Taking your business idea from a dream to an officially recognized entity is one of the most exciting steps for any entrepreneur. Registering your company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) gives you legal standing and also opens doors to funding, contracts, and public trust.
Company Registration Services in Nigeria
From Name Search to Final Approval: A Step-by-Step Breakdown of Every Document and Detail You'll Need
This article will guide you through every CAC company registration requirement, ensuring you have all the necessary information ready for a smooth and successful registration.
Common CAC Registration Requirements for All Company Types
Before you dive into the specifics, every company registration in Nigeria starts with the same foundational information. Get these details sorted first:
- Proposed Company Name: The CAC portal now offers an instant name availability search. You only need one unique name. Crucially, it must end with the correct suffix for your chosen structure (e.g.,
MyBiz Ventures Ltd.,Global PLC,Hope Foundation LTD/GTE, orPartners Unlimited). LTD/GTE requires three name options for consent reservation. The name reservation is valid for 60 days. - Business Activity: A clear statement detailing the Nature of Business, Specific Nature, and the primary operational objectives.
- Address & Contact: The Registered Office Address in Nigeria (mandatory physical location) and the company’s official email and phone number.
- Objects of Memorandum: Defines the scope and purposes for which the company is established.
- Articles of Association: The internal rules governing the company’s management and operations (can be based on the standard template or customized).
Choosing Your Structure: A Head-to-Head Comparison of Company Types
| Feature | Private Limited Company (LTD) | Public Limited Company (PLC) | Company Limited by Guarantee (LTD/GTE) | Unlimited Company (Ultd.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Directors | 1 (for small companies) or 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 (for small companies) or 2 |
| Minimum Members/Shareholders | 1 | 2 | 2 (called Guarantors) | 1 |
| Maximum Members/Shareholders | 50 | Unlimited | 50 | 50 |
| Minimum Capital / Guarantee Amount | ₦100,000 (standard) | ₦2,000,000 | ₦10,000 (minimum guaranteed sum) | Not applicable |
| Liability Structure | Limited to the value of shares | Limited to the value of shares | Limited to the guaranteed amount | Unlimited; members are personally liable for all company debts |
| Company Secretary | Optional for small companies | Mandatory | Mandatory | Optional for small companies |
| Special Approvals | None | None | Mandatory Attorney-General's Consent | None |
| Purpose | For-profit, private ventures | For-profit, large-scale public investment | Non-profit, charitable, educational, or religious purposes | For-profit, where confidentiality is key and liability is a low risk |
Information Required for Key Individuals
Understanding the stakeholder information is key to meeting all CAC registration requirements quickly.
Information for Directors, Shareholders, and Members/Guarantors:
- Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, occupation, and gender.
- Contact Information: Email, Phone Number, residential address, and service address.
- Valid means of identification (e.g., NIN, passport, driver’s license, or voter’s card).
- Recent passport photograph and scanned signature on a white background.
- For shareholders (LTD, PLC, Unlimited): Number of shares allocated.
- For members/guarantors (LTD/GTE): Guaranteed amount (minimum ₦10,000).
- If you have foreign directors or shareholders, you'll need a copy of their passports and a resident permit if they live in Nigeria.
Persons with Significant Control (PSC):
- Any individual or entity owning 5% or more of shares or voting rights (for LTD, PLC, Unlimited) or exercising significant influence/control (all types).
- Provide: Personal Details, Contact details, Identification, and nature of control.
For corporate shareholders, PSC, or members, provide:
- Certificate of Incorporation.
- Board Resolution authorizing participation in the company.
Special Requirements for Non-Profits (LTD/GTE)
Registering a non-profit, charity, or foundation involves unique steps that must be completed before the final CAC registration:
- Application for consent for name reservation: The information required for this process includes three proposed company names in order of preference, the objectives of the company, details of directors and secretary, and Statement of Guarantee of the proposed Company limited by guarantee.
Attorney General’s Consent: Mandatory pre-registration approval from the Attorney General of the Federation, with a 30-day review period to ensure alignment with public interest.
Letter of No-Objection: Required for certain sectors (e.g., education requires approval from NUC or NBTE). Note that associated costs are separate from CAC fees.
Finalizing & Submitting Your Application
Beyond gathering information, the final stage of registration involves several key legal and financial actions:
- Witness Attestation: A witness is typically required to attest to the signatures of the directors and shareholders on the CAC forms. Their full name, address, signature, and National Identification Number (NIN) are required.
- Statement of Compliance: This is a formal declaration, signed by the applicant or their accredited agent, confirming that all registration requirements under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 have been fully met.
- Accredited Agent Details (If Applicable): If you engage a CAC-accredited professional (e.g., lawyer or chartered accountant) to handle the submission, their professional details and signature will be part of the process.
- Stamp Duty: Before submission, your Memorandum and Articles of Association (MEMART) must be electronically stamped by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The fee is calculated based on your company's share capital.
- CAC Filing Fees: You must pay the official CAC filing fees. The cost varies depending on your company's share capital-the higher the capital, the higher the fee.
Understanding the CAC Company Registration Timeline
The CAC’s online registration system is generally efficient, but occasional technical issues or high traffic periods can cause brief delays in processing.
In most cases:
Name reservation is approved instantly once payment is confirmed, except for a Company Limited by Guarantee, which can take 3-14 days to get approved.
Company registration is completed within 3 to 14 working days from the date of submission, depending on the accuracy of the documents and CAC workload.
For a Company Limited by Guarantee (LTD/GTE), an additional approval is required from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). This consent process typically takes 30 to 60 days after submission.
Why SplashDict is the Best Choice for CAC Company Registration in Nigeria
1. Zero Delays, Maximum Efficiency:
Our team of CAC-accredited agents and ICSAN-certified professionals understands the registration process inside and out. We expertly navigate the CAC portal, ensuring every form is completed correctly and every document is perfectly formatted on the first attempt.
2. Clear, Transparent Pricing:
With SplashDict, there are no hidden charges or surprise costs. Our flat-fee pricing covers everything; government filing fees, professional service charges, and document preparation. You’ll know the exact cost upfront and can register with complete confidence.
3. Comprehensive Support Beyond Registration:
Company incorporation is only the beginning. SplashDict provides end-to-end corporate support to keep your business compliant and growing:
Annual Returns: We file on time to maintain your company’s “Active” CAC status and avoid penalties.
Post-Incorporation Filings: From changing directors to increasing share capital, we handle all corporate updates.
Tax & Regulatory Compliance: Our team helps you register with FIRS, obtain TIN/VAT, and meet ongoing tax obligations.
4. Your Dedicated Partner for Compliance:
Our Company Registration Services & Pricing.
Private Limited Company (LTD) IncorporationPerfect for SMEs seeking legal structure, liability protection, and operational flexibility.
Guarantee Company (LTD/GTE) IncorporationFor non-profit initiatives, professional bodies, and charitable organizations needing corporate status.
Public Limited Company (PLC) IncorporationIdeal for large enterprises planning to raise capital from the public through share offerings.
Unlimited Company IncorporationRecommended for professionals and investment groups desiring complete operational privacy.
