Question 1

How do I register a company in South Africa online?

Accepted Answer

You register a company online in South Africa by reserving a company name with CIPC, submitting the COR14.1 (director details) and COR15.1A (MOI) forms, and paying the CIPC and service fees. Amashad handles the full process online in 3–5 business days.

Question 2

How long does CIPC company registration take?

Accepted Answer

CIPC name reservation takes 1–2 business days. Once approved, the full Pty Ltd registration is typically issued within 3–5 business days.

Question 3

How much does it cost to register a company with CIPC in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Amashad charges a flat, all-inclusive R 885. This covers the CIPC name reservation fee, COR14.3 registration certificate, MOI, share certificate and dedicated support — no hidden costs.

Question 4

What documents do I need to register a Pty Ltd?

Accepted Answer

You need a valid SA ID (or passport for foreigners), four proposed company names, a physical business address and contact details. All documents are submitted digitally.

Question 5

What is a COR14.3 certificate?

Accepted Answer

The COR14.3 is the official CIPC company registration certificate. It confirms your company is legally registered and includes your company registration number.

Question 6

Can a foreigner register a company in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Foreign nationals can register a South African Pty Ltd with a valid passport. No SA ID or residency permit is required to be a director or shareholder.

Question 7

Can I register a company from outside South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Amashad's platform is 100% online — you can register a South African company from anywhere in the world with a passport and internet connection.

Question 8

Can I register a company under 18?

Accepted Answer

No. CIPC requires all company directors to be at least 18 years old and not disqualified under the Companies Act (e.g., not an unrehabilitated insolvent).

Question 9

Can I be the sole director and sole shareholder of a Pty Ltd?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A South African Pty Ltd can have one director and one shareholder, and they can be the same person. This is the most common setup for small businesses and startups.

Question 10

What are CIPC annual returns and when are they due?

Accepted Answer

CIPC annual returns are a yearly filing every registered company must submit to remain in good standing. They are due within 30 business days of your company's registration anniversary.

Question 11

What happens if I don't file CIPC annual returns?

Accepted Answer

CIPC will charge escalating penalties, mark your company as non-compliant, and eventually deregister it — meaning it legally ceases to exist and its assets become bona vacantia (property of the state).

Question 12

What is a Beneficial Ownership register?

Accepted Answer

Since 2023, CIPC requires every South African company to file a Beneficial Ownership (BO) register disclosing individuals who ultimately own or control 5% or more of the company. Non-compliance attracts fines.

Question 13

How do I add or remove a director on CIPC?

Accepted Answer

You must file a COR39 form with CIPC, together with certified ID copies and director consent. Amashad handles director amendments end-to-end.

Question 14

How do I reserve a company name with CIPC?

Accepted Answer

You submit up to four proposed names on the COR9.1 form. CIPC reviews and approves one within 1–2 business days. Amashad includes name reservation in every registration package.

Question 15

What is the difference between a Pty Ltd and a sole proprietor?

Accepted Answer

A Pty Ltd (Private Company) is a separate legal entity with limited liability — your personal assets are protected. A sole proprietor is not separate from you personally, so business debts are your debts.

Question 16

Is a Pty Ltd required to bid for tenders in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Government and most corporate tenders require a CIPC-registered legal entity with a valid tax clearance and BEE affidavit. A Pty Ltd is the standard structure.

Question 17

Do I need to register for VAT after registering a company?

Accepted Answer

VAT registration is only compulsory once your taxable turnover exceeds R 1 million in a 12-month period. Voluntary VAT registration is available from R 50,000 turnover.

Question 18

Can I open a business bank account after CIPC registration?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once your COR14.3 is issued you can open a business account at FNB, Standard Bank, ABSA, Nedbank, Capitec Business or TymeBank. Amashad offers FNB business banking assistance.

Question 19

Do I need to register with SARS after registering my company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every new company is automatically registered for Income Tax with SARS via CIPC. You must activate the tax number on eFiling and register for PAYE, UIF or VAT if applicable.

Question 20

How do I get a tax clearance certificate?

Accepted Answer

You apply for a Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN through SARS eFiling. It replaces the old Tax Clearance Certificate and is required for tenders and some contracts.

Question 21

Do I get a BEE affidavit with my Pty Ltd?

Accepted Answer

A BEE affidavit is available for Exempt Micro Enterprises (EMEs) with turnover under R 10 million. It gives automatic Level 1 or Level 4 BEE status depending on black ownership.

Question 22

Is my personal information safe with Amashad?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Amashad is fully POPIA compliant. All personal data is encrypted with 256-bit SSL and stored on secure South African–hosted servers. We never sell or share your data.

Question 23

What payment methods does Amashad accept?

Accepted Answer

Amashad accepts credit card, instant EFT, Ozow, SnapScan and Zapper via PayFast — South Africa's leading secure payment gateway.

Question 24

What if my company name is rejected by CIPC?

Accepted Answer

That's why we ask for four name choices. If all four are rejected, our team contacts you to suggest new names at no extra cost until one is approved.

Question 25

How do I get help if I have a question during registration?

Accepted Answer

Contact Amashad via WhatsApp, email or the support ticket system. Our team responds within business hours (Mon–Fri, 08:00–17:00 SAST).

Company Registration FAQ — South Africa

Company Registration Basics

Foreigners & Special Cases

CIPC Compliance & Annual Returns

Pty Ltd vs Other Structures

Banking, Tax & After Registration

Payments, Security & Support

Ready to register your company?