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RC 9720741

Business Registration

Name reservation and incorporation with the CAC, filed correctly the first time.

Compare registration options Ask a question

Choose the service you need

Compare the options and service fees below. Government and statutory charges are itemised separately.

Choose a registration type. Switch on Go where available for priority handling. Go changes the speed and price, while the registration scope stays the same.

  • Business name

    Registration for a sole proprietor or partnership.

    Priority: +₦40,000

    ₦60,000

    Regular service fee

    Choose service

  • Limited company

    Incorporation with director and shareholder details.

    Priority: +₦60,000

    ₦80,000

    Regular service fee

    Choose service

  • NGO / Incorporated Trustees

    Registration support for a trustee-led organisation.

    Regular service

    ₦200,000

    Regular service fee

    Choose service

  • Upgrade to a limited company

    Support for an existing business name moving to a company.

    Regular service

    ₦150,000

    Regular service fee

    Choose service

Three to five or more working days, subject to CAC review Go starts after complete information, documents and payment are received. The 24-hour service target is subject to eligibility and CAC review; registry approval is not guaranteed within that period. Government and statutory fees are separate.

Overview

We search your proposed names, prepare the statutory forms, coordinate director and shareholder details, and file with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

Names checked against the CAC database before you commit to them

Share structure drafted correctly the first time, so nothing is returned for amendment

Certificate, status report and MEMARTS delivered as soon as they are issued

Choose the right business registration for your plans

A CAC registration gives your business a recognised legal identity in Nigeria. The right option depends on how you operate, who owns the business, the risks you carry and the kind of contracts or opportunities you intend to pursue. CredaBiz helps you choose the appropriate structure, prepare the information required for filing and follow the application through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Business name registration

A business name is commonly used by sole proprietors and partnerships that trade under a name different from the owners’ personal names. It gives customers and counterparties a registered business identity. It does not create a separate legal person, so owners generally remain personally responsible for business obligations.

Limited liability company registration

A limited liability company is a separate legal entity from its owners. It can enter contracts and hold assets in its own name, and shareholders’ liability is generally limited to their agreed contribution, subject to applicable law and circumstances. This structure may suit businesses planning to employ a team, bring in shareholders, pursue larger contracts or separate business operations from the founders’ personal affairs.

Upgrading a business name to a limited company

If your existing business has outgrown its structure, we can help assess the transition to a limited company and explain the filing steps, information and records required. An upgrade is a distinct engagement, not the same process as registering a new business name.

What the process includes

Depending on the registration type, the process may include reviewing proposed names, collecting owner or director details, preparing the relevant statutory information, submitting the application, responding to registry queries and delivering the available registration documents. Approval and document issuance remain subject to CAC review and the completeness of the information supplied.

What you should prepare

Prepare your preferred business names, a clear description of the business activity, contact details, addresses and valid identification for the relevant owners, directors or trustees. A limited company may also require information about shareholders, share capital and the company’s ownership structure. The application form will show the specific checklist for the option you select.

How long does CAC registration take?

Our regular service is scheduled for three to five or more working days. Actual timing can vary with the registration type, name availability, document completeness, registry workload and requests for correction. CredaBiz Go is a priority service designed for completion within 24 hours when the application is eligible and all required information, documents and payment are received promptly. The 24-hour target is a service turnaround commitment, not a guarantee that a government registry will approve or issue documents within that period in every case.

What happens after registration?

Once registration documents are issued, you may need additional steps such as obtaining or confirming your tax identification details, opening a business bank account, keeping statutory records and meeting annual filing obligations. These are separate from initial CAC registration and can be explored through our compliance and post-incorporation services.

What we need from you

Send these before we file. Missing items are the most common cause of delay, so the checklist appears in your dashboard as soon as you start.

  • Two proposed company names
  • Identification for each director and shareholder
  • Passport photograph for each director
  • Residential address for each director
  • Principal business activity
  • Registered office address in Nigeria

What you receive

Everything is delivered to your dashboard as a digital set, with the originals downloadable.

  • Certificate of incorporation
  • Status report
  • Memorandum and articles of association
  • CAC registration number
  • Complete digital document set

Scope

  • Name reservation search
  • Incorporation filing
  • Certificate and status report

About business registration

How do I register a business in Nigeria?

Choose whether you need a business name or a limited liability company, prepare the required owner or director information and identification, submit the application through the Corporate Affairs Commission process, pay the applicable fees and wait for registry review. CredaBiz helps you select a suitable structure, prepare the information and follow the application through.

How much does business registration cost in Nigeria?

Regular business name registration starts at ₦60,000 and a regular limited company at ₦80,000. Go priority service is ₦100,000 and ₦140,000 respectively. These are service fees; government and statutory charges are separate.

What documents are needed for CAC business registration?

Prepare your proposed business names, business activity, contact details, addresses and valid identification for the relevant owner or directors. A limited company also requires information about its directors, shareholders, share capital and ownership. The exact checklist depends on the registration type.

How long does CAC registration take?

CredaBiz regular service is scheduled for three to five or more working days. CredaBiz Go is a priority service with a 24-hour target when the application is eligible and all required information, documents and payment are complete. CAC review, name availability and requests for correction can affect the actual timeline.

Should I register a business name or a limited liability company?

A business name is commonly suitable for a sole proprietor or partnership and does not create a separate legal person. A limited liability company is a separate legal entity and may suit businesses that need shareholders, formal governance or a clearer separation between business and personal affairs. The right choice depends on ownership, risk and growth plans.

Can I register my business online without visiting an office?

Much of the registration process can be handled online when the required information and documents are available. CredaBiz provides digital application support and delivers registration documents digitally when issued. Registry requirements and any request for additional information still apply.

What should I do after CAC registration?

After registration, confirm your tax identification details, keep your registration and ownership records, assess whether any sector-specific registrations apply, and track annual returns and other statutory obligations. These steps are separate from the initial CAC registration.

Can I register a company if I am outside Nigeria?

Yes. Foreigners can wholly own a Nigerian limited company. You still need a registered office address in Nigeria, and each foreign director needs a valid passport and proof of address.

Ready to start business registration?

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