Starting a business means starting a journey with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). With CAC, registering a business is more than just a procedure, it is a means for an entrepreneur to gain access to funding and establish trust with potential partners.
Before the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, registering a business in Nigeria was cumbersome. CAC took measures to modernize the process with the introduction of the digital Company Registration Portal (CRP), the process has become significantly easier, though it still requires careful attention to detail
This guide will help you to register a business with the CAC for the year 2026. We will help you to navigate the agency, verify the availability of business names, and evaluate the cost of registering a business name.
What Is CAC?
In Nigeria, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is the agency that registers and regulates businesses and incorporation services.
The Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) mandates the CAC to house all business records of companies and businesses that are registered in Nigeria.
Before the establishment of the CAC, business operations in Nigeria were largely unregulated. Now, the CAC has the power to authorize or deny business operations in Nigeria, provides a means for businesses to protect their names from trademark infringement, and provides a means for potential creditors, investors, or customers to verify the existence of a business.
Why register a business?
- Legal Identity: it provides a business with a legal personality (allows you to sue and be sued).
- Banking: A corporate CAC certificate is required to open a corporate bank account.
- Trust:Customers and vendors trust registered businesses more than unregistered ones.
- Contracts: You cannot bid for government or corporate tenders without registration.
The CAC currently recognizes several business structures, including Sole Proprietorship (Business Name), Private Limited Companies (LTD), and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) .
CAC Registration Portal
Say goodbye to all the hassle of having to fill out paper forms and wait in line at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) office.
The commission digitized their operations with the Company Registration Portal (CRP). CAC has made the CRP 3.0 the central point of all company registration transactions in 2026.
You can view the CAC Registration Portal at
What can you do on the Portal?
- Name Reservation: Check the availability of your desired company name.
- Registration: Submit your business/company registration.
- Stamp Duty: Pay for the electronic stamping of your forms.
- Post-Incorporation: Submit annual returns and make changes to the company’s officers.
The new portal features a dashboard with artificial intelligence that checks name availability in real-time and a two-factor authentication system to protect your account.
The system can be used by any individual; there is no need to be an accredited agent to register a company.
How Much is CAC Registration in Nigeria?
This is the most frequently asked question by small business owners. There is a difference in the cost of registering a business name (which can be a sole proprietorship or a partnership) and the registration of a Limited Liability Company.
The CAC Business Name registration fee for 2026 is as follows:
Based on the official fee schedule for 2026, here is the cost breakdown for Business Name Registration:
| Service Description | Official CAC Fee (₦ Naira) |
| Name Reservation | ₦500 – ₦1,000 |
| Business Name Registration | ₦10,000 |
| Stamp Duty | ₦0 (Usually not applicable for Business Names) |
| Total Estimated Cost (DIY) | ~₦11,000 |
Costs Notes:
- DIY vs. Agents: If you register the business yourself using the portal, you will pay approximately ₦10,000 to ₦11,000. If you pay an agent to register your business for you, the costs will range from ₦15,000 to ₦40,000.
- Penalties: If you operate an unregistered business, the CAC has the power to impose penalties. It is cheaper to register early.
- Companies vs. Names: If you are registering a Limited Company (LTD), the cost is based on share capital (e.g., 0.75% stamp duty on authorized capital), which usually totals over ₦50,000
CAC Public Search
A CAC Public Search must be completed before paying to register your chosen business name. This function provides the necessary due diligence to make sure the business you are registering does not already exist.
The Public Search function is a free search to check if a company is registered in Nigeria.
How to perform a CAC Public Search:
- Go to the official CAC portal. https://icrp.cac.gov.ng/
- You can remain on the homepage and select Public Search, or you can directly navigate to the search sub-domain. https://icrp.cac.gov.ng/public-search/
- Enter the name you wish to register (for example: Tech Innovators) into the search box.
- Complete the Captcha.
- Select Search.
Results Interpretation:
- If a name is already registered: The portal will show the company’s registration number (BN or RC), registered address, and status.
- In this case, you cannot use that name. You will need to modify your name (for example: use a different spelling or add a suffix).
- If a name has NOT been registered: You will see a message indicating “No Result” or a blank page. This deposit will indicate that your selected business name is available for reservation.
Tip: The CAC system is highly updated and working in real time. If you search and receive an error message, type the name without the “LTD” or “Limited” suffixes as the system tends to remove these automatically.
How to Register CAC Online
Ready to get your certificate? Follow this step-by-step guide to registering your Business Name online using the CAC portal.
Step 1: Create an Account
Visit https://icrp.cac.gov.ng and click “Create Account.”
- Fill in your personal details (Name, Email, Phone).
- Set a strong password.
- Verify your email address via the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your inbox.
Step 2: Name Reservation
Once logged in:
- Select “Name Reservation” from the dashboard.
- Select “Business Name” as the classification.
- Type your proposed name.
- Select the “Nature of Business” (the sector you operate in, e.g., Consultancy, Trading).
- Click “Check Availability.”
- If available, click “Continue” and pay the reservation fee online (via card, USSD, or bank transfer).
Step 3: Complete the Registration Application
- From your dashboard, click “Registration” and then “Register New Business.”
- The system will load your approved name. Now, fill in the details:
- Business Address: Your physical operating address.
- Proprietor Details: Your personal information (Name, Address, Occupation) .
- PSC Disclosure: Under CAMA 2020, you must disclose Persons with Significant Control (PSC) – anyone holding at least 5% shares or interest in the business .
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
You will need to upload the following scanned documents:
- Valid government-issued ID (National ID, International Passport, or Driver’s License) .
- Passport photograph of the proprietor(s).
- Signature specimen (sign on plain white paper and scan).
Step 5: Review and Pay
- Preview the “Particulars of Proprietorship” form (Form CAC BN/1).
- Ensure all names are spelled correctly.
- Click “Proceed to Payment.”
- Pay the registration fee (approx ₦20,000 – ₦25,000) .
Step 6: Download Your Certificate
- After payment, the system will submit your application for approval. With the new AI-powered system, approval for Business Names is often instant or within a few hours .
- Refresh your dashboard. If the status changes to “Approved,” click “Action” and then “Download Certificate.”
- You will receive a PDF of your Business Name Registration Certificate and the Status Report .
Congratulations! You are now legally recognized to operate a business in Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between Business Name registration and Company registration in Nigeria?
A Business Name is for Sole Proprietorships and small partnerships; the individual and the business are the same (unlimited liability); a Limited Liability Company (LTD) protects the owners’ personal assets because it is a separate legal entity.
2. Can I register my business from the USA or UK?
Yes. The CAC online portal (icrp.cac.gov.ng) is available worldwide. You can complete the whole process online and get your certificate instantly. You may need a local registered address in Nigeria.
3. How long does the CAC registration take?
Name reservation is immediate (minutes). Business Name registration typically takes 1 to 3 business days. The newly introduced AI portal can complete incorporation in as little as 10 minutes if all documents are in order.
4. Do I need a lawyer to register a Business Name?
No. Business Name registration requires less complexity when compared to Limited Company registration, which uses the complex Memorandum and Articles of Association (MEMART). You can do it yourself using the portal to save cost; however, legal advice is recommended for larger and more complex company structures.
5. What is the “Stamp Duty” fee?
For Business Names, stamp duties are typically not required. For Companies (LTD), you pay 0.75% of your authorised share capital as stamp duty to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) using the CAC portal.
6. What if the name I want is already taken?
You have to choose a different one, preferably a variation. The CAC suggests using a prefix, for example, “Global,” “Integrated,” or “West Africa” to differentiate it from the existing name
7. Is my CAC certificate permanent?
Yes, the incorporation is permanent, but to keep the business in “good standing,” you must file your Annual Returns every year with the CAC, which costs a small fee. Failure to do this can lead to the company being struck off the register
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