📝 Ready to Formalize Your Hustle?
Here’s a quick step-by-step breakdown to help you register your business name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria.
1. 🔎 Choose & Check Name Availability
Pick a unique and relevant business name
Check availability on the CAC Public Search Portal
If available, proceed to reservation
2. 📌 Reserve the Name
Log in or sign up at pre.cac.gov.ng
Submit two name options
Pay the ₦700 (~$0.45 / £0.33) reservation fee
Select the correct category (e.g., Sole Proprietorship, Business Name)
⚠️ If rejected, reapply with two new names and pay again.
3. 🖊️ Fill the Pre-Registration Form
Get ready to provide:
NIN (National Identification Number)
Approved business name
Nature of business
Business address
Start date
Passport photo + valid ID
Proficiency certificate (if required)
4. 💳 Pay the Filing Fee
Total: ₦12,000 (~$7.80 / £5.70)
- ₦10,500 CAC fee
- ₦1,500 bank charges
Pay online or at a designated bank
Print your payment receipt and sign the documents
5. 📤 Upload Your Documents
Scan and upload:
The CAC will review your documents and notify you once approved.
6. 🎉 Get Your Certificate
✅ Congrats, your business is now officially registered!
💡 Why Registering Matters
✔️ Legal Recognition
✔️ Name Protection
✔️ Corporate Bank Account Access
✔️ Investor Confidence
✔️ Tax & Loan Opportunities
✔️ Professional Reputation
✔️ Asset Protection
🔑 Pro Tip
Keep digital and physical copies of all documents, and always verify that any communication from CAC is legit.
