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.