How much does it cost to register a company in South Africa?

The basic CIPC registration cost for a private company typically ranges from R125 to R175, depending on whether you include name reservation. Additional costs may apply if you use a professional service provider.

Is name reservation included in company registration fees?

Name reservation is usually a separate CIPC fee, commonly around R50 when done online. Some service providers include this in their company registration packages.

Are there additional costs after registering a company?

Yes. Businesses may incur additional costs such as annual CIPC returns, accounting services, tax registrations, bank setup fees, and optional services like trademark registration.

How Much Does Company Registration Cost in South Africa? (Clear Breakdown)

Registering a company in South Africa is affordable — but the final price depends on how you do it (DIY vs using a service), the company type, and whether you add extras like name reservation, priority processing, or professional help. Below is a practical cost breakdown you can use to budget. ✅

Quick summary (TL;DR) 💡

DIY (CIPC online): from R125–R175 for a private company (inc. basic filing).
Name reservation: R50 (electronic).
Professional service (optional): R500 → R3,000+ depending on the package — full packages that include SARS, UIF, bank account setup and guidance can cost R1,500 → R10,000.
Total realistic budget (DIY): R175 → R400. With a basic paid service: R725 → R3,000. With premium end-to-end help: R3,000 → R10,000+.

1) Official CIPC fees — the core costs 🧾

CIPC charges small statutory filing fees depending on the transaction type.

Name reservation (online) — R50.
Private company registration (standard MOI) via e-Services — R125 (new e-services table). If you choose a customised MOI or other company types, expect higher fees (e.g., R425 for customised MOI).

Important: some sources list slightly different bundles (e.g., R175 for a private company including a name reservation). Practically, expect R125–R175 for a standard private company registration depending on how the payment is packaged and whether you add name reservation separately.

2) Priority / fast-track processing (optional) ⏩

If you need the company registered on the same day or within 24–48 hours, many services (and sometimes CIPC options) charge an extra fee. Typical fast-track costs vary (examples in the market put them at an extra R100 → R750+ depending on the provider and urgency). If you’re not in a rush, skip this to save money.

3) Professional service fees — how much help costs (optional) 🤝

You can register entirely yourself (DIY via CIPC) or use a company formation service / accountant / lawyer.

Typical market ranges:

Cheap packages (basic filing only): R300 → R800
Standard packages (registration + SARS + UIF guidance): R1,000 → R3,000
Full service (registration + all post-registration set up, bank introductions, MOI customisation): R3,000 → R10,000+.

If you’re comfortable with online forms and want to save money, the DIY route + a short consultation is cheapest. If you want speed, accuracy, and bank introductions, a paid package is worth it.

4) Hidden or follow-up costs to budget for 💸

Don’t forget these often-missed items:

Bank account opening — usually free, but some banks require a small deposit or charge admin fees (budget R0 → R500).
SARS registrations (tax, PAYE, VAT) — registration is free, but you may pay an advisor to help.
UIF & COIDA registration — no statutory fee but may require admin time or paid help.
Trademark registration (optional) — from about R2,250 per class if you want to protect your brand.
Accounting / bookkeeping setup — expect monthly costs (if outsourced) from R1,000+ per month depending on complexity.

5) Annual returns & ongoing fees (very important) 🔁

Registering is just the start — annual CIPC returns are required and carry fees based on turnover. Examples from fee lists show annual return charges from R100 (very small turnover) up to R3,000+ for large turnovers. Budget for ongoing filings and bookkeeping.

6) Example budgets (realistic scenarios) 📊

DIY solo founder (fast & cheap)

Name reservation: R50
Company registration (CIPC online): R125
Total: ~R175 (plus your time)

Small business — basic professional pack

Name reservation + registration (CIPC): ~R175
Service provider fee: R1,200
Bank setup & admin: R200
Total: ~R1,575

End-to-end package (premium)

CIPC fees (incl. extras): R300
Full service (SARS, UIF, bank, MOI custom): R5,000
Domain + branding + initial bookkeeping setup: R2,000
Total: ~R7,300

These are examples — tailor to your needs and complexity.

7) How to save money (pro tips) 💡

Do the simple parts yourself: reserve the name and file with CIPC if you’re confident.
Avoid fast-track unless urgent.
Bundle services if you need help with SARS/Banking — sometimes the extra cost is worth the time saved.
Compare providers — prices vary widely for third-party services; check reviews and what’s included.

8) Quick checklist before you pay ✅

Decide company type (Pty Ltd, NPC, etc.)
Gather ID/passport & proof of address for directors
Choose whether to reserve a name or register using a registration number
Check if you need a custom MOI (this raises CIPC fees)
Decide whether you’ll DIY or use a service

Sources & where to check for the latest fees

Official CIPC pages: company forms, fees & name reservation. (CIPC official site).
InfoDocs / transaction fee summaries (detailed CIPC fee breakdowns).
Practical guides & market packages (examples of typical provider fees).

how much does company registration cost in south africa