Nigerians, the CAC process has always seemed like a long and confusing road filled with paperwork and bureaucracy. But that narrative is changing. The CAC has improved and digitized its processes to make it easier for Nigerians to formalize their hustle.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the complete step-by-step process of how to register your business with CAC in Nigeria, updated for 2025. Whether you’re registering as a sole proprietor or forming a limited liability company, this post is your complete map to getting it done without stress.

What is CAC and Why is Business Registration Important?

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is the government body responsible for regulating the formation and management of companies in Nigeria. It was established by the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

Registering your business with CAC is not just a legal requirement — it comes with serious benefits:

Legitimacy: Customers and partners will take your business more seriously when it’s registered.

Access to funding: Banks, investors, and grant bodies often require proof of registration.

Protection: Your business name becomes legally yours and cannot be used by others.

Structure: A registered business is easier to manage professionally, pay taxes, and scale.

Now let’s get into the main reason you’re here — how to register your business with CAC.

Step 1: Decide on the Type of Business You Want to Register

Before you do anything on the CAC website, you must decide what kind of business you want to register. There are several types of business structures available:

1. Business Name (Sole Proprietorship or Partnership):

Best for small businesses, freelancers, and side hustlers. This is the simplest and cheapest to register.

2. Limited Liability Company (Ltd):

Ideal for startups and growing businesses that want to bring in investors or partners. Your personal assets are protected if the business fails.

3. Incorporated Trustees (NGOs, churches, foundations):

For non-profit and religious organizations.

For most small business owners and freelancers, registering a Business Name is the best option. It’s fast, affordable, and still gives you credibility.

Step 2: Choose and Reserve Your Business Name

Now comes the fun but tricky part — picking a name.

Here’s how it works:

1. Brainstorm a unique business name. It should be catchy, easy to remember, and reflect what your business does.

2. Check name availability:

Visit the CAC website: www.cac.gov.ng or directly to the Company Registration Portal.

Create an account and log in.

Navigate to “Public Search” to check if your preferred name is already taken.

Submit a name reservation request (you’re allowed to suggest two names). This costs ₦500.

3. Wait for approval:

If your name is approved, it will be reserved for you for 60 days. If not, you’ll have to try new name options.

Tips for name approval:

Avoid generic names like “Best Enterprise” or “God is Good Services”.

Avoid using restricted words like “National”, “Federal”, “Group”, etc., unless you get special permission.

Ensure the name is not too similar to an existing registered company.

Step 3: Fill Out the CAC Registration Forms

Once your business name is approved, the next step is to officially register the business.

Here's how to proceed:

For a Business Name (Sole Proprietor/Partnership):

1. Log into the CAC portal again.

2. Click on “New Registration”.

3. Choose “Business Name Registration”.

4. Fill in your details:

Approved business name

Business address

Nature of business (e.g., tailoring, digital marketing, food services)

Date the business started

Proprietor’s personal details: Name, email, phone number, address, gender, nationality

5. Upload scanned copies of:

Valid ID (National ID, driver’s license, passport)

Passport photograph

6. Review and confirm your information.

For a Limited Liability Company:

You'll need:

Minimum of one director

A registered office address

Shareholders’ details

Statement of capital (amount and ownership percentage)

Memorandum and Articles of Association (MEMART)

Step 4: Pay the CAC Registration Fee

Once the form is complete, the next step is payment. CAC charges depend on your business structure:

Business Name: ₦10,000 to ₦11,000

Limited Liability Company: ₦25,000 and above (based on share capital)

NGOs/Trustees: ₦30,000 and above (plus extra fees for publication)

You can pay online using:

ATM cards

Bank transfers

USSD (in some cases)

After payment, you will receive a receipt via email. Keep this safe.

Step 5: Upload Your Documents

Now it’s time to upload all your documents for review:

For Business Name:

Application form (generated on the CAC portal)

Passport photograph

Valid ID of the business owner

Payment receipt

For Limited Liability Company:

Application form

IDs of directors/shareholders

MEMART

Payment receipts

Form CAC1.1

All documents must be in PDF format, clear, and properly labelled.

Step 6: Wait for CAC Review and Approval

Once you upload your documents, the CAC will review your application. This usually takes a few days — sometimes faster, sometimes longer.

If your documents are in order and there are no issues, the CAC will approve your registration.

You’ll receive:

Certificate of Registration or Incorporation

Business Name Form (BN 1) or Company Status Report

TIN Number (Tax Identification Number)

Note: In most cases, you no longer need to visit a CAC office physically — everything can be done online!

Step 7: Download and Print Your CAC Certificate

After approval, your certificate and documents will be available for download from your CAC portal dashboard.

Make sure you:

Print and keep multiple copies

Save a digital version on your phone and email

Back it up in cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)

Step 8: Register for Tax and Open a Business Bank Account

Your business is now officially registered!

But you still have a few steps left:

1. Register with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS):

You should have received your TIN during the CAC process.

Visit your nearest FIRS office or use the JTB TIN portal to verify it.

2. Open a Business Bank Account: Most Nigerian banks require:

CAC Certificate

TIN

Valid ID

Passport photo

Utility bill

Completed bank form

A business account gives you professionalism, payment gateways, and access to POS and loans.

Step 9: Start Running Your Business!

Congratulations! You’re now the proud owner of a legally registered business in Nigeria. From this point on:

Start marketing your services

Issue receipts and invoices in your registered name

Build trust with clients and partners

Keep business records, including expenses and income

File your taxes yearly (yes, even as a small business)

Common Mistakes to Avoid During CAC Registration

Submitting blurry or mismatched documents

Using a name too similar to another business

Failing to monitor your CAC portal for updates

Not saving your receipt or certificate immediately

Registering a company structure you don’t fully understand

Always double-check your entries and ensure that all uploaded documents are clear and correct.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. In today’s Nigeria, especially in 2025 where the government is clamping down on unregistered businesses, CAC registration is more important than ever.

It opens doors. It builds trust. It makes you visible. And most importantly, it gives you peace of mind knowing your hustle is legit.

Whether you’re a fashion designer, caterer, graphics designer, web developer, hair stylist, or you run a mini importation business — this process is your gateway to the formal economy.

So don’t delay. Start the process today. Get your business registered and take that bold step into the future of entrepreneurship.

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Magnusbau George

I am a passionate writer, skilled content creator, and dedicated blogger with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, engaging, and informative content. With a deep love for storytelling and a keen understanding of audience needs, I craft content that not only informs but also inspires and connects. Whether it's blog posts, articles, website content, or social media copy, I strive to create impactful narratives that drive engagement, enhance brand visibility, and provide value to readers across diverse niches and platforms.

 


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