The steps, in order
How to get started
- Register as a CIPC customer.
- Lodge your registration online through CIPC's e-Services or BizPortal, or through the CIPC app or your bank. You can reserve a name first, or use the company number as the name, which is the fast route.
- Once registered, CIPC tells SARS and a company is registered for income tax. SARS gives a tax reference and the company's representative then registers on SARS eFiling.
- Open a business bank account. Buyers ask for a bank confirmation letter in the company's name.
- Next, register on the Central Supplier Database to be eligible for government work.
Have these ready
Documents and information
- Director IDs and details of the directors.
- A proposed company name (or use the company number).
- (CIPC's full document list did not load for us. Confirm it when you register.)
Be realistic
What to expect
Registering is quick and cheap. The work that follows is staying compliant: annual returns, tax filings and keeping your details current.
Watch out for scams. Our advice, not an official warning: only apply on the company's own website, and never pay a person to 'get you approved'.
What we could not confirm. CIPC's full document list. SARS VAT registration: we did not confirm the steps. Register for VAT when your income requires it or your clients ask.
Official pages
Start at the source
Tender Ready Score
Is your business ready for any buyer?
Most buyers ask for the same documents: company registration, tax, B-BBEE and a bank letter. Two minutes shows what is missing, free.
Start the free scoreMzansi Tenders is an independent service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or paid by any company named on this page. Company names are used only to describe how to supply them. Requirements change: always confirm on the official page before you apply or pay anyone.
