If you run any kind of business in Nigeria, sooner or later you'll need CAC registration — the official stamp from the Corporate Affairs Commission that says your business is real, legal, and yours. Good news: you no longer need to queue at an office or "know somebody." You can do the whole thing online, and this guide walks you through it in plain language, step by step. No jargon, no scare tactics — just the savvy friend who's done this a hundred times sitting beside you.

Subpadi has been helping Nigerians handle the digital side of business since 2013, and we've kept this guide as honest and cheap-to-follow as possible. Let's get you registered.

First, decide what you're registering

CAC lets you register a few different things. For most people it comes down to two:

A Business Name is the simplest option. It's perfect if you're a sole trader, a small shop, a freelancer, or a two-person hustle. It tells the world "this business belongs to me," and it's what you need to open a corporate bank account in your business's name. It's cheaper and faster to register.

A Private Limited Company (Ltd) is a separate legal "person" from you. It can have shareholders and directors, it protects your personal assets if things go wrong, and it looks more serious to banks, investors, and big clients. It costs a little more and needs a few more documents.

If you're just starting out and testing the waters, a Business Name is usually enough. If you plan to raise money, take on partners, or sign contracts with corporates, go straight for a Limited Company. Not sure? Our breakdown of CAC Business Name vs Limited Company helps you choose.

What you'll need before you start

Gather these first so you're not scrambling halfway through:

  • A proposed name for your business, plus one backup name in case the first is taken.
  • Your NIN (National Identification Number) and a valid ID — international passport, driver's licence, voter's card, or National ID.
  • A recent passport photograph (clear, plain background) for each owner or director.
  • Your residential and business addresses, phone number, and email.
  • A short description of what your business actually does (your "nature of business").
  • For a Limited Company: the share capital and how it's split between shareholders, plus a signature specimen for each director.

Have these ready and the whole thing can be done in one sitting.

Step-by-step: registering on the CAC portal

CAC registration now runs through the Corporate Affairs Commission's online portal at pre.cac.gov.ng. Here's the flow.

Step 1 — Create your account. Go to the CAC pre-registration portal and sign up with your name, email, and phone number. You'll get a login you'll use for the rest of the process.

Step 2 — Reserve your name. Search for your proposed name to check it's available, then reserve it. This is where your backup name earns its keep — if your first choice is taken or too similar to an existing one, you switch to the second. Name reservation currently costs around ₦500–₦1,000, and once approved your name is held for you for 60 days.

Step 3 — Fill in your details. Once the name is approved, complete the registration form: business address, the owner's or directors' details, the nature of the business, and (for a company) the shareholding split. Upload your passport photograph and ID.

Step 4 — Pay the fees. Pay online with your card or through Remita. You'll get a receipt and a tracking number. (See the full, current cost breakdown in our guide to how much CAC registration costs.)

Step 5 — Download and sign your documents. The portal generates your forms. Print or digitally sign them, then re-upload. For a company, this includes your MEMART (the memorandum and articles of association) — don't worry, the portal produces a standard template for you.

Step 6 — Wait for approval. A Business Name is usually approved within about 24–72 hours. A Limited Company typically takes 3–5 working days. CAC may send a query if something needs fixing — just correct it and resubmit.

Step 7 — Download your certificate. Once approved, you download your Certificate of Registration (or Incorporation), your status report, and — for a company — an automatically generated Tax Identification Number (TIN). That's it. You're official.

After you're registered

Registration is the beginning, not the end. With your certificate and TIN you can open a corporate bank account, register for tax with the FIRS where required, and start signing contracts in your business's name. A registered business also unlocks things like getting a proper website and business email — and when you're ready for that, our guide on creating a professional website for your business picks up right there.

Can I let someone handle it for me?

Yes. Many people use an accredited agent so they don't have to touch the portal at all — you hand over your details and documents, and they file everything and return your certificate. This costs more than doing it yourself (agents typically charge a service fee on top of the government fee), but it saves you the back-and-forth. If you'd rather someone reliable handle it end to end at a fair price, that's exactly the kind of thing Subpadi's business services exist for.

Whichever route you choose, the important thing is this: registering your business is one of the cheapest, highest-impact moves you can make. It costs a little now and saves you a lot of "wahala" later.

Frequently asked questions

How long does CAC registration take? A Business Name is usually approved in about 24–72 hours. A Limited Company typically takes 3–5 working days once your documents are correct and fees are paid.

Can I register a business in Nigeria completely online? Yes. The entire process runs through the CAC portal at pre.cac.gov.ng. You only need to visit in person in rare cases where CAC specifically requests it.

Do I need a lawyer to register with CAC? No. Individuals can register a Business Name or a small Limited Company themselves on the portal. You can optionally use an accredited agent or lawyer to save time, but it isn't required.

What's the difference between a Business Name and a Limited Company? A Business Name is a simple registration for sole traders and small businesses. A Limited Company is a separate legal entity with shareholders and directors that protects your personal assets and looks more credible to banks and investors.

How much does CAC registration cost in 2026? It depends on the type and whether you use an agent. Fees have changed recently, so always confirm the current amount on the official CAC portal — and see our dedicated cost guide for the latest breakdown.

Fees and timelines quoted here can change; always confirm the current figures on the official CAC portal before you pay. Subpadi does not charge government fees on your behalf without telling you.