How to register a company with CAC in 2026
Registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission makes your business a recognised legal entity, protects its name, and is required before most banks, investors and large customers will work with you. It is also the first step to registering for tax.
Choose the right structure
- Business name. For a sole owner or partners trading under a name. Simpler, but the owners are personally responsible for the business's debts and are taxed personally on its profit.
- Limited company (Ltd). A separate legal entity that protects the owners' personal assets. It files company tax returns and may qualify as a small company paying 0% companies income tax.
- Incorporated trustees. For NGOs, churches, foundations and other non-profit bodies. Expect more documents and closer scrutiny.
The steps
- Reserve the name. Search that the name is available and reserve it on the CAC portal. Have a second choice ready, and avoid words such as "national", "government" or "bank" unless you are permitted to use them.
- Prepare the documents. Valid identification and contact details for each owner, director or trustee, the registered address, and for a company the share structure and the details of each shareholder.
- File the registration. Complete the application on the CAC portal for your chosen structure and pay the filing fee.
- Receive the certificate. Once approved, download the certificate and the status report. Keep them safe: banks and tax authorities will ask for them.
- Register for tax. Every taxable person must register and hold a Tax ID. See your Tax ID under the 2026 law.
We can do it for you
Company registration is handled by Kayode Okunola & Co, a CAC accredited representative.
Send a registration enquiry