Company Registration

Can a business be operated without registration? In short, yes, but there are legal benefits to registering a business. One advantage is asset protection, which safeguards personal assets in the event that the company is sued. There are specific requirements that must be met when registering a business, which are outlined below. Registering a business provides legal protection for the company name, ensuring that no one else can claim it. It can also make applying for and receiving funding easier.

1. Business name– It is best suited to pick a name which will have the desired effect on your target audience, conveying the services you provide. When selecting a name for your business, it is crucial to consider both the legal requirements and your future marketing strategies. Depending on the business’s legal structure, certain suffixes, such as “Incorporated” or “Pty Ltd,” must be included in the business’s name.

2. Registration of business name- An enterprise can be registered using its company number and a business name can be added later. To enroll a business name, however, you must first withhold a name for your business. Businesses will offer up a name availability application to the CIPC to guarantee that no two businesses are using the same name. Once the name has been accepted, you can set up your company on the same website for a small fee using that name.

3. Business entity- Each kind of corporation is subject to unique legal constraints and registration requirements. Private (Pty Ltd) and Public Companies (Ltd), Personal Liability Companies (Inc.), and Non-Profit Organisations are the types of entities in South Africa (NPO). There are companies or groups which  assist entrepreneurs in selecting the appropriate entity type.

4. Documents for registration- Certain paperwork has to be handed in towards the CIPC in accordance with the kind of business organization that will be registered. Notice of Incorporation (CoR 14.1) and Memorandum of Incorporation (CoR 15.1 A-E), which also include business-specific information such as the business name, address, etc., must be submitted by all companies. For private businesses, enrollment will require additional supporting documents.

5. Online registration- The CIPC portal enables businesses to register online, eliminating the need to stand in line. To accomplish this, company owners must select the register option and establish a user account.

Before having to register your business, you must provide certain information, which can be used to help you complete the required paperwork. 

Alternately, if you are interested in getting assistance with registering your own business, there are low-cost companies that can assist you. The registration of a company is facilitated by the following form. After completion, please email thanja@shelevacc.co.za with all required documents. 

Please click on the following link to speak with one of our agents who will personally guide you through the process if you have followed the steps outlined above and your proceedings have not been successful.