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The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is a South African government body under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. It is responsible for registering companies, close corporations, co-operatives, and intellectual property rights such as trade marks, patents, designs and copyright in films. It also maintains company records and ensures compliance with the Companies Act.

To register a private company (Pty Ltd), you need to reserve a company name, complete the registration forms (CoR14.1), and submit them to CIPC with the required ID documents and details of directors and incorporators. The process can be done online via CIPC's e-Services portal or BizPortal. Reg Assistance handles this entire process on your behalf — you just provide the documents and we do the rest.

For a standard private company registration you'll typically need: certified copies of ID documents for all directors and incorporators, proof of residential address, a reserved company name (or we can reserve one for you), and details of your share structure. For South African citizens a green ID book or smart card suffices; foreign nationals need a valid passport.

An annual return is a mandatory filing that all registered companies and close corporations must submit to CIPC every year. It confirms that your company is still in business and updates your company's information on the public register. Failure to file annual returns will result in your company being deregistered. The fee depends on your company's annual turnover.

Turnaround times vary depending on the type of registration and the volume of applications at CIPC at that time. Standard private company registrations can be processed within 1 to 5 working days. Non-profit companies and external companies may take a little longer. We keep you updated throughout the process and follow up with CIPC on your behalf if there are any delays.

Yes. You can change your company's name after registration by reserving a new name and passing a special resolution. The new name must be approved by CIPC and an amended Certificate of Incorporation will be issued. Reg Assistance handles the full name change process including the name reservation, special resolution drafting, and CIPC submission.

A Close Corporation (CC) is an older business entity type that is no longer available for new registration since the Companies Act of 2008 came into effect. Existing CCs can continue to operate, but no new CCs can be registered. A private company (Pty Ltd) is the standard business entity for new registrations today. Many CC owners are converting their entities to private companies, which Reg Assistance can assist with.

Director changes are filed with CIPC using the CoR39 form. In many cases the change can be processed automatically online using the director's ID number and a one-time PIN sent to their registered cellphone. Where automated processing is not possible, the form must be manually submitted with supporting documents. Reg Assistance handles both the automated and manual processes on your behalf.

A trade mark is a sign — such as a name, logo, slogan or combination — that distinguishes your goods or services from those of others. Registering a trade mark with CIPC gives you the exclusive right to use that mark in South Africa in relation to the goods or services for which it is registered. The registration process involves filing an application through CIPC's IP Online portal, and can take around 10 months or longer from filing to registration.

If a company fails to file its annual returns for two or more consecutive years, CIPC will initiate the deregistration process. A deregistered company loses its legal status and cannot enter into contracts, open bank accounts, or trade legally. To restore a deregistered company, a re-instatement application must be filed. Reg Assistance can assist with re-instatement, but it's best avoided by filing annual returns on time every year.

Yes. To obtain a B-BBEE EME (Exempted Micro Enterprise) affidavit or certificate through CIPC, your entity must be registered with CIPC. EME status applies to businesses with an annual turnover of R10 million or less. CIPC issues B-BBEE certificates via its e-Services portal, and Reg Assistance can obtain this certificate on your behalf quickly and efficiently.

No. Reg Assistance is a private service provider — we are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a part of CIPC or any government body. We are an independent business that assists individuals and companies by preparing and submitting CIPC applications on their behalf. All official CIPC fees are passed through to CIPC directly; our fees are for the service and expertise we provide.