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CAC Business Registration Guide

Step-by-step interactive checklist for registering your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria. Updated for 2025.

\u20A610.5K
Total Cost
1-3
Business Days
6
Steps
Online
100% Digital

Business Name Registration Steps

0% complete
1

Create a CAC Account

Register on the CAC Company Registration Portal (CRP).

  • •Visit https://pre.cac.gov.ng/ and click "Create Account"
  • •Provide your email address, phone number, and create a password
  • •Verify your email address via the confirmation link
  • •Complete your profile with personal details and NIN
Tip: Use a business email if you have one. You'll receive all CAC correspondence here.
2

Reserve Your Business Name

₦500

Search for and reserve your preferred business name.

  • •Log in to the CRP portal
  • •Navigate to "Business Name Registration"
  • •Search to check if your preferred name is available
  • •Submit up to 2 name choices (in order of preference)
  • •Pay the name reservation fee
Tip: Avoid names with restricted words like "Federal", "National", "Bank", or "Insurance" unless you have special approval.
3

Complete Registration Form

Fill in the BN1 registration form with business details.

  • •Enter the approved business name
  • •Provide business address (must be a physical address in Nigeria)
  • •Specify the nature of business / business activities
  • •Enter proprietor(s) details: full name, address, nationality, occupation, date of birth, NIN, phone, email
  • •Add additional proprietors if applicable (for partnership)
  • •Specify commencement date of business
Tip: Your business address will appear on your CAC certificate. Use a proper business address, not a P.O. Box.
4

Upload Required Documents

Attach all necessary supporting documents.

  • •Valid government-issued ID (NIN slip, International Passport, or Driver's License)
  • •Passport photograph (white background, recent)
  • •Signature specimen
  • •Proof of business address (utility bill or tenancy agreement)
Tip: Ensure all documents are clear, legible scans in PDF or JPEG format. Max file size is usually 2MB per document.
5

Pay Registration Fee

₦10,000

Make payment for business name registration.

  • •Review your application summary
  • •Pay the registration fee online via the portal
  • •Payment can be made with debit card, bank transfer, or USSD
  • •Save your payment receipt / reference number
Tip: Total cost is approximately ₦10,500 (₦500 name reservation + ₦10,000 registration). Prices may vary slightly.
6

Receive Your Certificate

Download your Business Name registration certificate.

  • •CAC reviews your application (typically 1-3 business days)
  • •You'll receive an email notification when approved
  • •Log in to download your BN certificate
  • •Your business is now officially registered with CAC
Tip: Keep digital and physical copies of your certificate. You'll need it for opening a business bank account.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ✗Using a name too similar to an existing registered business
  • ✗Providing a P.O. Box instead of a physical address
  • ✗Uploading blurry or expired identification documents
  • ✗Not including "Limited" or "Ltd" for company registration
  • ✗Incorrect share capital structure or allocation
  • ✗Forgetting to file annual returns after registration
  • ✗Using restricted words without prior approval
  • ✗Not keeping copies of registration documents

Useful Links

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