Starting a business in Nigeria today isn’t just about launching your product or service — it’s about doing it legally and professionally. Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, startup founder, or nonprofit visionary, registering your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is your first official step toward credibility and compliance.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about CAC business registration — from choosing the right business type to step-by-step instructions, cost breakdowns, documentation requirements, timelines, and frequently asked questions.

🔍 What Is the CAC?

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is the government agency responsible for regulating the formation and management of companies in Nigeria. It was established under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) in 1990 and operates under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

The CAC oversees:

• Business name registration
• Incorporation of companies (Limited and Unlimited)
• Incorporated trustees (NGOs, religious and community organizations)
• Filing of annual returns
• Changes to business details (e.g. name, address, directors, etc.)

✅ Why You Should Register Your Business with CAC

Registering your business with CAC comes with several benefits:

🏢 Types of Business Structures You Can Register with CAC

Before registering, it’s important to know the right type of business structure for your operation:

1. Business Name (BN)

• Also known as: Sole Proprietorship or Partnership
• Best for: Freelancers, artisans, traders, side hustlers
• Cost: ₦10,000–₦15,000
• Legal status: Not separate from the owner

2. Private Limited Liability Company (Ltd)

• Best for: Startups, SMEs, scalable businesses
• Shareholders: Minimum of 1, maximum of 50
• Legal status: Separate legal entity
• Cost: ₦25,000 and above (depends on share capital)

3. Public Limited Company (PLC)

• Best for: Large enterprises intending to list on the stock exchange
• Minimum Shareholders: 2
• Minimum Share Capital: ₦500,000+

4. Incorporated Trustees

• Best for: NGOs, churches, foundations, clubs
• Legal status: Non-profit
• Cost: ₦50,000+

📋 Step-by-Step: How to Register Your Business with CAC in Nigeria

Step 1: Conduct a Business Name Availability Search

Go to: https://pre.cac.gov.ng/

• Use the Public Search feature to check if your preferred business name is available.
• Propose 2 name options — one will be approved if available.

🔎 Tip: Avoid generic or prohibited names (e.g., “Federal,” “National,” “Authority,” unless you get government approval).

Step 2: Reserve Your Business Name

Still on https://pre.cac.gov.ng/:

• Fill the Name Reservation Form
• Pay ₦500 using Remita or card
• Await approval via email (takes 1–2 business days)

Once approved, you’ll receive a Name Availability Approval Note (Availability Code).

Step 3: Choose Your Business Structure and Fill the Registration Form

Now that your name is secured, log in to: https://services.cac.gov.ng

Click “Register”, and select your business type:

• BN Registration (Business Name)
• Company Registration (Ltd or PLC)
• Incorporated Trustees (NGO, Church, Foundation)

📝 Details Required:

• Approved name (from reservation)
• Nature of business (select NAFDAC-approved description or manually input)
• Business address
• Details of owner(s)/director(s): Full name, address, email, phone number
• Valid ID: National ID, Voter’s card, Driver’s License, or Passport
• Email address (used for all CAC communication)
• Signature uploads

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

For Business Name (BN):

• Valid ID of proprietor(s)
• Passport photo
• Signature specimen (signed on white paper)
• Completed application form (auto-generated)

For Limited Liability Company:

• Valid IDs of directors and shareholders
• Memorandum and Articles of Association (MEMART) – use CAC templates or upload custom version
• Shareholding structure
• Statement of compliance (prepared by a CAC-accredited legal practitioner)

For Incorporated Trustees (NGO):

• Trustees’ IDs and passport photos
• Objectives of the organization
• Constitution
• Minutes of the meeting appointing trustees
• Newspaper publication for intent to register

Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee

CAC Fees (2025 estimated):

Pay securely via Remita or card through the portal.

Step 6: Submit for Processing and Approval

Once everything is complete:

• Submit your application
• CAC will review the documents
• If all is well, your Certificate of Registration or Incorporation will be sent via email

Processing time: 3 to 7 working days

📄 What You’ll Receive After Registration

• CAC Certificate of Incorporation (PDF)

• Status Report (Summary of business details)

• TIN (Tax Identification Number) – Automatically generated by FIRS for companies and business names

📌 What To Do After CAC Registration

Once your business is registered:

1. Open a Business Bank Account

   • Present your CAC documents, valid ID, passport photo, utility bill, and Tax Identification Number (TIN)

2. Register for Taxes

   • Visit your local FIRS or state tax office

3. Register with Relevant Authorities

   • NAFDAC, SMEDAN, or other regulators depending on your industry

4. Build Your Brand

   • Get a logo, website, professional email, and social media presence

5. Set Up a Record-Keeping System

   • Accounting, invoicing, payroll, and compliance tracking

❓ FAQs About CAC Business Registration in Nigeria

Q1: Can I register a business by myself?

Yes. The entire CAC registration process can be done online. However, you can use accredited agents or lawyers if needed.

Q2: Can I upgrade a Business Name to a Limited Liability Company later?

No. You will need to register a new company and discontinue the old business name.

Q3: What if my business name is rejected?

You can propose a new name at no extra cost if the first is rejected. Choose unique names to avoid delays.

Q4: Can I register from outside Nigeria?

Yes. As long as you have access to Nigerian identification and documents, you can register online from anywhere.

Q5: What does a CAC-accredited agent do?

They help prepare your MEMART, submit your application, and liaise with CAC on your behalf — helpful for Limited and NGO registrations.

Registering with CAC is a foundational step toward building a legitimate and successful business in Nigeria. Whether you’re a startup looking for funding, a side hustler going official, or launching a nonprofit, the process is now more accessible and affordable than ever.

At Poterby Tech, we’re passionate about empowering entrepreneurs. After registration, we can help you:

• Build a professional website

• Launch e-commerce or service platforms

• Automate invoicing, accounting, and operations

• Create a strong brand identity

🚀 Ready to Launch?

Need help registering your business or taking your brand online?
👉 Contact Poterby Tech today and get expert support tailored to your business stage.