How to Register Your Business with the CAC
Registering your business with the CAC is essential to operate legally in Nigeria. This process can be done online and involves several steps to complete successfully. Follow this step-by-step guide to make the process easier:
1. Go to the CAC Website Start by visiting the CAC’s official website.
On the homepage, click on the “Online Registration Portal” link. This portal is where you’ll complete the entire registration process.
2. Create an Account
If you do not already have an account, create one by signing up with your basic details such as your name, email, and phone number. Ensure the details you provide are correct, as you’ll need to use this account to monitor your registration status.
3. Check and Reserve a Business Name
It is essential to choose a unique name for your business. Use the “Public Search” tool on the portal to check if your preferred business name is available. If the name is available, go ahead and fill out the “Reserve a Name” form and submit it. You’ll be required to pay a small reservation fee. Once your business name is approved, you will receive a name reservation slip, which is valid for 60 days. This allows you enough time to complete the rest of your registration.
4. Complete the Business Registration Form
Log in to your account and fill out the business registration form, known as Form BN1, for a business name registration. You will need to provide important information, including:
- The business name and type (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership)
- The main address of your business
- Your personal details, such as your full name, address, and occupation
- Double-check all the details to ensure accuracy before moving on to the next step.
5. Prepare and Upload Supporting Documents
To support your application, you need to upload certain documents. These typically include:
- A valid identification document (e.g., National ID, International Passport, Driver’s License)
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- Proof of payment for registration fees
Ensure that the documents you upload are clear and meet the CAC’s quality standards for readability. This will help speed up the review process.
6. Pay the Registration Fee
Once your documents are uploaded and the form is complete, proceed to pay the registration fee online. The portal offers various payment options, such as credit/debit card or online banking. After making the payment, keep a copy of the payment receipt as it will serve as proof of your payment.
7. Submit Your Application After payment
Submit your completed application through the portal. You will receive an acknowledgment and a tracking number. This tracking number is important because it allows you to monitor the progress of your application on the CAC portal.
8. Wait for Approval
The CAC will review your application to ensure all the information provided is correct and complete. This review process can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the CAC’s workload. During this time, you can check your application status using the tracking number.
9. Download Your Certificate of Registration
Once your application is approved, the CAC will notify you via email. Log back into your CAC account to download your Certificate of Registration and a certified true copy of your application. These documents confirm that your business is legally registered. It is important to print and keep these documents safe as they may be needed for future business dealings.
Conclusion Registering your business with the CAC is a straightforward process when you follow the right steps. Completing this registration ensures that your business operates legally and helps build trust with clients and partners. By registering online, you can manage the process conveniently from start to finish. Follow these detailed steps to complete your business registration and start operating officially in Nigeria.
